Christians Against Poverty

Thursday was my interview day with a view to becoming a Debt Councellor. The signpost in Bradford shows the way to the overseas branches. 

Reflections, scrambles and a birthday!

Our time in Cumbria in June & July has been eventful.  First,an unscheduled return to Devon, then to Portsmouth, London, back to Portsmouth and returning to Threlkeld - was a necessary exercise to see Lydia snugged down into her new London home.  Brothers Water supplied stunning reflections on a day when a mega walk was curtailed by bracken!  Summer bracken made for such heavy going on our chosen ascent of Hartsop Dodd, that we had a change of plan - prudent I think given the sudden heat wave.  Julia came up for a visit, and on the very hottest of days we walked with her up the exciting Hart Fell to have lunch in 20 plus degrees on the summit of Blencathra.  The final excitement was celebrating my mum's 86th birthday in Durham with the complete clan of siblings! It was lovely to see Hazel, John and Caroline and especially a treat to have Andy & Rachel all the way from Australia.

Julia up Blencathra

Circumstances decreed that our one day on the fells with Julia coincided with Britain's one-day heat wave. So up Blencathra we set our glowing brows and ascended the 700+ metres in lus 20 degrees of summer sunshine. The bonus was lunch at the summit, something we have never done due to cold windy conditions. Up Halls Felland down Scales Fell provided a good day out. We hunted down an ice cream in Keswick as reward. 

Keswick Convention

This week is the start of the annual Keswick Convention, a three week Christian convention promoting our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Having cycled the first two days, Lynn and I decided to rest our derrières, and walked the pleasant 4 miles into Keswick.  Ever on the lookout for wild flowers we spotted the blue thimble-shaped Harebell. 

Head for the hills again! Now fell & Esk Pike

After a very wet Monday, Tuesday looked more promising. Lynn was delighted when I suggested Bowfell at over 900 metres.  This is a 'tourist' route so we expected to see other walkers. There were plenty, many on route to Scafell Pike, a very long day from Dungeon Ghyll!  While Lynn rested I also popped up Allen Crags and Rosset Pike. 

Lyd's new pad

Here's Lyds in her new room in Central Londom. New job starts Monday!

Relaxing with Sara & Dan

Lynn and I are on our way to London to see Lydia's new accommodation. It's great to catch up and relax with Dan & Sara in Portsmouth.