As much as you love your kids it’s always nice to take a little time out as a couple – not that we had much choice in the matter. Teen 1 came home from uni for the hols and announced that she was having a mass sleepover of student friends early in the New Year and hinted strongly that we might like to make ourselves scarce for a couple of nights. Not that we would dream of cramping her style and I certainly didn’t want to be around to see things spilt on the new carpet.
Of course there were lots to do before we left, Wonderhubby and I braved the blizzards to ensure that in the event of nuclear fallout there would be enough for them to eat, drink and make merry without the need to resurface until at least next Spring. Mattresses, duvets and sleeping bags had to be arranged on various floors, there was a list of instructions: how to put the rubbish out, how to switch off the water, gas and electricity, how to switch on the dishwasher (I live in hope) and to bring in any bottles of milk spotted on the doorstep. Eventually we were unceremoniously pushed out of the door but not before I issued strict orders to Teen 1 about behaving responsibly with her friends in front of younger, more impressionable Teen 2. ‘Yeah, Mum, whatever’, came the reply.
Anxious thoughts soon gave way to awe as driving through the wintry landscapes of Northumberland, past Hadrian’s Wall and into Cumbria was breathtaking. Glimpsing sight of the Langdale Pikes, shimmering white in the dusk signalled we had reached my favourite part of The Lake District and were near our destination: The Langdale Hotel where Wonderhubby and I resolved to spoil ourselves.
Our room had recently been refurbished and was very stylish if rather purple; the bed was so enormous that I imagined less affectionate couples might signal goodnight to each other in semaphore. However, it was brilliant for reclining on and watching the widescreen, flatscreen TV. I toyed briefly with the idea of starting to map out the plot for my new drama idea but opted instead for the pool, spa and steam room. On perusing the menu, I decided that my New Year’s resolution for healthy options might need to be somewhat delayed.
But the real treat was outside and on waking we found a crisp bright day, showing the magnificent snow covered peaks to perfection, each with it’s own characteristic shape. We took a circular walk from Elterwater village over to Little Langdale, returning via Colwith Force and Skelwith Bridge past Elterwater Lake itself and conveniently winding up at The Britannia, a real ale pub with a real log fire. Even these lowland paths were treacherous with packed ice and great care was needed underfoot as well as a silly hat and bandit scarf to keep the frost out. One does not need altitude in The Lakes to be surrounded by magnificent vistas and it is easy to see why this place has been an inspiration to many writers through time.
Recently I have had the privilege to come across the work of the late Tom Rawling whose beautiful, honest and often moving poetry was shaped by his native Ennerdale. Poems and memories of Tom have now been put together in the book How Hall by Lamplugh and District Heritage Society and recordings by the writer of his poetry are also available on a CD. I am just in the process of obtaining consent from the copyright holders then I look forward to featuring Tom and his work on the blog and when it is up and running, the spoken word website.
