Has Spring Arrived?

What a beautiful day again today here in Bowness. We have had some glorious days of crisp bright sunshine along with equally crisp temperatures of course but the snowdrops are blooming and the daffodils are coming up. I think perhaps spring is slowly arriving although it will be late this year due to the hard winter and very low temperatures that we have all had over the country. I am thoroughly enjoying the sunshine but can't wait for the temperature to start to rise consistently and remain above freezing for more than a few days at a time.

Hugo and I went for a run (very slow!) along the lake shore this afternoon and up Queen Adelaides Hill (much much slower!) and sat enoying the view. I gasped for air like a fish out of water whilst Hugo of course proceeded to race around bouncing at me confused as to why I was the colour of beetroot and couldn't speak. However when I recovered enough I took a photo on my mobile to share the view across the lake towards the Langdale Pikes with you.

We managed to get out on Saturday afternoon for a walk and took the ferry as foot passengers (people 50p each way, dogs free) over Windermere to the shores across from Bowness and walked along under Claife Heights. Again a gorgeous day but chilly out of the sun, Hugo however didn't seem to feel the chill as he took to the water. Here he is waiting patiently to board the ferry across from Windermere.

Hopefully we have seen the last of the snow and can look forward to a bright spring followed by a long and hot summer (well dryish anyway). We are lucky to share one of the most beautiful places in England with our guests and no matter what the weather it never fails but to delight me with spectacular views and breathtaking scenery.

The changing seasons with all the variations in weather bring a thousand moods and ever changing beauty to the lakes however here's a photo of Paul and Hugo in some wintry weather that thankfully we can say goodbye to for this winter (fingers crossed!).

Post Knott (20 mins walk from Langdale View) being very atmospheric with the cloud hanging above Lake windermere taken by my daughter Natasha .

Up and Coming Events

I thought it might be a good idea to start and let you know some of the up and coming events that are happening in the Lakes over the next few months. There are loads of things going on to suit all tastes and abilities so I will list a few each blog to give a flavour and invite you to google and search furher at www.southlakeland.gov.uk/tourism where you can search the latest listings by event type, town or the date of your visit.

Light Up Hadians Wall
Hadrian’s Wall – all 84 miles of it – will be bathed in light for one night only in March.A spectacular line of light will run along the entire coast-to-coast Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail on Saturday, March 13. Hadrian’s Wall – all 84 miles of it – will be bathed in light for one night only in March.

Lights will be placed at 250m intervals along the route – that’s around 500 illuminated spots stretching from Wallsend to Bowness-on-Solway in Cumbria. The Romans built fortlets, known as milecastles, along the Wall at intervals of one Roman mile. Between each milecastle, and spaced one third of a Roman mile apart, were a series of turrets. The plan is to create a point of light where all the milefortlets and turrets were located, with an additional point of light between each of them. There will also be a number of stewarded points along the wall where people will be able to view the line of light.

The ‘Illuminating Hadrian’s Wall’ project coincides with British Tourism Week 2010 (March 15-21) and is the brainchild of Hadrian’s Wall Heritage Ltd, who are planning a massive eco-revamp of the site over the next five years.

It is one of a number of events being held in the North East of England and Cumbria presented by Kendal Arts International and Manchester International Arts. It forms part of the events and festivals programme for culture10 in the North East of England and the Lakes Alive festival in Cumbria.

It really is a once in a lifetime opportunity to create a line of light stretching from one side of England to the other.

Cumbria Fishing Festival 2010
Sat 15th - Sun 23rd May at various locations around South Lakeland and Cumbria.

Tel: 01539535630
www.gofishinglakedistrict.co.uk


Windermere Airshow 2010...
This hugely successful and enjoyable event takes place over the weekend of 24/25 July - this will be our 10th anniversary. Based at the Glebe in Bowness-on-Windermere the event takes place over the whole weekend. Participants are yet to be confirmed but I have to say it was an extremely impressive turnout last year. I'll post a new blog as soon as i've found out the itinerary.

Tel: 07749 806586
www.windermereairshow.co.uk

Lakes Alive Summer Programme
May - Sept. A fantastic series of events throughout the season at various locations across the Lakes and Cumbria.

Tel:01539720252
www.lakesalive.org

I hope these have given you a flavour of some of the things that are going on here in the Lakes alongside the beautiful scenery and fantastic walks, climbs, biking that we offer.

A New Year

A Happy New Year to you all, I realise its rather late to be saying this but better late than never as they say. I've been rather busy over Christmas and New Year with entertaining and a full house of guests which has been lovely, and I have very recently celebrated another birthday (21 obviously). So I'm back to the blog now that I have some time. When I master the art of technology I will post some photos that we have taken during the snow and icy weather. I confess its more the point that I can't find the lead that links the camera to the PC rather than anything else, its somewhere safe of course!

The mountains and the Lake District have been particularly beautiful during the snow with some stunning days of sunshine and blue skies to show off the views. I do love the snow and the views but I have to say that when it reached about minus 13 I confess I wasn't that impressed with the temperature. We walked Hugo had snow ball fights, my nephews went sledging and we built snowmen, enjoying the most snow we have had in years. Hugo our dog has a love of snow and particularly ice so he was delighted every day to be outside in the snow running about and chasing snowballs. One of Hugo's peculiarities is that he likes to eat ice cubes, every day after we have served breakfast he waits patiently for an ice cube from the bowl that we serve the yoghurts in .... strange dog, but then who wants a dog without some odd personality traits.

The snow has more or less gone now at lower levels although the mountains are still wearing their white dresses of snow for some while yet I expect. Our wood burner has never been stoked quite so high as in the first couple of weeks of this year, nor have we fed as many of the garden birds, we seem to have gone through bags of seed.

The temperature is now warming up and my thoughts have inevitably turned to the garden. I haven't made any resolutions this year as they all seem to revolve around projects in the Guest house and the grounds. The rest of the property involves 'work' some more enjoyable than other tasks, however my garden is much more of a pleasure for me no matter how mundane the jobs are, if its outside I'm happier. My mother ordered a seed and bulb catalogue for me recently and I have to say the looks of pity I received from my family when I was so excited and delighted to get it, I fear I have no street cred left ..... if I ever had any in the first place!

I hope you all enjoy 2010 as much as we intend to, have a happy and prosperous year and I look forward to welcoming you here at Langdale View. To those of you who garden like myself, may your garden grow well, your pests be few and your crops plentiful ..... fingers crossed!

The Recent Weather, Wrens & Windermere Masked Parade & Lights Switch On Sat 28th Nov

As you will no doubt be aware things have been quite interesting on the weather front in Cumbria of late with the north of the county bearing the brunt. Lake Windermere remains high as do all the lakes and rivers but they have receded to manageable proportions with roads now passable and businesses open as usual in the Lake District.

We have escaped unscathed other than a wind swept outside and very soggy garden as you would expect. I have however started a guerrilla war with a couple of Wrens who have taken a real liking to my hanging baskets and ousted plants so they can burrow in and shelter. What with the wind and them, my attempts at winter baskets look rather forlorn at the moment. When I thought I had resolved this by repacking them the Wrens outwitted me and now mock me from the top of the vine in the greenhouse. The amount of rain lately has swollen the wood on the greenhouse door so I can't shut it completely much to their delight and I fear they have won for the moment. I'm regrouping and considering a pincer movement .... well perhaps when the weather improves and I can get into the garden, until then they are welcome to the greenhouse.

We will be attempting to trim up with Christmas lights and decorations over the next week or so, outside may have to wait a little while for a weather window but we remain optimistic as ever.
This leads me on to :-

Windermere & Bowness Winter Lights Masked Parade & Sing-a-long Seeking Santa Cruise

4.30 - 7.00pm Windermere masked parade through Windermere led by Santa who turns on the winter lights, followed by fireworks. This is a free event, for information & booking Santa Cruise tickets 015394 46499 or www.windermerewinterlights.org

We are pleased to announce that the parade is going ahead as planned - wellington boots recommended!

We have been advised by Windermere Lake Cruises that the Sing-a-long Seeking Santa Cruise will be going ahead as the water level of the lake has lowered. There are a few tickets left for the cruise - contact phone number above to book.

Roads, accommodation, shops and parking in and around Windermere and Bowness have been largely unaffected by the floods.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Make all your Christmas dreams come true in Windermere and Bowness in 2009!

Join in the fun on Saturday November 28, 2009 with the Sing-a-long Seeking Santa Cruise from Bowness pier, the Fourth Annual Winter Masked Parade through Windermere village and the Winter Lights Switch-ons in both communities. All this excitement will be topped off at the Grand Firework Finale in Queens Park!

There will be live music and entertainment, food, drink, mulled wine during the day. And there’s plenty of opportunity to get in some Christmas treats in two of Lakeland ’s most scenic shopping villages.

The day starts (perhaps after coffee and cakes in one of our many glorious cafes!) at 10am sharp when you board a Windermere Lake Cruises steamer bound for a special rendezvous with the man in the red suit – our sensational Sing-a-long Seeking Santa Cruise, with Astral Circus Childrens Entertainer.

Arriving back at Bowness at 12 noon you will be greated by Santa's Donkey and elves, you can then enjoy the delights of Bowness and Windermere, perhaps doing some important Christmas shopping.

But make sure to get to Windermere railway station for 4.30pm, when Santa on his sleigh will lead the Winter Masked Parade through Windermere Switching-on the Winter Lights along the way to Queens Park where The Lakes Gospel Choir will perform both before and after the Grand Firework display.

Cruise tickets available now (£10 per adult and £5 per child) from Thresher, Crescent Road, Windermere or Breeze (Earth Collection), Quarry Rigg, Bowness or via the Contact Us page on the website above. Your ticket for the Santa Cruise also provides FREE entry to an exclusive 3/4 hour cartoon show at the Royalty Cinema, Bowness at 12.30.

Please check the above website regularly for updates – we look forward to greeting you all this Christmas 2009 – let’s make it extra special for everyone!

Schedule of Events
10.00am Boarding of Sing-a-Long Seeking Santa Cruise at Bowness Piers.

Departing 10.30am, returning approx 12noon

The Sing-a-Long and Astral Circus will perform on Quarry Rigg from 1pm until 3pm

4.20pm The Parade (which is free) gathers at Windermere Train Station.

At 4.30pm the parade leaves the Station and heads down Victoria Street, Crescent Road onto Broad Street to Queen’s Park Recreation Ground where you will be entertained by The Lakes Gospel Choir.

6.00pm Fireworks display, Queen’s Park Recreation Ground. The Firework Display is free, however, donations are welcome via Marshals with collecting buckets to help make this event happen.

Autumn fruits

Autumn has definately arrived here in the lakes. We have had some gorgeous sunny days here and the trees are turning the most beautiful colours. Our plan was to go and take some photos of the stunning scenery here at this time, probably from Tarn Hows. Unfortunately as is usual, the best laid plans didn't quite happen. When we finally managed to have the time, in swept the other Autumnal weather that we all know so well, with rain over the last couple of days.

The compensation is that you don't feel quite so guilty about not being out in the garden tidying up and planting winter baskets and troughs - I'm sure they'l keep until the weather improves again.

I managed to harvest our grapes recently and have made some wine, now happily blooping away in the kitchen. It remains to be seen if Chateaux Langdale works out or not, but its all a voyage of discovery since moving in in March this year.

I've managed to make plum jam, plum wine and chutney (thanks to Tracey my Mums friend for the plum donation), Damson jam from the tree in the lane outside our Guest House, strawberry and blueberry jam. I'm rapidly turning into a rosy cheeked country girl! Our guests are happy with my jam, and it sits alongside the Hawkshead relish jam and marmalade that we already supply for breakfast.

I recently enjoyed a weekend in Manchester with a lively group of friends and although I may be developing a taste for country life there's still that pull of the bright lights of the city for me as well. Thats the good thing about living here I can be straight into Manchester city centre in about 1 hour 45 mins by train from Windermere ... best of both worlds really.

Well the nights are drawing in and time to light the wood burner I think and toast my toes. Till next time

Ann-Marie

Pancake Recipe

We have been busy getting our last room,'Coniston' ready to open and we are very pleased with how its turned out. The colour scheme is chocolate brown, gold and cream, the room has a sumptuous feel to it with silk curtains, big gold tie backs and our usual high quality fixtures and fittings. Photographs will soon be posted on our web site for you to see. We are delighted that we now have all our rooms available to book.

So here is the recipe after a bit of a delay. I'm sure it will be worth waiting for as all our guests have enjoyed their pancakes whilst staying with us. The recipe is compliments of Nigella Lawson 'Express' cookery book with our own twist and our thanks go to her for the original pancake recipe.

The recipe is a home-made instant pancake mix made and stored as a dry mix until you need it.

For the pancake mix

• 600g flour
• 3 x 15ml tablespoons baking powder
• 2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 40g caster sugar

1. mix all the ingredients together and store in an airtight container.
2. when you are ready to make pancakes, proceed as follows

To make the batter and the pancakes
weigh out 150g of dry mix and whisk together with

• 1 egg
• 1 x 15ml tablespoon of melted butter
• milk to make a thick batter, roughly 100ml/quarter pint, you may need more or less depending on the flour you use.

1. Heat a large frying pan or griddle.
2. Butter pan lightly. You don't need to but I think it gives a better finish to pancakes.
3. Spoon rounded desert spoons of batter well spaced onto the hot pan. We fit 4 pancakes at a time into our pan as this is the portion we use for each serving for breakfast. This makes pancakes of roughly 3-4 inches in diameter. If your batter is too thin they will run together and you will get one big pancake. Not the end of the world as you can cook it and then cut it if needs be.
4. Watch the heat setting for your pan, if its too hot the pancakes with brown but not be cooked in the middle.
   
5. When bubbles appear on the surface, flip them over so they are golden brown on both sides.
6. We get 10 pancakes from each 150g dry mix and we serve 4 stacked with bananas, blueberries, strawberries and then maple syrup poured over and around the stack. Please see our breakfast menu on the website for a photograph.

These are very versatile, you can add flavourings to the pancakes, such as cinnamon, or grated apple. We are looking for ways of serving them in the winter months when soft fruits such as strawberries are out of season and imports aren't at their best. I have thought of compotes, but stacked with fruit does look so much better. If you have any suggestions please let me know as all are gratefully received.

Fantastic Value Bargain Breaks From Nov - March 2010

See it here first on the blog
Special offers to entice you to come and enjoy our hospitality from Nov 1st 2009 - March 25th 2010.

Nov 1st 2009 - March 25th 2010
Prices reduced as follows:
Langdale & Kentmere £35.00 per person per night (single occupancy add £10.00)
Coniston £33.00 per person per night (single occupancy add £10.00)
Wansfell & Fairfield £31.00 per person per night (single occupancy add £10.00)

You can book on line for the above or ring if you prefer.

Book for longer save even more!
Book 2 nights get 3rd half price
Book 3 nights get 4th free

Phone us on 01539444076 for the above offers

The above offers exclude the following dates
27.12.09 - 04.01.2010 Christmas and New Year Holidays
12.02.2010 - 15.02.2010 Valentines


We look forward to seeing you soon
Ann-Marie & Paul