Reasons for Reasons
I was ‘raised’ – to use a phrase from our American friends – in south Lakeland and it has always remained home. Even though I left to study when I was 18 and didn’t return untill September 2010. A lot of years.
During those interim years I have had a great life, travelled and met some wonderful people and also have a managed to bring up my son fairly successfully. So, it although it was sort of ‘on the plan’, my move back North was not without trepidation.
As part of my ‘self affirmation’ that I had made the right decision I started a Facebook album ‘Reasons To Move North’. This has had wonderful comments from my friends but I never had the courage to make it public. Then recently I went on a Travel Writing Course with Zoe ,and much to my delight and surprise received more affirmation from positive comments on my travel writing. Something else which has always remained strictly within closed leaves.
A mindful review of my first year here followed and I realised that I had had an amazing twelve months. Yes, I have travelled away, but I have also done more here in the North West than I would have previously thought possible. And I have had so many visitors! People like it here! I have become a guide for friends and acquaintances who then spread the word about how wonderful the Lake District is. This led to my providing itineraries for weekends or longer visits. Some I accompanied, others I simply provided a ‘bespoke’ itinerary, with or with accommodation booked.
So, now it’s time to go Global!
And now I have built my own blog I have used my technical, from a previous life in IT, to build one for the Howgill Harriers. If you would like one put together then please contact me for a quote.
Turn Left Down Deepdale Hause
Another wander on another cold day up a hill in Cumbria. As cold hurtled in from the east the crisp dry air dissuaded most from venturing out. Wandering up a few Wainwrights with a friend on their quest for the 214, Arison Crag was frozen with assorted shades more of brown than of green. Birks did not gain sufficient height to turn white, but step by step that particular contour line drew nearer. And the temperature dropped. Not a day for taking off gloves. Lunch on St Sunday meant adding all the layers stowed in backpacks. Stripping...
read moreSergeant Man White out
Low cloud above 500m. Snow manifested in drizzle format soaked the start of the day. Not that it was cold, at least not until I reached Stickle Tarn Where there was snow and not much else to see. Pavey Ark was obliterated. I’d determined to at least reach Sergent Man. And did, despite a white out After my challenge for the day I decided just to head west, then off the hill. Thankfully the sun decided to make an appearance. It was time to stop for lunch and watch the clouds boil over Pike O’ Stickle. Then head down the hill. Back...
read moreWinter Training
“Just do a tummy crunch”! This was not something I’d ever thought I’d be attempting while hurtling down a snow slope, head first on my back. Life is full of challenges and the ‘tummy crunch’ apparently, would enable me to stab the slope with my ice axe, flip over to my stomach and gravity would do the rest. I would end up stationary hugging the ice axe, feet down the slope. So this is how you learn to ‘ice axe’ arrest. All I have to do is practise so that in an emergency muscle memory will kick...
read moreWomen’s March New York 2017
The slowest of walks with the greatest of crowds. Being in New York with the Women’s March taking place. There was no excuse not to go. A peaceful protest against policies which those who live here hope will not happen. Against division and for unity. Not only women. All genders, races and ages. The most eclectic mix of people. Smart middle class ladies more used to lunches. Vociferous young women claiming single ownership of their bodies and souls. If there was any disruption it never crossed my...
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Cumbria Contrasts
Things have changed from bright blue to dull grey. Dry and –10 to drizzle and + 7 More than a subtle contrast. Langdales stretching across the brilliant blue Lingmoor casting its deep shadow over the valley. Lending a lie to the –10 biting fingers and dulling brains. Fast forward a few days Cloud wrapped itself round the hills, floated over lakes, creating statues from trees, highlighting colours, making landscapes myopic as it rolled ever closer in. A ten mile stroll around Derwent. Close, but ever changing...
read moreBetween Times in Wales
Wales Walking between Christmas and New Year. I’ve hiked up a few of the Welsh hills I am still very much deciphering the geography of Snowdonia. Even reading the names of the hills is a little challenging, let alone pronouncing them. Though I did gain a bar of chocolate for the best pronunciation of Moel Cynghorion. More of a wild guess than anything near educated. Now that I am kind of getting my bearings, a bit, Snowdonia feels much tighter and more dramatic than my much loved Cumbria. The steep rise and falls are more dramatic, ground...
read moreMemorable Moments
It’s a strange time between Christmas and New Year. If you’re one of the lucky ones to be free from work it could be a time to race up hills, scramble up slopes and generally enjoy the outdoors. Except the weather. Gale force winds in Cumbria have made walking miserable and ridges impossible. I’ve been out and about but have not as yet done anything memorable. Just hoping the winds will drop before I arrive in Wales at the weekend. So with lack of recent activity I’ve trawled through the annual archive and picked month by month memories....
read moreEasedale to Codale
Easy stroll to the pretty tarn of Easdale. Waterfalls and streams almost over flowing. Far more colour remains than expected. Though it looked just as good covered in snow a week or so ago. The hike up to Codale a little more of a challenge, as was our ‘alternative route’ down. Added a little adventure to the day. And back down to Easedale And the route
read moreYork
A slight change from hiking hills this weekend. I didn’t need much persuading to leave the Lakes behind, just for a few days, when the destination was the lovely old City of York. Very much a reason to go north. With a wall to walk, Castle to climb, Churches to admire, There is a little exercise to be had. Enclosed within its tight boundary the Minster appears from almost every angle. Creeping round corners, hovering over rooftops. Even more splendid at night. Or inside. Where the crypt is worth exploring and, sung by young voices, evensong...
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