Friday saw one departure but no arrivals at our Bolehill Cottages near Bakewell (see link) but one cleaner here to keep up with cleaning. During the morning seven crates of crockery arrived so I will have something to keep me occupied for a few days. In the afternoon I fetched yet more logs whilst keeping an eye on the men’s curling final and finally I got some accounts done. For Chris the arrival of his new bench saw gave him a toy to play with during the afternoon. Saturday was a fine day and first thing I went down to the farmer market. Two departures and one arrival and one cleaner up. First of crockery went into cottages. Guests arrived just after 3pm. Chris spent the afternoon replacing the new toilet in Dove which had a chip in it. In the evening we went to the village hall for a concert by Breeze and Wilson, an acoustic duo. We had seen them last year at the hall and the evening was as enjoyable as the previous one. Sunday (23/2) started dull with a forecast of rain although we did not see as much as we expected. Had breakfast watching the third round of the four man bob-sleigh and had coffee watching the final run. One departure. Chris and I had a walk round the empty cottages to make a note of other jobs still to do before we get too busy. I also spent some time sorting out some goods for a jumble sale one of the WI ladies is involved in.
Author: Shirley Swaap
Turbines snowdrops and trails
Wednesday was our “day off” from our bolehill cottages (see link) with one departure and no arrivals. With an improving forecast we thought we would head to Hopton Hall to view the snowdrops as we had heard they were at their best. We took a short detour to view the wind turbines at Carsington Pastures which we understand will be operational soon. It was quite busy at Hopton Hall but it was understandable as the sun was now out. A part of the normal route through the gardens was closed due to boggy ground but we made a detour to the tea room for a late coffee and cake before finishing the walk. We had taken the dogs but they weren’t allowed in the gardens (but they did have a little walk around the parking area). We then went onto Ashbourne for a wander around town and lunch calling first at the out of town retail park. As we still had time in the car park when we got back to the car we took the dogs for a walk along the Tissington trail which starts/finishes in Ashbourne so at least they had a little walk. Last time we walked through the tunnel as far as the Mayfield car park but we had time to walk a bit further and admire the landscape from this end of the trail. Back to business on Thursday with a busy day. Two departures and three arrivals and one cleaner up. With wet weather clearing mid morning guests had a better day than initially forecast. Two cottages arrived between 3and 3.30 and final one about 4.30, they have been before. With a quieter spell ahead accounts will be my priority for the next few days. Enjoy the photos.
Busy days
Monday saw three departures and three arrivals at our Bolehill Cottages near Bakewell (see link). A dull day with less rain than expected which was nice. Two cleaners up but no handyman this week as no real availability in cottages. Just finished checks before guests arrived. Two here between 3 and 3.30pm with final one about 4pm. In the evening I went to Over Haddon for the Village Hall Committee Meeting and Chris went to the photographic society so the dogs were abandoned again. Tuesday was a much brighter day. Two departures and one arrival and one cleaner up. Down to Bakewell early afternoon to get provisions for the next few days and had time to catch up on jobs from the last few days. We often get items left behind and recently we have had a spate of boots being left behind. I packed two pairs that were being couriered back, again guests paid for it. Makes a change to phone chargers. Later in the afternoon we took the dogs down for their annual health check and vaccinations. They always behave well at the vets but Chris always complains at the bill after afterwards! The dogs always get weighed too, Blue is fine but Smudge is a little overweight, not that I think he listened. He was very disappointed the nice vet didn’t give him a treat. Back home and guests had arrived, they have been before so knew where to go so I had a chat with them before I sorted dinner out.
High tide at the reservoirs
Sunday was forecast to be dry with sunshine and so it was at our Bolehill Cottages near Bakewell (see link
). Knowing it would be busy and with many field paths still sodden we decided to go out later in the day and see the water at the dams. Apparently the force is at its highest for years. One departure and then went down to Bakewell to get the paper. I wanted to have a look at the river which was running very high and amongst the debris caught at the rapids was a white plastic chair. First time seen something like that. We had a little walk around Bakewell looking at the damage to the bridge from the accident before going home. A morning of household chores and time to chat with guests too. We set off just before 3pm and the traffic queueing into Bakewell was as far back as Newholme hospital. When we got to Fairholme car park it was still busy but more cars were departing than arriving. We went first to the west tower as we know the Derwent valley museum is usually open on a Sunday with a display about the dam busters but we got there just as it was closing. We walked back round to the dam where water was cascading over at such a force you could hardly hear anything. I couldn’t hear if my photos were taking so had to keep checking. We had a short walk round the lanes nearby before heading back to the car. We then parked near the sink holes at Ladybower reservoir. Again despite the fact it was getting late there were many people taking photos of the water flowing into the sink holes. We walked along the dam wall to the other end and by the time we got back to the car it was getting dark. We could have gone to the film night at Over Haddon but didn’t have enough time to eat and get there after dealing with all the phone calls and emails (Sunday evening is a busy time) so had a quiet night in. Enjoy the photos.
Wild weather
Sorry! I have just realised I have missed this blog!
We had expected more snow on Tuesday night (11/2) at our Bolehill cottages but luckily it did not materialise. Chris and I carried on with jobs in cottages and cleaner starting preparing cottages for weekend arrivals. Handyman had problems getting here though as there had been snow on the moors near Sheffield. We had been given an amber warning for wind later in the day and as the afternoon progressed the wind roared away. A very large plant pot was blown over as well as a number of smaller pots and Joanna wondered if we should call off the WI meeting. We decided to go ahead but drove carefully to Over Haddon as there were a number of small branches down and I had to get out of the car once to move a bag of rubbish that had blown into the road. Despite the appalling weather we had a full turnout for the meeting. Our speaker was a personal trainer who gave us an informative and amusing talk on the work he does. A number of us (including me) acted as volunteers to try out some of the exercises he uses. At least Thursday gave us a respite and we had a nice sunny day. In the morning I had some WI work to do and then it was back into the cottages. Chris and the handyman finished mid afternoon so Chris offered to take me out for afternoon tea. An offer I cannot refuse! We ended up at Hassop Station as it was not too busy but there was still time to do things in the cottages when we got back.
A full house
Friday started dry at our Bolehill Cottages near Bakewell (see here) but deteriorated from mid morning. Down to Bakewell first thing to get provisions for the weekend and post some items back to guests that have been left behind. This included a pair of boots. Four arrivals expected although one later decided to arrive on Saturday because of the weather. One cleaner up and final cleaning and preparations for arrivals. A bit of wet snow late morning but that soon turned to rain. The wind picked up during the afternoon and we had waves of heavy rain too. First guests arrived just after 4pm with next cottage just after 5pm. A long gap with final cottage arriving at 11pm. Kept awake by the weather during the night but it eased off during Saturday. Not as wet as expected which was nice when I was finishing off in the remaining four cottages. All ready by lunchtime. A rush of arrivals with all five cottages here between 3 and 3.30pm, three have been before so there was plenty of catching up to do. So we have a full house again.
If you haven’t seen it, bearing in mind it is not being shown in all areas, here is the full length Visit Peak District TV advert just to remind you of what you are missing!
The first snow
Sunday 9th Feb was a mixed day weather wise at our Bolehill Cottages (see link). Two departures and first arrival in Dove. There was a delivery of a hob for Magpie which means all our cottages will now have a ceramic hob. We did a number of jobs around the house and cottages with Dove arriving about 3.30. Awaiting the feedback! Monday was a pleasant day with Dove out for an early walk. Handyman up and with Dove out of the way attention was turned back to other cottages. Magpie had the new hob installed. Talk of the morning was the car accident in Bakewell where a car hit the bridge demolishing a part of it and ended up on its roof in the river. The driver was able to walk away shocked but relatively unhurt but the bridge had to be closed to recover the car, something that is not wanted on a Monday on market day. I turned my attention to jobs in other cottages including yet more curtains! I also stocked up again on logs. In the evening I went to Over Haddon for the indoor bowls. Tuesday started fine with rain forecast in the morning and wintry showers to follow so we were quite surprised when it started snowing. I kept reassuring the handyman and cleaner that it would turn to rain but by the time there were a couple of centimetres of snow on the ground even I was wondering why the forecast still said rain. It had even taken the forecasters by surprise. Early afternoon the sun came out and it started to melt in places. I felt it was safe enough to drive to Bakewell to get provisions for the next few days. Naturally there was no snow in Bakewell! Back home I took the dogs out for a walk in the fields. Enjoy the photos.
Finishing Dove
There is always so much to do at our Bolehill cottages (see here). With a booking for Dove at the weekend this gave us a deadline to work to. On Thursday 6th Feb Chris moved the fridge and dishwasher back into Dove so all the kitchen electrics were finally connected and working. I started putting all the equipment back into the kitchen cupboards along with other things that needed attention. A busy day for bookings, unusual for a Thursday. Friday saw one departure and two arrivals with one cleaner up. A trip down to town to get provisions for the weekend. Final clean in Dove and spent the afternoon hemming curtains for Dove. First cottage arrived just after 4pm and second one about 5.30, they have been before. As we worked until late Chris went down and got fish and chips for tea. Saturday started fine but with a deteriorating forecast. Put up the final curtains in Dove and finished off all the last minute jobs ready for first guests. It was very windy later in the afternoon, I struggled walking back and forth across the courtyard but no damage done.
Chesterfield again!
Monday was a fine day to start with at our Bolehill Cottages (see here). One arrival and one cleaner up. Handyman up and furniture moved back into Dove. Plenty for me to do as well. Cottage arrived just after 3pm. In the evening I went to Over Haddon for indoor bowls and Chris went to Bakewell for the Photographic Society meeting. Tuesday saw another trip to Chesterfield for me. First I went to Bookers for the bi monthly stock up then round to Screwfix to pick up some more bits for Chris. Then round to B&Q for some curtain poles followed by the Range (similar to Dunelm) to see what they had. Next into town and to Argos followed by a stroll around Dunelm to finish the day. Just as well there was only me in the car as it was very full. When I got home there was also an order from Terry’s Fabrics waiting for me but I didn’t get much time to sort everything out that evening by the time I caught up with emails and bookings. Wednesday was a busy day with Dove. I got the first of the curtains up and the cleaner was able to have a good go now that Chris and handyman have finished most jobs. Also had a busy day for bookings, unusual for a Wednesday. In the evening we had our monthly WI committee meeting at our house.
The weather stats for January are as follows:
Warmest day 5th with highest temp of 10.3 deg C. Warmest night 15th. Lowest temp of -0.8 on 12th with 29th coldest night and 30th coldest day. Total rain 5.31 inches with 31st (.83) beating 1st (.76) at the last moment. Rain total for Jan 13 was 2.17 inches.
A day of two walks
Wow! Sunday (2/2) was a dry sunny day! One departure from our Bolehill cottages (see here) and with a good day forecast we decided on a walk. Knowing how wet the fields were I thought it would be nice on Curbar Edge as we haven’t walked there for a while. The car park was already full but we found a spot on the road to park. It was breezy but clear so we had nice views of the area. There were also some radio controlled gliders around so Chris had a chat with some of the operators. One man had come all the way from Leicester as the conditions were so good. We had walked about a mile, the plan was to walk to the end of Froggatt Edge and back, but it was getting so busy that Chris decided to turn back. As we hadn’t done much of a walk we then decided to drive to Over Haddon car park and walk down to the dale and see the flooding. On the way down the lane we stopped to have a chat with Karen from the tea room. One of her Scottie dogs had been very ill with canine meningitis. Down in the dale the water was very high and very fast and we set off toward Bateman’s cottage. We found the path under water before we got to Bateman’s cottage. We have never seen the dale flooded so we took a number of photos then turned and walked. When we got to the lodge (now vacated by the couple we know) we carried on to Conksbury bridge. At the clapper bridge the water was almost as high as the bridge and at the weirs you could barely make them some of them out as the water was rushing over so fast. We got to the pub and luckily they’re were still serving food so we had a late lunch (and dessert) before walking back to the car. A quiet evening in rounded off with the first episode of one of the BBC’s best comedy programmes – Top Gear. See here for today’s photos.