Monday was a fair day although we were expecting a little more sunshine at our cottages near Bakewell (see here) but it stayed dry. One departure and one arrival later in the day. One cleaner up and usual Monday routines. Chris spent some more time pruning and sorting out a friends computer and I caught up with some paper work including our advert for the 2014 Peak District and Derbyshire Visitor Guide. Guests arrived about 6.30. Tuesday 20/8 was forecast to be a fine day and with no arrivals (but one departure) we opted for a walk. With the heather out we decided we would go up to Howden Edge and do a walk we had done a few years ago. We were able to park at the end of the road which follows the reservoirs (closed weekends and Bank Holidays) without any problems. We set along the track beside Howden Reservoir to Slippery Stones, which was where a packhorse bridge that had been rescued from Derwent village was moved to when the valleys were flooded. The water was low in all the reservoirs. There was a helicopter in the air and as we picked up the path up Cranberry Clough we met a National Trust volunteer who explained the helicopter was dropping of wooden steaks for volunteers to fence of grazing land. The path turned into Bull Clough and we soon found ourselves above the helicopter, luckily the dogs seemed unfazed by it. The only problem was that once we got up onto the moorland there was not as much heather as we expected. It had started to cloud up by now and the breeze was increasing. We picked up the path along Wilfrey Edge and found a sheltered spot amongst some rocks (at 1765 feet) for lunch. Here we had far reaching views across the moorland with the heather in its glory. At Howden Edge we cut across the moorland to a path that would take us back down to Howden Reservoir. This was hard going at times as the path was not obvious and you couldn’t always see where your feet were going but with all the dry weather it wasn’t too boggy. There was another helicopter up on the moorland bracken spraying (so a notice advised us) as bracken is an invasive plant on the moorland. Luckily the further we walked the more heather we came across and when the path became a bit more obvious we followed it down Howden Clough back to the reservoir. With the sun back out we were able to get some better shots of the heather. Walking back along the shore line we spotted a short cut which meant walking across the river which the dogs didn’t like but we were soon back at the car. As we had set off a little later than planned, and with the walk being nearly seven miles it was too late for an afternoon tea. Still it had been a nice walk. Enjoy the photos.
A busy Saturday
Friday started damp putting us off going for walk as we weren’t sure what we would do but again it turned I to a nice day again at our Bolehill cottages near Bakewell (see link). A quiet day but always jobs to do especially with a busy Saturday ahead. With a wet day forecast for Saturday Chris cut the grass. Saturday was quite overcast but the rain again stayed away until later in the day. Six departures and five arrivals and two here for a few more days. Three cleaners up and no major problems but a few minor jobs for Chris including a loose tap and a stuck dishwasher tray. Cleaning finished by 1.30 pm as we were able to commence cleaning just after 9am and by time I had lunch and did my final checks it was 2.45. Four of the cottages arrived between 3and 3.30, two have been before but one of those haven’t been he since we’ve been here. Final cottage arrived about 5.30. A Chinese take away finished the day. Sunday was a pleasant day with a few light showers forecast. No departures but one arrival. After getting the paper from Bakewell we invited one of the cottages around for coffee. I had thought about doing a car boot sale but the risk of shower and overnight rain had put me off. We spent the rest of the morning doing some gardening, or in reality Chris was let loose with pruners and the chain saw and I followed behind him clearing up. I spent some time in the afternoon on housework and later in the evening I had an influx of emails which resulted in a number of bookings.
Ashover show
Wednesday was forecast to be a fine day with isolated showers at our Bolehill Cottages near Bakewell (see link). Wednesday was also Ashover Show which a lot of locals enjoy going to including all our cleaners. This meant Chris and I said goodbye to the couple who have been here for just over two weeks then we cleaned the cottage! Two arrivals expected but luckily not until later in the day. This gave us the opportunity to have an early lunch then head over to Ashover ourselves. On the way we noticed the heather was starting to come out on Beeley Moor so we will have to do a heather walk soon. Going in the afternoon meant we avoided the morning queues and drove straight into the car park. After an hour or so crowds thinned out as the early arrivals went home leaving later arrivals like us more space. We had a good wander round the fields checking out all the machinery, food and craft tents and the competition tents. Like the Bakewell Show there were cattle and sheep shows, dog and horse competitions but unlike Bakewell no rows of shopping tents. Despite the crowds we bumped into our cleaners who were enjoying the show as well . I managed to have my ice cream before the isolated shower arrived! Like the Bakewell Show later in the day vendors in food tent were selling off their wares so naturally I picked up a couple of bargains. Back home in time for guests arrivals, first just after 6pm and second just after 7pm. Enjoy the photos. Thursday was a quiet day. No departures or arrivals so time to catch up from the last few days. It always amazes me where the days go. Went down to bakewell to get provisions for the next few days. Forecast had been for a wet afternoon but it held off until much later in the day giving our guests another fine day.
WI and cakes!
Monday 12/8 started dull but soon brightened up at our cottages near Bakewell (see link). One departure and two arrivals and one cleaner up. Chris went down to Bakewell early and I had some final preparations for the tea our WI were holding in the afternoon as well as usual Monday jobs. After an early lunch Joanna collected me and we headed to the village hall where six of us set up the hall like we did a few weeks ago. By doing these teas we earn some money for our WI so the few hours work is worth it. Our guests enjoyed the food and the views from the hall. Back home Chris had a visit from some friends while I was out and our expected guests had still not arrived. First one arrived about 7pm with second one at 11pm. Tuesday was a day of sunshine and showers. Our Italian guests departed and the cleaner was up to turn cottage round. Decided we ought to go out for a few hours in the afternoon but first we went and picked some blackcurrants from our bushes. With plenty of mushrooms still in the fields guests are picking them before the cows come back in. We opted to try the new cafe at Over Haddon as we have heard good reports but haven’t been there yet. We drove down to Over Haddon and then started to walk down the lane to the dale and not far down is the Garden Cafe. They have only been open a few months and just do drinks and home made cakes but my carrot cake was one of the best I had tasted and was a very generous portion. We introduced ourselves to the owners and end up chatting for a few hours before we went home. This year we have had a lot more guests with bikes than before and it has also just been announced that the Peak Park has been allocated some funding for more cycle ways. Amongst the plans are linking the Monsal Trail from the Buxton end to the High Peak Trail near us and extending the Monsal Trail south to Rowsley and Matlock. We shall be watching the developments with interest.
Crich tramway museum
We always enjoy a trip to Crich, which is about thirty minutes away from our cottages near Bakewell (see link), every now and again especially as they allow dogs. As Crich was having a special weekend (1940’s weekend) we thought we would pay a visit. The forecast was fine with occasional showers and luckily we didn’t see any. We were there early before it got too busy and there were lots of re-enactors around. There were a number of trams in operation and as the morning got busier more came out to carry passengers along the line. Part from enjoying the atmosphere we had a look at the static displays, a walk along woodland walk and a ride on a tram. Unlike the wartime weekend last year at peak rail there were no staged gun fights so the dogs did not have to worry about noise. We left early in the afternoon and came back via Bonsall where we had lunch at the cafe. Back home I made a cake for our WI tea on Monday and Chris put the electric fence back up along the drive as the cows will be coming back into the front field in the next few days. Blue will be happy! Here are the photos from Crich.
Another weekend
Friday 9 August was a pleasant but quiet day at our Bolehill Cottages near Bakewell (see link). No departures but one arrival and one cleaner up. A day of odd jobs including updating leaflets as I have had a new batch of leaflets for the rest of the summer. Went down to Bakewell in the morning which was still busy from the show as a lot of the stands were packing up and leaving. Also a lot of locals who had avoided the place for a few days were back shopping like I was! Guests arrived about 5pm, they are from Australia, we have a real international mix at the moment. I did some preparation for Saturday which was forecast to be the better day of the weekend. To start with the weather didn’t seen to have looked at the forecast as it started cool and dull on Saturday but it brightened up . Five departures and four arrivals and two cleaners up. No problems encountered and Chris had time to cut the grass before lunch. First guests arrived just after 3pm, then like last week there was a gap before the next guests arrived at 4.30 then remaining two between 5 and 6pm. Two cottages have been before including a German couple here for the second time. Another cool evening and it is noticeable that it is getting darker earlier. Hopefully we will get another bite of summer before autumn arrives.
Bakewell Show
We hadn’t planned on going to the Bakewell Show but as one of our cleaners had some spare tickets we decided we would go. One departure first thing at our Bolehill Cottages near Bakewell (see here). The forecast had been for a warm and sunny day with isolated showers although luckily we didn’t see any. Chris spent the morning watering plants and weeding whilst I did some house keeping duties and a number of emails. After an early lunch we drove down to Bakewell and parked at Yeld Road a few minutes walk from the town centre.
No parking was possible in the car parks in the centre as these were being used for Coach drop off and pick up points and was manned by marshals. We entered the Show ground from Smiths Island Car Park and first of all headed for the WI tent to compare our entry with the others. From here we made our way round the show ground that extends to 30 acres. We had a look at the dog and equine competitions that were still taking place and we always enjoy the produce tents with the flowers and vegetables.
In the food tent it was nice to see that our local butchers had done well in the competitions. The cattle seemed to have gone and by the time we got back to the sheep they were also on their way home. The benefit of going later on the second day is that by 4.30 food vendors start reducing the prices of stock. Two cupcakes for £1 and three pork pies with four bags of scratchings for £10 were my bargains of the day! We also got Blue a new lead. It was still warm when we got home but it had clouded up again so although I hoped we would be able to eat outside it was back indoors for dinner.
Out and about
Monday 5th August was a cooler day with drizzle on and off at out cottages near Bakewell (see link). I was expecting worse as the forecast was for rain all day. First thing down to Bakewell to get provisions for the next few days as Bakewell will be busy until the end of the week. The market was unusually quiet, probably down to the weather. No arrivals or departures so time to get on with other jobs. Later in the evening we had a WI committee meeting to finalise our entry in the Bakewell Show. Tuesday morning started dull and mid morning Chris took Lynne and me down to the Bakewell Show ground so we could set up our entry in the WI tent.
The ground is quite soggy because of the recent rain and I suggested our cleaner take her wellies with her to the show! Chris and I then went to Ashbourne for the afternoon as it was one of our days off. We had a late lunch before walking round the shops. By now it was a bit sunnier and warmer. It’s always lovely to see such a diverse range of shops in Ashbourne, very few empty ones with the only thing spoiling it is the amount of heavy traffic through the town. It could do with a bypass. Wednesday was a lot warmer and sunnier. In the morning Chris and I caught up with odd jobs and after lunch I headed off to Buxton to do a big shop at Morrisons as well as call in at the electrical wholesalers and get some bits for Chris. Phoned Lynne in the evening to see how we had done at the show, unfortunately we didn’t win anything this time but its taking part that counts. There was a nice sunset to round off the day and the evening light highlighted the different colours in the fields that have been harvested and silaged.
A busy weekend
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.
Things that go bang in the night – again!
Thursday 1/8 was supposed to be hot at our Bolehill Cottages near Bakewell (see here) once the cloud had dispersed. First thing down to Bakewell to get provisions for the weekend and I noticed all the parking signs were in place for the Bakewell Show . As it was our day off I thought it would be nice to go out for lunch and we needed a new hanging basket bracket so a visit to a garden centre was also required. We opted for Edensor tea rooms and by the time we got there the sun had come out and it was really warm. We had the dogs with us (they were able to sit in the shade) and another couple sat next to us who also had a collie so we got chatting. After a nice lunch we drove the short distance to the Chatsworth Garden Centre where we were able to get the bracket and some other bits. It was still very hot back home although there was a bit of a breeze and later in the afternoon the temperature peaked at 27.4 just beating the temperature of a few weeks ago and giving us the highest temperature this year. We had a lazy (!) evening and had a BBQ and sat out for as long as we could. Friday was still a warm day but not as hot. One departure and one cleaner up. The afternoon went in preparations for Saturday and checking leaflets in the leisure area. Chris also cut the grass. We had been invited to Lynne’s for a BBQ in the evening but with showers making an appearance early evening we decided to wait until they had passed. Chris went out and inspected the gutters during a particularly heavy downpour and we had to give the dogs some of their calming drops. We had an enjoyable few hours with Lynne’s family and friends including Andrew and Joanna but another storm brewed up and was passing very closely down the dale so Chris thought we had better go back and check on the dogs. Just as well as when we drove up the drive we could see the power had gone off. The dogs were not happy especially as the power came on then off again. This went on for a while and then went off completely. The beeps were freaking out the dogs, we had to extricate Blue from behind the TV, so in the end we put Blue in the downstairs toilet for a while where he seemed happier and Smudge just followed us around. We got out the lamps and candles (can’t remember the last time we did that) and went round the cottages handing them out. The power still hadn’t come back by the time we went to bed and the recorded message indicated it would be early morning before we got power back.