27 December - Seasons Greetings from a swine flu victim

Since Cumbria I have not taken a single photo. Work has been hectic and then I got swine flu. Now just about recovered the snow is melting and the mist has gone. I must be one of the only humans in this area to wish it would return.

Next year I have a couple of ecological projects to do, which I am looking forward to. I am also considering an offer of a book on The North Yorkshire Coast, but Blurb may be a better option.

Happy New Year to all.

05 December - back to the Yorkshire coast

Our holiday ended and we returned home.

04 December - stroll around Elterwater and in Little Langdale


Sunrise over Coniston Water from Blawith Common

We had a wander around a picturesque Elterwater, with the sun occasionally breaking through the cloud and lighting up The Langdale Pikes. A rainbow appeared for about 30 seconds.



Elterwater and The Langdale Pikes


We had morning coffee in Skelwith Bridge before walking to Colwith Force. This is a multistage waterfall that eventually splits into dual cascades. It is difficult to get clear views due to trees and one cannot get down to the level of the river at the bottom.


Skelwith Force

We then wandered into Little Langdale before returning along the riverside path. There was significant flood damage to a lot of the paths making walking difficult in places. In fact everywhere we have been the impact of the flooding in the environment is huge. The National Trust and National Park teams will have a huge job ahead of them to clear it up and make the paths safe for next year's tourists. I cannot imagine the impact on some of the farmers.


Reflections in Elterwater

03 December - a day of rest

We stayed in Coniston and looked around The Ruskin Museum and it rained most of the day.

02 December - Fog and snow


Last night we went to see 'New Moon' at Bowness. Unfortunately it snowed and we could not get up the hill out of Skelwith Bridge and so we returned to Ambleside and stayed at The Low Wood Hotel on the banks of Lake Windermere.


Lake Windermere from Low Wood

By the morning the roads were clear, although we nearly collided with a snow plough. We then went to Keswick and Buttermere, with the morning giving dramatic skies and light with snow and fog. The Honister Pass road was closed and we could not get to the Buttermere Lake though.



A wet pine tree at Waterhead, Coniston Water



River Brathay at Brathay



Derwentwater

01 December - Ascending the Coppermines Valley to Levers Water

A pleasant walk admiring the waterfalls. We joined a procession of walkers up to the Youth Hostel in the valley and then left most behind as we continued. It was a leisurely walk as we appreciated the scenery and avoided the ice. It had been -7 at lake level the previous night. The Old Man and Wetherlam were covered in cloud and showed their summits only briefly.


The entrance to one of the mines



The engine house



Interesting ice formations at the base of the rocks




Levers Water