Tuesday was a day of changeovers at our Bolehill cottages near Bakewell (see link).  Two departures and two arrivals and one cleaner here.  Rubbish collected but laundry will be collected on Wednesday.  A cooler overcast day with some showers but brightening up in the afternoon. Both cottages arrived just after 3.30 and this gave me time to do some accounts for this month.  Wednesday was a fine spring day.  Said an early goodbye to the Australian couple who are heading to the Lake District but hope to visit us again in 2015.  Just after 9am we set off to Hope as we had a visit to the Construction Works arranged by the tourist board.  Hope Construction recently came on board as a Patron to Visit Peak Distinct.  After signing in and being issued with all the protective equipment we were taken by bus to see the quarry. It is HUGE to say the least and although not visible from Hope there is a lane from Bradwell that passes around the quarry.  The big trucks looked so minute against the quarry.  We were lucky to have very knowledgeable guides with us.  On the way back down to the main factory we passed the building where the process begins and the large boulders are emptied into a crusher. We were taken to the main office where we saw the control room and we learnt about the work they are doing to cut carbon emissions and also what they are doing to make their processes less environmentally damaging.  Their power bills bought tears to our eyes!  From here we were able to ride up in the external lift to the top of the Reheating Tower, which is the building we see from the road, with the chimney stack behind.  I am not keen on heights but gritted my teeth to go up in the lift as from the roof we had wonderful views of the Hope Valley and we could make out Mam Tor and Lose and Win Hills.  Safely back on  solid ground we then had a walk along the gangways where you could feel the heat emitted from the furnaces.  A short walk back to sports club where we assembled to hand back our hard hats etc and enjoy a lunch they had provided for us.  Now we know what goes on at the plant. We then popped round to the agriculture merchants at Brough to get some weed killers then on to Hathersage to have a wander round the outdoor shops.  I bought myself some new lightweight walking trousers.  Back via Hassop Station where we had afternoon tea.  The dogs were pleased to see us back but the handyman had been here so at least they had not been home alone! Enjoy the photos.