Week 9 10th to 16th Dec

Monday 10th December – day 58

Leaving Bracknell on a clear bright still morning, we had an easy journey up to Clitheroe, taking for the first time, a trip along the M6 Toll Road, which was blessedly clear of the usual mayhem of heavy lorries clogging up the motorway.
We reached our destination by mid afternoon and with enough light to sort out the detritus inside of our disreputable vehicle.
Spent a relaxing evening in happy discussion about Christmas preparations and finished the evening off by watching Cranford, the BBC produce these period dramas so well!

Tuesday 11th December - day 59

We have another lovely clear and crisp day for our onward journey up to the flat, and are in excited mood - so looking forward to:
· Our own space
· A bath
· Being in Ambleside
· Freedom to move
· Space to prepare for Christmas!!

We completed the easy journey with time to restock our provisions in Booths, and indoors by 4.00pm. Inspection of the flat showed all was in good order since our last visit in September so we were able to have a quiet evening sorting out ourselves into the flat.

Wednesday 12th December – day 60

First full day at the flat and so good to be here, this was a day of administration and Christmas preparations. Writing all our cards and getting them sent off, then wrapping presents and attending to any correspondence. Then off into town for last minute purchases and to view the Ambleside streets in their Christmas finery, the air is cold and crisp and we are very happy to be in our Lakeland home. All feels right with the world today.

Thursday 13th December – day 61

A second glorious day, some small jobs to do then off to breathe in this wonderful air. A shortish walk today starting from Surprise View at the top of Lake Windermere and along the lake side, then back to the car then a drive down into glitzy, brightly lit and buzzing Bowness, more Christmas shopping and the decision to spoil ourselves with supper at Lucy’s. Had to walk the long way home to let supper settle.

Friday 14th December – day 62

A trip to the solicitors this morning to enquire about parking rights claimed by the owners of the Garden Flat (Flat 1). It would appear that they have a note in their lease that allows them some parking in the front entrance area; hopefully we can get a better understanding of all the leases to see where we are going with this.
A lovely day so decided to go for a longer walk, along the base of Wansfell and round to the top of Stockghyll, walking down along the side of the ghyll we dropped back down into town, then round and up Peggy Hill to view some Christmas lights we spied earlier on some of the houses on the opposite side of Stockghyll.

Saturday 15th December – day 63

We are off to Grassington today to explore their Dickensian Christmas Market, meeting up there with Ma, Pa and Ali. The day is yet again a crisp, clear and frosty morning, and the drive over was a real feast to the eyes, through Sedburgh, Hawes and Aysgarth amidst a winter wonderland of sparkly white. The square wire fencing along the road side had frost forming about 20mm long where it had been drawn by the wind and the conifer trees were their usual vibrant green on the sunny side and brilliant frosty white in the shade all set under a very blue and cloudless sky.
Grassington lived up to its reputation, and did not fail to delight, with Morris Men and Street Plays in period costume, Father Christmas, stalls of local crafts and produce. The smell of mulled wine, frying onions, roasting pork and chestnuts, all our senses were fully satiated.
Helen’s parents and sister left early but we stayed on until the end, enjoying the atmosphere and finally a cup of tea at the Cobblestones Café.

Sunday 16th December – day 64

A walking day today, not so clear though with mist on the fell tops, so a lower level walk planned. Parked up by Chesters at Skelworth Bridge and took the Cumbrian Way along the Strang end, walked along Little Langdale Valley to the bottom of Wrynose Pass. Up and over to Fletchers Wood and drop down into Elterwater then back to the car with a fast drive back and only minutes to spare to get to the Ambleside church for an international carol service. There were readings in Polish, South Korean, African and English around a number of carols, some old and well loved and other new ones. Service over then off home for a baked gammon and BBC’s Cranford.