Friday 15 July 2022

Two Years


If you have been reading here for a while now, you might remember this post and this post in which I talked about images I captured of Lily on Latrigg, a small fell just above Keswick. This began way back in 2014 when she was just over a year old and we walked up there together (Actually, Lily was in her carrier for much of it but she still managed to walk the final stretch). Two years later, and during the same walk, I coincidentally took a photograph of her in almost the exact same spot. Since then, it has become a tradition. So every two years we walk up Latrigg and I take a photograph of Lily sat overlooking the lake. The last time was in 2020. I can't think two years have passed since then - and what a couple of years!  



Anyway, last Sunday I thought would be the perfect opportunity to take the latest photograph. It was a beautiful, bright sunny day and there would be the chance of a quiet morning, before The Lakes become overwhelmed with summer visitors. Our early start to the day, meant we could enjoy an almost deserted summit, which on Latrigg is an achievement in itself. I was able to to take the photograph, and we managed to sit for a while taking in the scenery, before more people began to arrive at the viewpoint. There may have also been chocolate :)




Just look how she's grown! It seems like no time at all since our first walk up Latrigg and I remember it well. The day was overcast but warm, and Lily was happily snacking on rice cakes (still a firm favourite), when I took the photograph. 




Heading back down the fell, we passed an increasing number of people out walking and I instantly knew our early start had been the right decision. And as we still had the rest of the morning to do as we pleased, we made our way back through Keswick and down to the lake, where we enjoyed a refreshing paddle, before eating our lunch in the shade of a large tree beside the lake shore.

Before we made our way home again, there was just one more thing I needed to do...


We took a walk through Hope Park to visit the bronze statue and bench dedicated to Max The Miracle Dog. You might remember I met Max and his owner last summer, the evening before the statue was to be unveiled. Since that night, I had always intended to go back and see it for myself, and it really is something special, although nowhere near as special as Max himself, who, very sadly, is no longer with us.

It was a lovely weekend and now I am counting down the days until our summer break. I have a some thoughts on a few things I would like to do, but my focus will be on relaxing, enjoying the unhurried mornings, and I might even pick up my crochet hook!

J. X


52 comments:

  1. They grow up so fast - my two daughter's have now reached their 40's and it seems like only yesterday they were Lily's age. You will cherish all those pictures. x

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    1. The photographs are very special to me, so I will continue to take them for as long as Lily co-operates :)

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  2. Yes, they grow up quickly! She has such beautiful hair!
    I didn't know the story of Max The Miracle Dog - it is lovely story. Thanks for sharing it!

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    1. The book itself is a lovely read. I would definitely recommend it. Xx

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  3. She has grown!
    Here is to lots of lovely summery days and adventures during the summer break xx

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    1. I can hardly keep up with her, Kate! Xx

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  4. I love your tradition of taking a photo of Lily at the same spot every two years! Beautiful scenery, too. I hope your summer will be filled with many lovely walks and memories to savor later on.

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    1. I hope so too, Bless. I've a few things planned, at least. X

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  5. Thank you for the beautiful photos - we used to visit Keswick, Latrice, Derwentwater & the rest of the Lake District regularly - lovely to see it again.

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    1. It is a beautiful part of The Lakes. X

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  6. That is an absolutely wonderful tradition - will you make a montage of the various photos once she is adult?

    I've ordered the book about Max - it sounds a wonderful and heart warming story. Thank you.
    xx

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    1. That would be a lovely idea. I hope she will be happy to keep up our tradition.
      The book is a really lovely read, Joy. I'm sure you will love it. X

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  7. Stunning views, they do grow up far too fast.

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    1. Thank you. Yes, I keep asking her to slow down ;)

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  8. Wonderful picture, as always, and what a fabulous set of memories you are creating for both yourself and Lily.

    Have you ever seen the collection of photographs of the Brown sisters?
    (Google for "The Brown Sisters photos")

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    1. Thank you, Jayne. I hope Lily will enjoy looking back at them when she is older.
      I haven't, no. I must look them up. X

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  9. That's such a lovely tradition. It really is that time of year to do the things before everyone arrives for the day!

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    1. It certainly will be after this week. It's a good job I like an early start to my day. Xx

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  10. It's a lovely tradition to take the photos. The latest one with the clear blue sky is stunning. It's nice that Lily shares a love of the outdoors and nature with you. I wonder, are your walks full of her chit chatting away? Mine would talk non stop when we were walking! Not long until the summer holidays now :) x

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    1. I must confess, it's usually myself who does all the talking, with Lily requesting for me to be quiet :)
      Only one more day to go! X

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  11. How nice to have an annual photo of Lily in that beautiful spot, the scenery is breath-taking. Fabulous statue of Max such a lovely story. The holidays will be here before you know it, have a lovely weekend. x

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    1. Only one more day until the holidays, and I can't wait. X

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  12. What was the miracle that Max performed?

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    1. If you search 'Max the Miracle Dog' you will be able to read all about him. X

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  13. Taking a photo in the same spot every couple of years is a great idea. I wish I'd done the same with my son when he was young - although I do have some taken at random times during holiday/days out etc they aren't really a record of his growing up. I love the views from up on Latrigg but I think my favourite shot is the one with the canoes.

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    1. It wouldn't have crossed my mind until I had coincidentally captured the second image. I am glad I did now, although I'm not sure how easy it will be to persuade Lily going forward. X

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  14. Lily is having a wonderful childhood and you are making such beautiful memories for her. Children soon grow up so enjoy every moment you can with her. What a lovely statue of Max, I remember you telling us of your meeting with him and his owner.

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    1. That's such a lovely thing to say, thank you Eileen. I hope Lily will have happy memories of her childhood. X

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  15. Super sweet photos Jules :) Ahhhh, I remember the carrier and rice cake years well with my girls. The bench is wonderful! I am also intrigued about the miracle... x

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    1. Lily still eats rice cakes every day, and I'm pretty sure she would take up an offer of a carrier given the chance ;)

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  16. I have been sitting here after my dinner reading your post and gazing at the photos with a leisurely pace I've not adopted for a while. Your Lake District can still do that to me. It is a frightening thought that it is probably around half a century since I last walked up Latrigg. Thank you for the story and the photos. They bring back happy memories and it's lovely to see you and Lily creating memories that you will one day look back upon too.

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    1. I am so glad you enjoyed them, Graham. I feel so very fortunate to live in such a beautiful area, that it would be almost rude not to make the most of days like this. I hope Lily will look back on her childhood fondly. X

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  17. Lovely photographs, the views are stunning.
    I think it's great that you follow this tradition taking Lily's photograph at that spot :)

    Wishing you a happy weekend and enjoy the school summer holidays, not long to go now!

    All the best Jan

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    1. Thank you, Jan. Only one more day to go. X

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  18. Love Love love!!!!!!!!!! I love this tradition. Thank you for sharing!

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  19. These are wonderful photos.

    What gorgeous hair she has. Did she get that from you or from her Father?

    Summer Break? Aren't you on school vacation already?

    🌸🌺💮🌺🌸🌺💮🌺🌸

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    1. Thank you. Lily gets her thick wavy hair from me, although mine is not such a gorgeous blonde :)
      School finishes tomorrow and I can't wait. X

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  20. The time lapse photography project is fab - love how the happy accident of the first two photos has become a two-yearly tradition. Hope all your summer break plans come to fruition! :-)

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    1. Thank you so much. I am looking forward to a relaxing summer break. X

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  21. What a fabulous way to photograph Lily as she grows up in such a beautiful area of the country. Something really special to look back on for both of you x

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    1. The view from Latrigg provides a beautiful backdrop. Xx

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  22. Good for you! Crocheting is so relaxing. I have been knitting a pair of socks, and it is so therapeutic. Love those photos of Lily...they are fabulous!

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    1. Thank you, Stephenie. Yes, I just need to get myself along to the wool shop now. Xx

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  23. Two years do seem to have gone by in the blink of an eye don't they. Lovely photos as always. x

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  24. It's such a lovely tradition you have, photographing Lily in that same spot, and such a beautiful place too, you couldn't have chosen a more scenic backdrop. How lovely that Max has a statue and bench dedicated to him, a fitting tribute.

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    1. It is a beautiful view from the top of Latrigg, and the reason most visitors to Keswick find themselves up there at some point.
      It was lovely to finally see the bench in Hope Park, even if it was a little hot when Lily first sat on it :) Xx

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  25. Hi Stunning scenery,and what a lovely tradition to do and keep a record of Lily.My friend had her photo taken with Max the statue,such a wonderful dedication to a wonderful dog.Enjoy your summer.Hugs and a cuddle for Mog.xx

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    1. The bench does feel like a fitting tribute, and it is in a lovely position there in the park. Xx

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  26. What a neat tradition taking those photos! Also, what a beautiful view.

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    1. It is a lovely view over the town and to the fells beyond. X

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