Sunday 8th November 2015

Another mild November day. Windy with an early morning shower. Not at all what you would call winter weather.
Bird watching before breakfast and pleased to see the nuthatch, male and female bull finches on the garden feeders.
All enjoyed a family breakfast and talking about last nights event before getting ready for the Sunday roast at the Square and Compass pub near Harrogate.
A good way to finish the weekend, sad to say goodbye for another year.
Back home to Adel late afternoon and another pint of Ilkley Light to finish the day.

Saturday 7th November 2015

Wet and miserable morning but at least cleared up giving us a very mild, dry afternoon and evening. Afternoon spent helping Paul prepare for the evenings family firework party.
Tan, Pete, Tom, Lizz and William arrived mid afternoon, good to catch up over a welcome drink before the festivities commenced for real.
Guy was introduced to the family before lighting the first rocket to start the party. The fire was lit, the burgers were ready, more fireworks, more drink...we were well away!
All agreed it was another successful year.

Friday 6th November 2015

That's better weather, many thanks.
Dry, mild but sadly lacking sun but at least could now enjoy some scenery.
A good long walk this morning, a walk I have enjoyed on the same day, same week every year since 1971. The walk leads you into Breary Nature Reserve which gas been developed over the years. The trees through the wood were just something else. The colours were amazing.
Rest of the day catching up on reading and enjoying a few pints of local ale with Paul.
Looking forward to the family firework party tomorrow.
Pictures 1 & 2 - Breary Wood Nature Reserve.
       "             3 - Sunset tonight from the house.

Thursday 5th November 2015

What a day, left Ringinglow in thick fog for the journey to Chapel in Frith. What should have been a good scenic journey was nothing but.
Found the farm that I was interested in visiting deep in the valley overlooking Kinder Scout. Despite the thick fog at road level it was surpringly clear for distant viewing from the valley.
Pushed ourselves a little with walking but thoroughly enjoyed it and seeing Otters for the first time. Also had never seen so many deer in one place before. With the colourful backdrop of the trees it really was a magical place to be.
It was now early afternoon and time to leave for the next part of the holiday. A drive to the Yorkshire Dales and a stay with Margaret and Paul.
A 65 mile journey that took 4 hours. The weather was appalling but at least we arrived safely.
Look forward now to a week with the family hoping the weather is an improvement on the the four days of fog.

2nd - 4th November 2015

The last three days have been very mild but oh so foggy. Yesterday was a nightmare, hated the drive back to the hotel, could not see hand in front, as dense as it comes. During daylight hours it was as foggy hence going underground with a visit to the Blue John Cavern. Almost killed us, 254 steps to the lowest point, thought would be ok but it was the climb back up. One amazing place, had not appreciated Blue John was such a narrow seam. Very interesting and a must go visit if healthy.
While there a school party on a ramble in the area became lost in the fog and it was a panic situation for a while. What a relief when voices were heard, head teacher said a few rules were broken in the search or the cavern. Ummm, yes they arrived safely but in my mind rules are rules. What if springs to mind.
On leaving Castleton we aimed for Ladybower famous as the dambusters practice area. Fog had lifted a little so we could see the water and Derwentwater Dam, just a shame it was not clearer for photographs.
Have also visited Chatsworth House and an Alpaca Farm and driven the Snake Pass while in the Peak District.
Tomorrow we leave for the Dales but not before visiting a local Wildlife Reserve. Foggy again tonight, do hope it clears tomorrow as do not fancy the drive to Otley.
Photographs will be posted next week on return from the holiday.
Picture 1 - A foggy Castleton.
    "  2 - 4 - Blue John Mine.
    " 5 - 10 - Ladybower Reservoir.
    "      11 - Chatsworth House.
 " 12 - 13 - Alpaca Farm.
    "     14 - Norfolk Arms, home for 4 days.
    "     15 - Otter seen at Chapel - Le - Frith.
    "     16 - Deer     "    "       "        "         "
    "     17 - Village of             "        "         "
    "     18 - Chatsworth House.
**Pictures out of sequence, Chatsworth House is actually the first one not the last**

Sunday 1st November 2015

Another very mild day but lacking sun, misty most of the day.
Morning spent clearing up from last night. How can just a few people make so much mess?!

Lawns cut, bird feeders topped up, mice fed, Guy all ready, cases packed - on our way to the Dales and the annual family firework party. Three days in Derbyshire first.

Saturday 31st October 2015

A cracking day. Warm, sunny and yes it is October. In fact warmest October day for 69 years.
Day spent preparing for tonight's Spooky bbq with the neighbs'. Pumpkin carved, spiders and bats swing nicely, burgers de-frosting - ready to roll.
Festivities began at 7pm but sadly my burgers were well de-frosted and all ended up as mincemeat! Lorna's ghoulish puds were a hit, was a good night. Good to see Leilani, home especially from University, was not going to miss the traditional annual Spooky bbq.
All photographs are of the evening bbq mostly captured by Celie using my camera.