Power was back on by the time we got up at our Bolehill Cottages (see link), not sure what time it came back on but Andrew had to start milking with the generator to be safe. Saturday saw six departures and six arrivals and three cleaners up. No problems encountered and cleaning and checks finished by 2pm in time for a late lunch. First cottage arrived just after 3pm then it was quiet for an hour. Four cottages then arrived between 4and 5pm, three have been before including an Italian couple here for the third time and staying for more than a week. Final cottage arrived just after 6pm. We have a number of dogs here this week including a couple that are showing at the Bakewell Show. When I took the dogs for their evening walk I noticed there were some mushrooms in the fields. Haven’t seen those for a couple of years. During the day Andrew started his second silage of the year with a local oat field being harvested first then the cutters proceeding to Andrews fields. They were still cutting late into the night. Sunday was expected to be dry with a few showers but they seemed to start from the off. Silaging had started early as they wanted to finish by the evening. We called in to the farm on the way back from buying a paper and had a look at how things were going. I also had a look at a cow with sunburn, it didn’t look in distress although the skin looked nasty and was peeling off, apparently it was caused by a hormone deficiency. I also had a look at one of their latest arrivals, a Montbeliard calf, it was cute. We had thought about going to the Cromford Steam Rally but the weather put us off so had an at home day and also went out to see how the silaging was getting on. Another arrival during the day too. Later in the evening Lynne dropped some bits off for our WI entry at the Bakewell Show as we are having a meeting at our place on Monday regarding our entry.

Monday was another warm but humid day at our cottages not far from Bakewell (see link for details). Two departures and one arrival and one cleaner up. Cottage arrived about 4pm. We headed off to Thornbridge Hall for a Peak District Business Meeting about 5.30pm. This was a general meeting open to all types of business in the Peak District not just tourism businesses and was an opportunity to hear about and discuss problems and success stories as well as a chance for some networking (and enjoying some free samples from some food providers!) It was a very close evening and clouds were starting to build but the first clap of thunder wasn’t until about 5am and it was very loud so had to be very near. We heard Blue scrabbling at the kitchen door so went down and I stayed with the dogs while Chris closed down the computers and phones to be safe. They were not happy though, especially Blue, who kept crawling into the tightest of spaces while Smudge was just glued to my knees. They eventually settled and we managed to get a short nap in before getting up. I had hoped to go to Chesterfield to the cash and carry but with more storms forecast during the day I decided I’d rather not get caught in any downpour especially as the rain with the earlier storm had given us nearly an inch of rain. First thing, on the advice of a friend, we went down to Bakewell and got some herbal drops to use on the dogs for when the next storm happens as they seem to be getting more nervous as they get older. Otherwise a quiet day with the chance to finalise the previous quarters accounts by completing the VAT returns and paying them. Later in the evening it did look very threatening and there were a few rumbles of thunder so we administered the herbal drops to the dogs and they seemed a lot calmer but luckily the storm passed us by. Wednesday was a better day weather wise. Popped down to Bakewell to get some bits for the next few days as the Farmers Market is on Saturday.  One departure and two arrivals with one cleaner up. Both guests here just after 3pm, one had been before so we ended up chatting for a while. At least it stayed dry.

Wednesday was yet another warm sunny day at our cottages (see link).   Guests have been making  the most of the garden area with some having picnics there.  In the  morning we had the boilers serviced.  One departure and one cleaner up with one cottage arriving just after 3pm. They are from the Netherlands.  Another al fresco evening.  Thursday saw the tree surgeon here to remove a tree from the paddock area. We have a tree at the front which also needs some work but he will be coming back to work on that.  As we had a dentist appointment late morning ( for a check up)  we decided to stay for lunch and ate at Tree-line, which we often use when we have the dogs with us.  Back home I changed the linen for a cottage that was staying a second week. One departures. Later in the afternoon we headed to Haddon Hall which we haven’t been to for a while. As local residents there was a special offer for entry and they had also opened up a few more terraces of the garden area that are not normally open to the public.  A school band were playing in the main courtyard that added to the evening’s ambience.  It was a warm evening and we saw Lord Manners enjoying the gardens and music. The gardens at Haddon have always been enjoyed for their roses and delphiniums but the new garden designer has removed most of them in favour of something ‘more natural’.  Not sure I agree with his plans.  Whether it was because it was less crowded than usual but we noticed a few more things we hadn’t spotted before.  We took advantage of the outside seating and had dinner there too. I felt like I was on holiday what with both lunch and dinner out!  As we were leaving a balloon was taking off just across the road from the Hall.  It was the same one that had spooked Blue the previous week!  Back home I took the dogs for a late evening walk after their dinner, it was still warm enough to go out without a jacket but the temperature had just fallen short of last Saturdays one.   Nearly two weeks without rain.  Here is the link to the rest of the photos.

Tuesday was another hot day at Bolehill (see link for details of our cottages). First thing I was down to Bakewell to get the final items for the lunch Over Haddon WI were hosting at the Village Hall. Joanna collected me just before 10.30 and we helped set up the hall for lunch. There were five of us helping out and we just managed to get everything ready as the coach turned up half an hour early! Still they all seemed to enjoy the lunch and afterwards we washed up and cleared away the tables and chairs etc. We got back just before 2.30 with guests arriving not long after. Later in the afternoon we packed the rucksacks with a picnic and headed to Over Haddon. Parking in the car park we walked down to the dale. It was dry and the under growth was very overgrown! We walked along the dale to Conksbury Bridge then up to our picnic spot. It was very warm in the evening sun. A Virgin balloon floated by and not long after a micro light headed in our direction and at the same time another balloon suddenly rose from behind the fields. It was very near and Blue starting walking down the hill towards the dale. I thought it was so he could woof at it from a ‘safer’ distance but he just kept on going. Next thing we realised he was gone, the balloon had really spooked him. We gave him a few minutes but when he did not respond to calls or the whistle Chris set off down the hillside with Smudge in tow. Chris got right down to the dale and still no sign of Blue. He talked to various walkers, as did I, and he scrambled up through some trees as well. About twenty minutes later I heard a walker shout to say he was walking along the footpath back to where we were sitting. Then there he was, looking as if he had just been for a stroll. I signalled to Chris who climbed up the side of the dale. I think he was too exhausted to be angry with him. A stop at the Lathkill revived Chris and being a pleasant evening there were a number of villagers there who we knew so we stopped for a few chats before heading home.

A busy Sunday! It was also a hot Sunday recording the highest temperature for years! To start with there were four departures and one cleaner up as there were two arrivals at our Bakewell cottages (see link). As it was Wimbledon finals day I wasn’t expecting any phone calls but we had three bookings by 11am. We popped down to Bakewell to get the paper and thought we’d get some strawberries but everywhere had run out. I wonder why! Back home I did final checks and we had planned to go to Thornbridge Hall, just outside Ashford in the Water, but decided to have lunch first, mainly because we thought all the food stalls might have sold out by the time we got there. Thornbridge Hall usually opens the gardens and some of the house once a year to raise funds for charity. It is owned by a well known business women who has been restoring the house and gardens over the last ten years. As dogs were allowed we took them too but naturally couldn’t take them in the house. I would have liked an ice cream or a drink but the queues were very long so I got neither. After a stroll round the gardens (and bumping into one of the cleaners) we decided to leave but on the way out we were stopped by the owner, who happens to love collies, as she is looking for another collie herself. We had met her a few years before when she had made a fuss of our dogs. As I had missed out on an ice cream we came home via Ashford where I got an ice cream from the tea room. Although we were back just after 3pm our two cottages arrived between 3.30 & 4pm. Phoned my friend in Yorkshire who was watching the men’s final but we chatted despite the game being at a crucial point. Knew when Murray had won! Warm enough to eat outside again. What we have noticed over the last few days was the amount of hay making going on. Green Cowden had ‘dropped’ (cut) the grass on Friday to give it time to dry out before baling. while we were eating al fresco there were a number of machines going along the road (tractors, rowers and balers) either going home or onto the next job. Monday was another fine day, not as warm as Sunday with a breeze taking the edge of the temperatures. No departures and one arrival. One cleaner up and the day passed in a myriad of jobs with guests arriving about 4pm. Despite the heat I did some baking but this was because  cakes were required for Tuesday. A hot air balloon went by in the evening so that got the dogs going!

Saturday was another nice day. Four departures and five arrivals and two cleaners up. No problems encountered and experienced one of those 3pm rushes when three cottages turned up at once at 3pm. As one had been before they saw themselves in and I went and had a chat with them after I had seen the other two cottages in. With two more arrivals by 4pm, both of whom had been before, all the guests were in by 4pm! In the evening we had a wonderful rainbow when I took the dogs out so I took some photos. By now I was feeling not so well again having felt better in the morning. On Sunday morning I was feeling poorly so Chris saw to the two departing cottages. I got up but we had an easy day as I didn’t feel too energetic, which was a shame as we could have gone to some open gardens. With some more pleasant weather forecast for the week ahead I hope to get the last of the bedding plants sorted out but I took some pictures of our bluebells which seem to be finally at their peak.

4.30am and traffic already on the Snake Pass.  We were still in bed at Bolehill when that was tweeted but we were out of the house by 9am and heading to Ladybower Reservoir.  On Wednesday night we had drawn up Plans a,b,c d e and f just in case but by the time we got to the car park at plan A we were onto plan G. Traffic was still entering the road to the dams so we thought we would see how far we could get.  We had got quite some way when we saw they were turning cars around but letting them park on the road. We were only a mile from the Fairholmes car park and despite the fact it was only 9.30, we were surprised we had got so far and were able to park.  We had heard that the road would be closed as soon as Severn Trent, who own the land, felt there was a safety risk.  When we got to Visitor Centre it was very busy and we could already see loads of people on the hillside, so they  must have been the ones on the Snake Pass at 4.30am!  Unfortunately we could also see that the place we planned to watch the event from was busy but as we had plenty of time time we thought we would have a longer walk.  So we walked past the bottom of the Derwent dam where there were TV and radio crews setting up and walked along the reservoir towards Howden Dam.  We were surprised at how many people had already sought out their viewing spots.  At least it was dry, sunny and mild compared to the last few days.  At Abbey Bank we started the climb up to the moors with nice views back towards Howden Dam.  When we reached one of the spots where we have had lunch in the past we realised this could be a good viewing spot.  There was already two small groups in situ and after a discussion we decided we would stay there and watch the fly past from there.  So we had two hours to wait but two hours with a nice view and time for lunch.  As the time approached a number of helicopters took to the air and as one flew down the reservoir we could see it had cameras underneath it.  We were in a great spot to see the Lancaster and Spitfire in the distance gradually come together and then then head down Howden Reservoir over the dam and beyond followed by two Tornadoes.  They did three runs and we were able to see them fly round, regroup and fly down again. I used my camera and the new camera to take photos and videos so they may not all be in strict time order.  Then they were off to fly down the Derwent Valley to do a flypast at Chatsworth (plans e and f!) so we continued the walk passing other spots we had considered and passing loads of people who were making their way  back to where they started their journey from.  By the time we got back to the car the crowds had gone and we had a good journey back home.  We did stop at the Calver Sough Garden Centre en route and it was here that we had the first shower of the day.  Glad they had held off for so long.  Later in the the evening we went down to Andrew and Joanna’s.  They were hosting a cow judging evening so we went and had a look.  I took some photos but because I did not use the flash they did not come out so well.  Here are the photos of the walk and flypast.  

Wednesday had been forecast to be a fine day at Bolehill but by Tuesday it had changed to clouding up by lunchtime with the possibility of showers in the afternoon.  Despite this we opted to go for a walk.   I had chosen one of the classic Peak District walks based on the Edges but with an extension should the weather hold.  It was certainly a warm morning, we even removed our jackets on the walk.  We parked at the (currently free) car park by the Robin Hood Inn and picked up the path below Birchen Edge.  We haven’t done this walk for a number of years and last time we did it was winter and the ground was boggy in places so I thought with it being so dry we wouldn’t have to worry about wet boots.  We kept to the lower path although we could have climbed up to the ridge and had a closer looked at the Nelson monument and the Three Ships Stones (named after Nelsons Three Ships).  The area that could have been boggy was fine and we crossed the Baslow-Sheffield road and picked up the bridleway leading up to the Wellington Monument.  On the way we passed some Longhorn cattle, the guide stoop on the old Chesterfield road and a new stone sculpture.  By the time we got to the Wellington monument it had clouded up but we decided to add Baslow edge to the walk rather than head back to the car.  First we admired the view to Chatsworth and considered it an option to watch the Red Arrows from when they appear at Chatsworth later in the summer.  By the time we had walked along Baslow Edge the sun had come back out again.  We picked up the path below Baslow Edge which again can be quite boggy but apart from a few little damp spots it was easy going under foot.  We lunched at a nice sunny spot on one of benches along this part of the walk, if we stood up we could see Chatsworth. We then started walking back up to the Wellington monument but before reaching it picked up the path that descended through Yeld Wood to the Sheffield Road.  We had to pass the couple of houses that have their own bridge from the road.  As we walked up to Gardoms Edge it felt very warm again we had some lovely views of the local area including Nelsons Monument and the Three Ships.  As it was such a nice afternoon we stopped at Hassop Station for afternoon tea and had a nice piece of cake.  Some more cows were out out and stayed out overnight.  In the evening it was my turn to host the monthly WI committee meeting.  Enjoy the photos.

…on letting the cows out Andrew said on Monday morning.  Well it was a dreary morning at Bolehill although it did brighten up. So the cows are now out during the day time with what little grass there is. Monday saw one departure and two arrivals, both have been before.  One cleaner up and the day just seemed to fly past with no opportunity to get much else done.  Guests arrived between 3.30 and 4.30pm. At least I took some bookings in the evening.  Tuesday was a fine day.  Chris went over to Buxton in the morning for some gas safety check and when he got back I went to Sainsbury’s in Matlock.   Spent the morning catching up on WI accounts and housekeeping duties. One departure in the morning.  Early forecasts indicate we could have some nice weather over the weekend.  That would be nice but here are Aprils weather stats anyway.

Highest temp 15.6 deg C on15th with lowest temp -2.2 on 2nd
Warmest day was 24th and night 15th with coldest day 2nd and night 1st
Had a mere .65 in rain with wettest day 12th with .14 in rain compared to 3.21 in rain April 2012
The sun is getting stronger with a UV of 7.7 on 24th

Here are some pics from Monday