Saturday 25 February 2023

Winter Is Loosening Its Grasp

 


This is the time of year I yearn for.  After a long, dark winter, the hours of daylight are gradually increasing, the early mornings are filled with birdsong, and the air is filled with a delicious, earthy scent, as the sun begins to warm the land once again. We are not out of the woods just yet, as the forecast is showing some light snow over the next week, but I feel certain those bitterly cold, wintry days are behind us now and that any more frosty mornings will be fleeting.




One bright day last week, we took a walk from Keswick, with the intention of hiking up Lonscale Fell. It was a lovely morning and as we climbed the steep path up Jenkin Hill, I decided on a 'slight detour' to our planned route, and we finished up at the top of Skiddaw! We had completed the most challenging part of the walk and as it was one of those rare days when the summit wasn't shrouded in cloud,  I thought we might as well make the most of it. We descended via Lonscale Fell, so we did, in fact, accomplish what we had initially set out to do, it just took a little while longer :) Our next fell will be our 100th Wainwright. Still a long way to go until we complete them all, but cause for a small celebration, I think. 


Some time off work has been very welcome, and this week I've spent most of my days at home. I hadn't really thought of posting until now, as my days have felt rather mundane and of no particular interest, but in small ways I have been quite productive and for that I am grateful. I've spent some time studying and tackled several modules of my coursework, caught up with the housework and finally cleared out my wardrobe. I now have two more bags to take to the charity shop, although that will be a job for another day. 

Pancake Day was acknowledged, and in typical fashion, I probably won't eat any more again until next year. 

The Warm Space will be continuing for another month, and although I have given myself this week off, I will be back to baking again on Wednesday. Last week, the Bakewell cake proved very popular, and I am now even receiving requests :)


On Wednesday we spent a fun morning orienteering. It was an organised event where families could have a go at different activities, learn new skills and complete various challenges. We did quite well, considering it was our first time, and I've already signed us up for another event. Lets just hope the next one is somewhere a little less muddy - I still have our boots to clean. 




On a more personal note, I feel my back is completely fine now. I have yet to go for a run, which as I have said before will be the real test, but I haven't felt so much as a twinge while I've been out walking. This is such good news, especially as we head towards spring, and I am looking forward to spending more time outdoors. Yesterday, as we walked through the woods, there were signs everywhere. The snowdrops are all out, catkins hung from the tree branches and I even spotted my first wild garlic.  

J. X


40 comments:

  1. It's good to know you are pain free and getting out and about. The photos of your walks are stunning. The weather is sunny but cold but there are signs Spring is nearly here. Pancakes? I forgot all about pancake day and too late when I remembered as I had only one egg and no flour but like you there's always next year's pancakes to look forward to :)

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    1. Thank you, Eileen. The weather has been much improved recently, and it has felt good to get out in the fresh air. Xx

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  2. Happy 100th, Jules! My late Dad would have been very impressed.
    I'm glad your back is on the mend but please don't overdo it.
    Jacob's out of hibernation although I'm only putting him outside for a few hours a day and only when the temperature is 14°C or above )definitely not today!) xxx

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    1. Thank you, Vix. We're not quite there yet, but fingers crossed we will be very soon, then hopefully we can bag some more as the weather continues to improve.
      Lovely Jacob! I've missed his little face. X

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  3. What stunning photos of Spring’s awakening in the Lakes. Catriona

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    1. Thank you, Catriona. We seized the day when we climbed Skiddaw. X

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  4. Great photos and good to catch up with your news Jules. My son is taking his fiancée and her parents to Curber and Derwent reservoir today. I assumed he meant The Lakes but no, it's in Derbyshire.
    We need to get out walking more, it's so easy to do house things and never go far. I found some photos in drafts, so dusted off my blog again. Take care, Cathy x

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    1. It can be confusing. Still beautiful, but a very different Derwent :)
      It's good to hear you're blogging again. I'm looking forward to catching up with all your news, Cathy. X

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  5. Lovely photos, here along the south coast, we find March can be the coldest month, we have not had any snow this season, spring blooms are showing, but I always wait until April before spring is announced.

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    1. We often get caught out here as well, although I don't think we will see a return to December's freezing temperatures any time soon. Xx

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  6. Lovely photographs especially catkins and wild garlic. Is that a pancake in the first photograph? If so I wonder if you have an omelette-maker - it is just like the omelettes my maker turns out (my carer bought it for me for Christmas)

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    1. Yes, they are pancakes. I prefer mine American style, drizzled with syrup. X

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  7. Great photos as usual Jules, it looks like it was a lovely day for walking and I'm glad your back is okay now :-)

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    1. Thank you, Eunice. We've had some lovely bright days lately. Xx

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  8. One hundred wainwrights is most impressive, well done to you. Your photos are stunning as always, you had a beautiful day whilst on Skiddaw you are so right that it is always in cloud, you were lucky to get such good views.

    So good to hear that your back is finally on the mend, I do hope it continues to improve and you are able to get out running soon.

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    1. Thank you. Yes, it will feel encouraging to reach that milestone. X

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  9. Lovely photos and you have a talent for painting pictures with your words! I'm glad your back feels better now and you are able to walk without pain. Enjoy the spring days to come!

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    1. That is very kind of you to say, Bless. Thank you. Xx

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  10. As always, fab photos and as for those pancakes - mmmmm. xx

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  11. please could you show the recipe for bakewell cake, if you have time, thank you xx

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    1. This is the link. https://www.itv.com/thismorning/articles/juliets-easy-bakewell-cake

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  12. I did enjoy seeing all of your lovely photographs.
    So pleased that your back is feeling better.
    Enjoy the rest of the weekend and have a good new week.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Thank you, Jan. This week has flown by. X

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  13. Glad to hear your back is completely fine now. I am also enjoying the signs of spring. Longer days, bird song, early spring flowers, the lot. Orienteering is fun. I used to do it as a child, one of those compulsory sports we had to do at secondary school. I like the mix of map reading and running about. Obviously we never did it in a proper sporty way, just fun! I hope the mud is now so dry on your boots it just falls off. Have a lovely week x

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    1. These brighter mornings are full of the promise of spring, and now it can't come soon enough for me :)
      I've just this evening received details of some more orienteering events, and I'm really excited to take part. The emphasis most definitely being on the fun! X

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  14. Those pancakes look delicious. I love this time of year too when the increasing daylight is getting more noticeable. Just a few more weeks and the clocks will be going forward. Glad to hear that your back is feeling better, I do sympathise as it's something I struggle with a bit myself these days and I think once you've had problems with your back, there's always the risk of it going again. Just don't do anything too quickly, make sure it's properly right before going for that run.

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    1. Thank you, Jo. Much like the weather, I always feel that much brighter and more optimistic at this time of year.
      I'm keeping my fingers crossed that my back won't cause me any further issues, but I still have tested it on a run yet. X

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  15. I spotted some primroses recently. Spring is on its way. Well done on your Wainwright tally. 100 will be amazing!

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    1. Primroses are so pretty aren't they.
      Thank you. We are feeling quite proud of our achievement so far and I'm considering Bakestall or Blencathra for our 100th one. X

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  16. I agree - winter is loosening its grip and that makes me so happy. Yay for spring! It's right around the corner. So happy to hear your back is healed. That's very good news!

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    1. Thank you, Julia. I am relieved to see the days are getting longer. X

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  17. Your description of the last days of winter take us there...such beautiful photos, perfect for getting out for a walk in the fresh air and sunshine, it lightens the heart. And even if nothing particular exciting happens, it's good to take some time for yourself - I'm sorting out clothes closets as well...so nice to get items where they need to be (although seeing sizes that I'm sure will never fit again make me roll my eyes!) And just think of all those you'll be helping when you visit the charity shops...they'll be very grateful for your donations. And orienteering is so interesting...I remember my son enjoying that when he was in Scouts...a new, fun adventure for you! Mary

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    1. I do enjoy a good sort out, when I get the opportunity. And I'm sure the charity shop will be very grateful for the donation when the bags finally make it there from the boot of my car! Xx

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  18. Glad your back has been so much better and you are enjoying your walks. Lovely photos.
    I think Spring is just around the corner too, with lots of new shoots appearing daily.

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    1. Thank you, Beverley. It is lovely to see all the new shoots appearing, and it wont be long before we see lambs in the fields here. X

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  19. Such amazing views! Well worth the hike!

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  20. Wow, Jules, it looks amazing. Your photos are always spectacular. Be careful with your back. I hope you can manage the run without pain.

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