Monday was the warmest day of the week at our Bolehill cottages near Bakewell (see here).  A quiet day with one departure but no arrivals so we did jobs around the house and garden.  Later in the afternoon we went down to the Garden Tearoom in Over Haddon as a treat as it was so nice.  Tuesday was a pleasant day, not as warm as Monday but still nice.  One departure but no arrivals.   Again we did some jobs around the house and empty cottages.  Chris also had a look at our printer consumables and it looks like one of our printers may need replacing so he is going to research a replacement.  Later in the afternoon we popped down to Bakewell to get provisions for the next few days.  Wednesday was nicer than forecast I thought.  Another quiet day at home.  Chris took advantage of the fine weather to do some weed killing and I did some paper work and accounts.  Andrew came up in the afternoon and moved some cows.   We now have quite a number of cows on this side of the road so poor Blue must feel surrounded by them!  Later in the evening a Virgin Balloon came overhead.  After a number of fine days Thursday was cold but we remained dry as they were not sure how far north the rain would come. Another quiet day for us but we did pop down to Bakewell to get provisions for the weekend.

For once we had no arrivals on a bank Holiday Monday at our Bolehill cottages near Bakewell (see here). With a warm sunny day forecast once the four departing cottages had left we packed the rucksacks and headed to Sheldon to do our annual walk up Deep Dale to see the early purple orchids. This walk can be done from Bolehill (about 7.5 miles) or from Sheldon (5.5 miles).  There are a network of paths down to the River Wye from Sheldon and we opted for the one at the far end of the village near Kirk Dale. This path runs parallel to the dale and we got good views over Ashford and toward Longstone Edge.  Once by the river we walked along passed the old mill and up into Shacklow Woods.  The wild garlic was almost in flower in places, if it had been we would have been able to smell it, and there were some bluebells out too.  As the path dropped down to the White Ladies car park we took the path up into Deep Dale.  It was still sunny and warm and we found a spot to have lunch.  Although there were plenty of cowslips around there were few orchids.  Normally this is the best time of the year to see them but this year there is a drought of them.  Never mind, it is a nice walk anyway.  From the top of Deep Dale we picked up one of the paths back to Sheldon.  By now it had clouded up a bit.  From Sheldon we drove round to Monyash which was busy, there were loads of bikes at the cafe but I managed to get my ice cream!  There was a lovely sunset but by the time I spotted the colours in the sky it was too late.  Enjoy the photos.

Wednesday was less windy but still showery at our Bolehill cottages near Bakewell (see here). No departures but one arrival with cottage already prepared.  The morning went in odd jobs around the house and cottages and Chris painted a couple of the milk churns that needed redoing.  In the afternoon Chris went to Bakewell and called into the Garden Cafe in Over Haddon on the way back, they plan to open for the Easter weekend weather permitting.  Chris had tidied up the guests garden last week but the wind over the last few days has brought a lot of twigs down so all his hard work has been undone.  I spent most of the afternoon on accounts and sorting out the cleaning rota for the next week or so as we have a number of change overs due to a high number of short breaks. Guests arrived just after 5pm, they have been before.  Thursday 2nd April was the best day of the week weather wise.  Despite what the thermometer said it felt very mild.  Three departures and two arrivals and one cleaner here.  Down to Bakewell late morning to get provisions for the weekend.  Chris spent more time painting milk churns and in the afternoon he tidied up the lawn, ie spent an hour picking up twigs and then gave the grass it’s first cut of the season.  I did a variety of jobs in the cottages, some housework and more accounts.  First cottage arrived at 4pm and second cottage, who has been before, here at 9pm.

March weather stats.  Highest temp 13.8 deg C on 7th which was warmest day with 28th warmest night.  Lowest temp -0.1 deg C on 2nd which was coldest day and night.  Wettest day was 30th with .5 inches rain with total 2.14 for month (1.91 inches March 2014).

Summertime arrived on Sunday 29 March at our Bolehill cottages near Bakewell (see here) but not with summertime weather.  Well it is March but it has been quite cold for the time of year.  Chris spent some time going round the cottages and house changing all the clocks.  Sunday was quite a wet day so I had planned to catch up on some home jobs and accounts.  Only a few days to the end of the VAT quarter so have plenty to do.  One arrival here just after 4pm, he has been before.  Nice to see the lighter evening, would have loved to take the dogs out for an evening walk but it was raining.  Monday was a much more pleasant day.  One departure and one arrival with one cleaner here.  As usual a busy day for a Monday but found time to do some more accounts.  Cottage here just after 3pm, they have been before.  Noticed Andrew was chain harrowing the fields on his side of the road getting them ready for when the cows come out.  The grass isn’t growing enough for the cows to graze just yet.  In the evening we abandoned the dogs and I went to the village hall for the final bowls evening of the season.  At least I didn’t come away with the wooden spoon.  Chris went to the Bakewell Photographic Society and by the time we got back the wind had really picked up.  Tuesday was very windy with passing hail and sleet showers with some sunny spells.  Two departures and one cleaner here to keep up with cleaning.  Also one of the handymen here and with Chris they did a number of tidying up jobs.  The lawn will need clearing of twigs after the days wind.  In the afternoon I went to Chesterfield and I noticed that the River Wye had burst its banks in places between Bakewell and Rowsley.  Bookers and then Morrisons via Dunelm of course!

Tuesday was like Monday weather wise at our Bolehill cottages near Bakewell (see here) but we saw a little more sun and it felt milder.  Two handymen concentrating on pointing work and one cleaner here to keep up with cleaning.  One departure.  A day spent on jobs in the cottages and accounts. In the afternoon I went down to Bakewell to get some provisions for the next couple of days. When walking around the cottages I heard the first curlew of the season. Hopefully another sign of spring  As I am going to my sisters later in the week I also had to do some forward planning, like the cleaning rota for the following week.  In the evening I went to the Bakewell WI and became a member. We had an interesting talk by  a local spinner.  She lives on a farm at Brough and uses the wool from her own sheep.  Wednesday 18 March was the best day of the week weather wise. Bright and sunny, there was still a cool breeze but in the sun it was lovely. Chris did a number of outside jobs and I carried on with inside jobs in the morning but found time to plant some more bulbs in the afternoon. Only 100left to plant. One arrival, here about 4pm, they have been before. Thursday was another pleasant day. One departure with one arrivals and one cleaner here.  Later in the morning we headed to Buxton as it was the annual Tourist Conference and Leaflet Swap, we went to the latter.  Managed to catch up and have chats with other accommodation providers and attraction staff.  Headed to No 6 Tea Room for lunch before a little stroll around Buxton in the spring sunshine. On the way back we dropped off the hanging baskets so they can be prepared for summer. Guests arrived about 6pm, they have been before and I spent most of the evening getting ready to go away.