Wednesday 14 April 2010

peaks and troughs







Now, not to get confused, this isn't the Lake District like the last post but the Peak District, Shutlingsloe and Wildboarclough to be exact. We did a bit of driving over the weekend and it was interesting to compare the two places for they have many similarities but quite a different feel about them. They both have dry stone walls, moorland, rather large hills (although higher in the Lakes) and sheep (to Floss' eternal curiosity) but I've been trying to put my finger on what makes them seem so different. While both stunningly beautiful the Peaks seem somehow more desolate and wild, bleak even sometimes. The Lake District has a quainter, cosier more colourful feel and of course water. Lots of it. And it's just struck me what a difference that makes to me, reflecting the light, sky and mountains. Maybe it's the bracken warming up the Lakeland fells with its lovely shade of rusty orange for half the year. One thing's for sure and is the always the same wherever you go, walkers are a friendly lot, saying hello on passing.

In other news, we are heading off to a land of ocean, cream teas and pasties for a while so I will be pulling the shutters down on my shop for a couple of weeks. When you have been looking forward to something for so long it seems surreal when it is finally upon you. Our first trip away with Floss... I'm sure it will be a challenge but hopefully rewarding too! I stupidly got the dates wrong with regards to the dog bans on the beaches, I am kicking myself for this. So we will be getting up early to visit our favourite haunts (as the bans tend to run from 7am/8am til 7pm/8pm) and also hunting out dog friendly pubs and tearooms. Any suggestions please leave me a comment won't you. I can't wait to see the cottage, it looks beautiful and is tucked away down a lane with views over the ocean just outside St Ives. To hear the waves crashing and smell the coconut scent of the gorse and see the high hedges filled with Spring flowers, it's my idea of heaven.

3 comments:

nà from the treehouse said...

Lovely places, the Peaks are more or less on my former doorstep, love them - definitely bleak! Love bleak!

Have a lovely hols! Can't wait for stories and photos. The Heartful Blogger might be able to give you some advice about St. Ives.

Kittens were born in our house last night, so you can imagine the fun we're going to be having over the next few weeks :D

xxx

Julie Whitmore Pottery said...

The peaks are beautiful.
They look so deserted.
Here, in the states, they are very funny about bringing dogs indoors. Most 'tie' their pet near the door, and the dog waits anxiously for them to return, but the owner can keep an eye on them while inside. Bars seem a little more open minded, especially the saloons.
Hope your vacation is perfect.

nà from the treehouse said...

Dearest Lesley is missed in blogland! 'Hope all is okay there. Looking forward to your stories!

Nà x