Ice Skating

Wasn't keen on the idea of the kids going ice skating - had visions of fingers sliced off and wrist fractures...but Jenny took to it like a duck to water and Becky wasn't far behind her. Even enjoyed it myself...doing something new on the first day of the year was probably a good idea!

The Dales are alive with the Sound of Music

Langdale doing a passable impression of an Alpine meadow

Scottish Mackerel

Ardgarten, Arrochar, Argyll, Acotland. First time I have every used feather...not very sporting but it feed us for an evening. The next day didn't go so well, yes, that is a Grey Seal in the background.

Circumnavigation of Grafham Water

The kids did well, cycling 10 miles around Grafham Water, our first big expedition as a family. Last time we did Grafham Jenny was on a tagalong and Becky was in a trailer.

Wood burning stove

The above has been installed..I'm sure you will agree its looks a lot better than what we had before....

Bad day to be a stick

Me and the kids went for a play in the woods. The plan was to cook some bannock on a fire. Bex did the chopping, Jen did the gatering...and dad didn't quite get the fire going...woops

Dovedale

Had a great 40th Birthday hiking around Dovedale. Got out of the valley bottom for the first time and explored the surrounding countryside a bit. Was amazed by the views (this one is looking towards a hill called Thorpe Cloud - what a great name for a hill!). Wandered from Milldale over to Ilam...very relaxed exploring - with plenty of stoppes for cups of tea - well I am forty now.