So after worrying about the weather all week Friday turned out fine.  A bit breezy and overcast at times but dry!  In fact the driest Friday this month!  One cottage out but no arrivals at our peak district cottages and one cleaner up.  Had been planning how to spend Friday all week and in the end I went down to Bakewell in the morning ahead of the Olympic Torch Relay in the afternoon.  When I got there I was surprised at how quiet it was, especially the Farmers Market which was being held on the Friday and the Saturday this month.  Had a chat with some of the vendors and a bit disappointed many of the stallholders weren’t there.  Assumed they would be there on Saturday.   A walk round town, which also had a small street market, then home with all my provisions for the next few days.  Time for various chores before setting off to collect Ian at about 3.15.  We parked by the Lady Manner School and then walked down into Bakewell.  Had worked out where I wanted to stand (on the A6) just past the Rutland Arms) an when we got there it was still available.  Unfortunately it had also been earmarked for school groups so we moved along a bit and found another good spot.  Quite by coincidence Ian’s neighbours on the Over Haddon side, including Lynne who now comes to WI, was also there so it was nice to watch the proceedings as a group.  We had got there before it got busy so we had a ringside seat, and for most of the time Lynne and I sat on the kerb waiting for it all to happen.  The torch was due in Bakewell on the Baslow side at about 4.20.  It had set off from Nottingham in the morning passing through Chesterfield, Matlock, a ride up a cable car to the Heights of Abraham and a photo opportunity at Chatsworth House.  Before the torch there was all the other bits of the procession.  We knew when it as all about to happen when a whole load of police motor cyclists and police cars came through and despite all their efforts a lone car suddenly appeared heading into Bakewell.  After a few words from the police the car had to pull over and wait. Then we got all the coaches with the main sponsors logo, then more motorcyclists and coaches including one which I saw held all the torches still to be used and then finally the runners and one of our torch bearers.  There was lots of cheering and then it was all over.  The procession was on its way to Buxton and then to Derby via Ashbourne.  Ian and I walked back up to the car, through the churchyard where the bells were ringing and went back to the farm as it was time for milking.  Without Smudge I had to bring the cows in and I’m sure it would have be easier with him.  Back home to find Chris had escaped Buxton before the torch arrived.  Took a little while to get over the buzz of the afternoon but I am glad I went. Here are the photos