Four days more

 26th to 29th September

Sunday we went on a modest walk to Tilberthwaite and back, with some rain along the way. At night we finished the fizz that had been a celebration of our wedding anniversary.

Monday we set off early for Tarn Hows, despite the rain. We had a mission, to say a prayer for Lesley's uncle Hugh and scatter his ashes in the lake, without being observed by NT staff. We also screwed a third plaque into the back of Our Bench at the lake, to join the ones which remember Lesley's mum Deirdre and sister Mary. Then we drove to Coniston for some retail therapy at the Vintage shop - green clip earrings and a silk hankie - and an early lunch at the fantastic Green Housekeeper cafe, where soup & bread is a meal. Thus fortified we had a walk along the lake side towrads but not as far as Tolver.

Tuesday dawned and resolutely remained wet and windy. Lesley's birthday (pic) was spent unapologetically inside, reading, opening presents (which involved more reading) and having large gammon steaks for dinner and more fizz. The birthday was overshadowed somewhat by news that Lesley's aunt Audrey has been diagnosed with cancer (her third) an aggressive sarcoma on her leg which will need surgery.

Wednesday 29th has been a mixed bag weatherwise, but we took the chance to walk down to the river to have a quick swim, despite the cooler weather (pic of 'swimming pool' in bend of River Brathay as it starts from the tarn on its journey to Windermere). It was worth it, for a lovely glow and buzz, despite being rained on as we walked down and as we walked back! Then we walked to and around Great Langdale, had a disappointing drink in the Wainwright arms, and endured more big showers before a final blackberry picking in the lane between the 'cake farm' and the 'Middleton's cottage', and home for tea and cake, reading by the fire, and cooking a rice mix to include Ann as well.