I'm writing this just as the clouds have darkened, and the snow is settling in the branches on the trees outside the window. We'd been waiting for the snow to fall for this little photo story, and a couple of weekends ago, we got to spend some time with these two sisters. Sledges in tow, we climbed the hill with Emily & Mala. They didn't need any encouragement to race around in the white stuff! For us, it's not just about taking photographs on warm sunny days, although we do like that too, but we're all too happy to go out and play on chilly snowy days to capture your photo stories. Especially when there is a hot chocolate with marshmallows at the end!
Climbing the Three Peaks and a Photo From The Past.
At the beginning of every new year, I'm a bit like a broken record. Writing out a mammoth list of resolutions, and then finding said list in March and realising I hadn't stuck to any, in fact, some never getting off the ground. I decided to be a bit kinder to myself this year and work on just one, getting healthier and fitter! Last year I found myself complaining about new little aches and pains and niggles. So instead of boring folk with my latest ailments, I've decided to do something about it. I wanted to set some sort of goal, so I've decided to climb the Yorkshire 3 peaks over one day in July this year.
My Grandma climbed them when she was in her 70's, so she's my inspiration. Mind you, she was like a mountain goat! One day, when I was 15, my Grandma and her friend Marjorie (my Grandma was also called Marjorie), took me on a walking trip to tackle Ingleborugh. Here's a little photo I took of the Marjories before we made our ascent.
I can't remember if my Grandma (on the left), climbed in those shoes!
And then they were off, scampering up the mountain. They kept calling back to tell me to push on as their little grey heads bobbed away from me further into the distance. All I could think about was how tired I was going to be at the Rugby Club disco that night, no dancing for me. There were a number of false ledges, and I kept thinking I'd reached the top, only to see the path still winding up. But eventually there were no more ledges, and I'd reached the plateau! There were the Marjories with the thermos poised, and the regulation cheese and tomato sandwich and Seabrook salt and vinegar crisps combo. To this day, the memory of that view is very vivid. It was a particularly clear day.
So, I'm now in training, and so far so good. Suzi bought me a pair of shiny new trainers for Christmas, and they've been getting out and about.
My friend Amy is a personal trainer, and she's developed a programme for me which is challenging but enjoyable. We've just started adding a bit of running into the mix. We went out and about into Hardcastle Crags last week in all the snow. Amy took a few photos of me on her phone running through the trees. I came back with very pink legs!
I've seen very quick changes in my recovery time climbing hills and steps, and it's been great having someone there encouraging me. I'm also trying to keep a healthier diet too, but still allowing myself the odd Hobnob or two!
So, it looks like for the first time ever I'm sticking to this new year change. And when I'm at the top of Ingleborough, I'll raise my thermos cup to the Marjories.
Copper Beech Glade
The deluge of Christmas adverts are long gone and have made way for a glut of holiday ads, enticing us to sunnier climes. We haven't been abroad for a while, choosing to discover our beautiful island the last few breaks we've had.
We work with a variety of commercial clients, and one of these is the fab Canopy & Stars. They're the glamping side to Sawday's and have an amazing array of places to stay and have an adventure. You can see one of the previous locations we documented here. So we had a clue what we had in store, but nothing could have prepared us for the walk, where you first lay eyes on Copper Beech Glade. A colourful oasis nestled amongst the trees. Ornate gypsy caravans, festoon lighting, and the central point of the site - the campfire! We made the most of this feature, cooking our breakfasts and dinners on it. It might just be me, but I find the smell of wood smoke in my hair and on my clothes very comforting!
The welcome basket from Julie & William Wilberforce who run the site ( a direct descendant of the William Wilberforce), was packed full of gorgeous local produce. All the little touches were very thoughtful. Although it was late last year, we were blessed with the most beautiful weather, and the sunlight crept through the trees, illuminating the leaves. There's a cabin to chill out in too, a fab hot shower room, a preparation area, and a compost loo with a view so you can watch all the nuthatches, rabbits and squirrels! The lawn also doubles up as a badminton court and croquet pitch.
It's close to Harrogate & Ripon if you wanted to go & explore. We got as far as the local pub after our campfire dinner. If you're planning a Yorkshire adventure, you might just want to check out the sanctuary that is Copper Beech Glade. We'll be back!
