Friday 17 September 2021

As Summer Slips Away



I can't quite believe we're halfway through the month already. I feel as though I've spent most of my time adjusting to a new routine and getting my head around the change to my working hours. Usually, I am more than ready to get back to it once September arrives, but this year not so much :) I don't really know why this should be the case. Perhaps it is because I enjoyed such a lovely summer (all considered) and I'm reluctant to let go of it all too soon. Anyway, I am certain this will be different once the weather turns cooler and the more autumnal days are upon us. 

Just as last year's walk up Hallin Fell seemed to mark the end of our summer break, this year it was a final swim in the outdoor pool on the day it closed for the season. It won't be open now until next May, which feels like a long way off at the moment but will, no doubt, be upon us before we know it.



The freezer is now filled with blackberries and elderberries. These have been foraged from the nearby hedgerows and when I have some spare time I will be making compote, which I will enjoy spooned onto my porridge for breakfast each morning. Washing and sorting the berries can be a tedious job but they are delicious, and here they readily available for the picking. In fact, I think I might go and gather some more elderberries this weekend, so I will have enough to last me through the winter. As usual, I've also used some of the blackberries to make my Blackberry Vodka.

Last weekend we enjoyed a walk up to High Seat near Thirlmere. It was a relatively short walk so I was able to try out my new (and rather fabulous 😁) walking boots. I had expected the day to be a bit more overcast, but it turned out to be quite bright in the end. My boots, which I thought might have rubbed, were actually very comfortable. I was a bit concerned with them being brand new and I am also much more used to a lighter weight boot, that I put my trainers and some plasters in my rucksack just in case. Thankfully I didn't need either.

It was a lovely walk up through the trees and the ground wasn't anywhere near as boggy as I had been warned, although this was probably down to the long spell of dry weather we've been experiencing. From these photographs, you can easily see the low water levels in the reservoir. The air was completely still - not a breath of wind at times - so it was quite peaceful up there. We enjoyed our lunch at the summit with views towards Derwentwater and Bassenthwaite beyond, before taking in the lower summits of High Tove and Armboth Fell on our return to the car.


J. X

56 comments:

  1. Nice boots. Better protection against rocks and stones. It's surprising how comfortable new boots are these days compared to what they used to do to your feet. Maybe in my case it's just down to old feet rather than new boots.

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    1. Thank you, I'm really pleased with them. Although, it's going to take me a while to get used to wearing some this sturdy. X

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  2. as for those blackberries - it seems to have been a good year for them as and everyone I know seems pleased with their haul.You do sound to have lovely walks and the photographs prove it.

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    1. There are always plenty of blackberries around here. I could have filled one of those containers simply by standing in one place. X

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  3. Wow! Some awesome views on your hike! Like your new boots!
    Thanks for sharing your lovely photos!

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    1. Thank you, Ellen. I'm looking forward to enjoying many more walks in them. X

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  4. So good, that the new boots, were fine, the first time out!!!!

    How wonderful to live, where you can still harvest from local hedgerows. I hope it is still the same, when your "Little One" is grown.

    And what bounty you preserve, from your free source!

    This, and your gorgeous photos, are such a Joy to people living in other parts of the world. To me for sure. I'm sure my big beautiful Country, has similar places, but I don't happen to live in one of them. -smile-

    Please keep sharing!

    Gentle hugs,
    🍁😊🍁

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    1. I'm really happy with my new boots and I can't wait to wear them again. Hopefully, they should last me a good few years. X

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  5. The blackberries look delicious. If you mention blackberries to Mark he's immediately transported back to being a child when he'd go blackberry picking with his Aunty and then she'd make blackberry and apple pie with thick cream on the side. I love how food has the ability to conjure up good memories. x

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    1. There are so many blackberries around here, Suzanne. I hope Lily will have fond memories of backberry picking, even though she no longer eats them. I think she consumed a life time's supply once when we visited Port William, when she was only two years old. I've never known anyone to eat so many! X

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  6. Those walking boots do look nice and comfy. I hate shopping for footwear because my feet must be very soft, nearly every pair of shoes I've ever bought have rubbed me, but my walking boots are one of the few pairs that haven't. I'm sad to see the end of summer rushing to greet us, I'm trying to make the most of every fine day we have now before autumn and winter really set in.

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    1. I'm exactly the same, Jo. I think it's one of the reasons I had put off buying a new pair for so long - that and the expense! :)

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  7. Snazzy boots indeed! May they take you on many more glorious walks!

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    1. Thank you, Kate. I'm a little bit in love with them :)

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  8. Those photos are just gorgeous! Haven't we had some lovely weather lately, most unexpected!
    Our blackberries have been pitiful this year, I'm very envious of yours. xxx
    PS I'm glad the new boots didn't rub.

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    1. Thank you, Vix. Yes, my eyes are seeing autumn but the tmeperatures are still very mild here. X

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  9. Blackberry Vodka sounds delicious ! Great pics, and what a lovely walk.

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    1. Thank you. The vodka will be ready just in time for winter. X

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  10. Well done on the boots. I need to find some new ones as the last pair always bruise my big toe. Looking forward to blackberry picking once I get home. Gorgeous photos as always :) B x

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    1. I was worried the boots might rub my ankle but they were fine. I'm now looking forward to many more walks in them. X

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  11. Those blackberries look delicious! There are no hedgerows and blackberries for picking here in my area; I wish there were! I tried growing them, one year, but, they didn't do well, at all. Glad your new boots didn't hurt your feet. They look very nice, too. :)

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    1. Thank you, Bless. I'll be even more glad of my new boots once the weather turns cold and damp. My freezer is full of blackberries now and I was able to gather some more elderberries yesterday. X

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  12. as always your photographs are lovely. In the summer I got a cutting from I hope will be an Elderberry bush. It has taken root, and so maybe....I will have some Elderberries. It may take some time...I hope it lives and overwinters well.

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    1. I really hope your cutting grows well and provides you wih some fruit as time goes on. X

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  13. You've made me wonder if I could still get up High Seat. I can't be sure but I think I last went up it from the Watendlath road. Those boots look very much like my old trusty Brashers. I don't wear them very much now but wear my Brasher shoes for my walks in the woods in the winter. They are indestructible.

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    1. I'm sure you would, Graham :) It's a lovely little walk up there - we hiked up from the Thirlmere side and the path was very straightforward. I had a look at some Brashers but settled on these Scarpa boots instead. X

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  14. Snazzy looking boots! Glad they were comfortable. Breaking in a new pair of walking boots can be hard on the feet. Very jealous of the foraged blackberries - nothing like that around here!

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    1. Thank you, Chris. Yes, that's what I was worried about - I have very soft feet. X

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  15. Those blackberries look divine! I have been growing them here in the mountains, and it is so rewarding. I love their sweetness and flavor. Great that you got in your last swim at the pool. Our lake will be open through October, I think. The water is getting much colder. Like you, I am making the most of it. Nice, sturdy boots...

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    1. We had such a lovely sunny day for our last swim at the pool. Thankfully, our regular pool has since opened up and Lily's swimming lessons have begun again. The lakes are getting too cold for me now. X

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  16. Hello! Such beautiful photos! And those berries! My favorite! Happy September!

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  17. Your new boots look just the job and that's great they didn't hurt your feet on their first trip out. It's lovely to be still warm and calm in September but the seasons change all too quickly. The blackberries look delicious, I'm sure your vodka will be lovely.

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    1. Thank you, Eileen. I cannot bear to have sore feet, so I was very relieved the boots didn't rub at all. I was worried that I should have perhaps worn them around the house first. X

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  18. As always, such lovely and evocative photos. I always love your blog.
    Blackberry vodka - mmmmmmm.
    xx

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    1. Thank you, Joy. The vodka is steeping away at the back of the cupboard for now. It should be good and ready in time for winter. X

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  19. Goah those blackberries look plump and delicious I love a blackberry tart or crumble with evaporated milk, a childhood pud!

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    1. I made an apple crumble the other day. I should have thought to add some blackberries. X

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  20. Glad the boots are fine there is nothing worse than sore feet and blisters. I will miss summer this year we have had good weather and lots of outings and picnics.x

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    1. I can't remember the last time I had sore feet or blisters but I do remember just how painful it can be. X

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  21. It really is hard to believe how quickly September is flying by! Blackberry vodka sounds yummy. I also like elderberries - they are so good for you. We take elderberry syrup here to boost our immune system and our daughter takes the elderberry gummies. Hope you are having a great weekend!

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    1. I have previously made elderberry syrup, which is delicious, but I find it so much easier (and less messy) to use them in a compote now. :)

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  22. I have yet to pick blackberries, not feeling it just now. I only just recently made the last frozen ones from last year in to jam. Your new boots look good, no doubt perfect for walking in the Lakes. I am glad they were comfortable. Have a lovely week x

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    1. Thank you, Christina. I've been busy planning some autumn walks. X

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  23. The berries look fantastic - and the vodka sounds fun! I think this summer has gone by too fast as well. Your snapshots are lovely.

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    1. Thank you, Susanne. I'm always reluctant to let go of summer. X

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  24. Hi Jules, Your blackberry and elderberry photos have brought back so many memories of England when I was little. My parents used to make elderberry wine from berries growing in our hedge. And we used to go blackberrying too. Blackberry and apple crumble, yum! Thanks for bringing back the memories. Hugs, Rose x

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    1. Happy memories! I've often thought of trying to make some elderberry wine. X

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  25. Just catching up with you as I only got back this evening from another ten days camping at the farm site. The new boots look good, I'm glad they are comfy and didn't give you blisters, and I like the view overlooking Thirlmere :)

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    1. I'm looking forward to reading about your latest trip. The walks around Thirlmere are often overlooked but it's a lovely area. X

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  26. I like the look of your new boots, and pleased to read they were nice and comfortable.

    You did well with your blackberries ... enjoy them :)

    All the best Jan

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    1. Thank you, Jan. I'm going to make some compote this weekend. X

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  27. We are definitely getting some unseasonal great weather at the moment, which does make me want to stretch out Summer. Fab to hear of more lovely sunshine this wknd, though I will be home instead of Cumbria. Enjoy your new boots!

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    1. That's a shame. Here's to lots more autumn sunshine. 🍂

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  28. As usual Jules, I could happily jump into one of several of your pictures! x

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