Curbar Edge

I will return to the Lakes. But first, the visit to Curbar Edge.

It was a spectacular warm and sunny day when we set off and it remained so throughout. Curbar Edge is just north of Baslow in the Peak District of Derbyshire. When we arrived the car park was already filling up.

Sadly, we had missed seeing the heather at its best, but the views from the top and rock shapes and textures are always impressive.

Curbar Edge

Mum managed a scramble to a higher vantage point of the valley below.

Mum At A Vantage Point

After picnicing at the Curbar Edge side we crossed over to Baslow Edge side. The views are no less spectacular.

Baslow Edge

We must remember to investigate the stone cross that only showed up in the telephoto picture of a distant rock.

The Mystery of the Cross

On the way back we stopped off for refreshments at the local hostellery. (Pub) A pot of tea and a glass of cider.

Next we stopped off at B and Q in Chesterfield. Opposite B and Q mum spotted a model shop. She went over to purchase my Ruby Wedding present. See below.

Ruby Wedding Present - A BR Morris Van and a Jensen Jen-Tug "Mechanical Horse"

Wet Lakes - Part 2

Tuesday turned out to be a very full day. From photographing rocks and water on Helvelyn we drove on into Keswick. Here we had a pub lunch in the Twa Dogs Inn. This was a mistake as we were to eat a large meal later.

Lunch in the Twa Dogs Inn, Keswick

Next we drove down the east shore of Derwent Water. One of our aims was to find Lord's Island. We knew that we had passed the island, but looked to turn into a car park on left hand side of the road. This did not seem very interesting so we proceeded along the single track lane to the next car park. Here was an amazing waterfall running under a stone bridge to Watendlath Beck.

Water Under the Bridge

The road went past other car parks. One spot gave a good view of Derwent Water and our first view of Lord's Island.

Derwent Water

We continued up the narrow road. I was guessing that the last car park would have a pay meter it did. I took some not very succesful photographs. (I do need some neutral density filter for such bright light and slow shutter speeds.)

Watendlath Tarn

The Wet Lakes - Part 1

Following our Ruby wedding celebrations we took a trip up to the Lakes. Having dropped Joe off at Derby station we proceeded across country to the M6 and the North West. We left J35 early on Monday afternoon and went off towards Windermere in the hope of catching a visit to the 'World of Beatrix Potter'. This eluded us as we drove several times passed it without seeing a sign to it. We settled for a walk to Windermere and a stroll along the shore.

Moorings at Windemere

Yatching on Windemere

We then made our way back to a view point over the lake. Here, we were told by locals, are great sunset views across the lake, at the right time of year.

The following day was our great trek through Kendal for shopping and petrol, and on to Helvelyn. This was a beautiful spot and we arrived as the rain stopped.

Water fall on Helvelyn

Mum and I on Helvelyn

My demo. on how to capture the milkiness of rushing water

Ruby Wedding

The celebration of our Ruby Wedding took place on Sunday 31st August 2008. We were able to use the New Stapleford Community Centre for the 'do'. The hall was divided in two. Half for eating and half for dancing. The hall is magnificently set up and we are particularly grateful to Alan and Irene Bexton for giving so much of their time to the hall's quality and for helping at the party. Thank you Alan for MCing it. It was appreciated. We are also very grateful to Joe, Joni and Fiona and Tim and Isla for all they did by way of preparation, speeches, the cake by Isla and the amazing clear up.

Irene started the evening by a speech which sums up what 40 years of married life means. "Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God." and sooner or later we will have to face "Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried."

Francis used a can to describe us. I asked him for speeches not peaches.


Lawrence used facial expression. I lost the plot, but appreciated the humour.


Martin added spiritual dignity

I lost everybody. But expressed thanks for friends who have helped us along our journey.

Tim spoke about following us on our Journey . . .


and then gave us this magnifient cake.

Food, dancing and games followed.

We thank all our friends and relatives for all their thoughts, gifts and prayers. We thank those who were able to be with us on Sunday and hope that the event was sufficiently enjoyable. [Comments are not required.]