Arrival

Sunday, August 2

An uneventful but tedious journey yesterday. The journey through Norfolk averaged 30mph behind a procession of cars and caravans - only surpassed by those coming the other way. The A47 was no better as was the tedious hours through the industrial conurbations of the Midlands and South Yorkshire. Nearing Settle, a huge holdup at lights in Gargrave, where an ancient Inn, The Swan, roadside on a corner, had recently burnt down. Pedestrians and traffic were being protected from an unsafe structure.

There was an even longer queue when we passed through this morning.

Turning off the A62 to Kendal, the traffic stopped completely. We drove for some miles along a single track road, lovely views of rolling hills and dales, drystone wall boundaries, shorn sheep dotting the pastures. Where on earth was Routster Cottage?

The last climb was enhanced by two Wheatears silhouetted on walls and fence wire, 

 

a Carrion Crow cawing a welcome from a nearby post.

Through a gateway, our delightful cottage immediately right, the main - and very extensive - farm buildings ahead of us.

We were very impressed by the facilities and furnishings, all high class. The car was soon unpacked, and the moth trap placed in a field at the back of the cottage, up against the wall. Out of sight and under a window which had an electricity socket conveniently below.

Just in time to watch most of the FA Cup Final which Arsenal won 2-1 against Chelsea. With some regret (not a lot) Aubamayang's tremendous goal-scoring skill brought me a last-minute win in this Year's Fantasy Football friends' group. Only 7 points more than the season-long leader, Pam.

After a comfortable night, we approached the moth trap with apprehension and some excitement. Would there be any macros at all up here. Yes, enough to whet the appetite. Best was two lovely Gold Spot,

a surprising 20 Antler moths, 2 Lesser Swallow Prominent, 2 Silver Y, 12 Large Yellow Underwings, 6 Dark Arches, 7 Common Footman, 3 Common Rustic, 3 Smoky Wainscot, 1 Scalloped Oak, 1 Barred Straw, 1 Flame Shoulder, 1 Six-striped Rustic, 1 Common Wainscot, 2 Burnished Brass, 1 Nutmeg, 1 Least Yellow Underwing, a carpet type moth, unknown to us, escaped !! Bother. 50+ micros were - all but two - Grass Veneer type.

The rest of the morning was spent travelling to and shopping in a Skipton supermarket. We'd intended shopping en route, but didn't pass any of the M and S outlets. nor indeed any roadside services. We are set up for the week now.

From the supermarket, we went on to Grassington hoping for somewhere to stop. It was a lovely road with no pull-offs, plenty of traffic, each small village had hordes of appropriately clad walkers. Groups of cyclists and bikers also enjoyed the area. That's the problem with an August birthday, hordes of other tourists - if we go to attractive areas. Being out on a Sunday doesn't help either. 

I was longing to take photographs of the narrowboats and locks on the 127 miles long Liverpool - Leeds canal,.which we passed on several occasions.I've always loved canals, their history and traditions, since a group of us hired a boat on the Oxford Canal in August when Sara was due at the end of September. My then husband, three other male teachers and I. As Mick grounded the boat on canalside pilings almost as soon as we set off, I became the designated driver. We had to wait for the wash from a passing boat to lift us off. The men then did all the lock gate opening and shutting, mooring and daily upkeep. If we didn't eat out at a waterside pub, I cooked. All very traditional.

As was the narrow boat  I made and painted for a school project. Balsa Wood with small glittering pieces of anthracite coal from my parents' coal hole as cargo. It even floated evenly. Painting roses on tiny buckets and ewers was a challenge for me - I am not artistically gifted.

Stoke Poges with its canal museum was a short journey away from Borehamwood, where I taught for 15 years before moving to Norfolk.

It rained overnight and we've had some sharp showers to-day but the sun is shining and we have wonderful rolling views from the cottage. Can you see the building cluster?