Autumn has most certainly descended. Late September has been a fair old mix. Just this past week, I’ve been out in blistering sunshine and yet now I’m wringing my socks out. The mornings have turned too, and the fells have distinct twinges of brown with their blanket of heather radiating purple. It is by far my favourite of the seasons the mornings are cool and crisp, time for jumpers and warm socks. However, I find it the most enjoyable time to be outside, the humidity has eased and the sun is warm but no longer blistering.
I began last week with a trip to the coast, the wind virtually non existent, but the waves were thunderous, perhaps a sign of the conditions off the coast. A weekday afternoon was considerably quieter than usual and gave us the chance to play fetch on the beach with the dog. As well as engage her to fine tune her swimming ability, although this is yet to be mastered. The sun was welcoming, having spent much of summer working indoors. The break I needed. It has been invigorating. Reconnecting with the friends, family and passions and just generally getting relaxing outdoors.
Since the beginning of this year I have longed for a visit to the Lake District, majestic, welcoming and bold. The drive into Keswick in the shadow of Skiddaw is awe-inspiring, a fell I’d love to conquer, albeit not this trip. If you’ve never visited Keswick I would advise you do, it is a delightful town in the heart of the Lakes on the shore of Derwent water. The high-street stores are largely outnumbered by the Pubs and outdoor stores, all of which have a good range of goods should you wish to stock up. After a nice stroll down to Derwent water and a pub lunch, we set off to great wood just around the corner. Enjoying a woodland stroll which quickly saw us reach the shoreline. The views were magnificent across to cat bells a fell we concurred last year and across the lake to Derwent Isle.
After some wonderful trips from Coast to Mountains it was nice to travel to the City and enjoy a day out taking in the sights, sounds and smells of Newcastle. Although I lived here for some 5 years, I never tire of returning, it was great to have my farther with me and visit some of my old haunts. The highlight by far is sitting in the wonderful Bridge Tavern and taking in magnificent Tyne bridge which straddles the pub far above. A final drink in the quaint Ouseburn, a favourite discovery of my final years in the city, made me yearn for city life once more. Alas the call of the outdoors is greater and I cannot see myself city living again.
