A normal day in Keswick:

An exceptional day in Keswick:

Yes, Keswick (and the Lake District in general) are generally quite rainy, which makes the grass and trees lovely and green, but makes going outside a tad tricky for about 50% of the time. In fact, there is a well-known saying which goes: “If you can see the mountains, it’s going to rain. If you cannot see the mountains, it’s already raining”. The two photos above (of Helvellyn St) certainly testify to this.

However, a couple of days ago we had stunningly warm weather for the area (and time of year), but when I woke this morning, I was somewhat consoled to see that the ‘good old lakeland weather’ was back with a vengeance!

Click here to see the forecast for the next few days – more grey fluffy things than bright yellow cirlces there too!

We had a couple of weeks in the Lakes last summer, which you can read about here. Meanwhile, I hope the weather’s nice wherever you are!

In August, the Bakers had a few days break in a static caravan on this site near the picturesque village of Pooley Bridge in the Lake District.

In spite of the typical Lakeland weather (ie cloudy, wet & windy) we had a good time, the caravan was lovely and we had some great experiences, particularly:

* Seeing a red squirrel just outside the caravan on the our very first morning there:

These are very rare in the UK these days, so to have one literally on one’s doorstep is something of a novelty to say the least. Here’s another shot:

* Hay Close Maize Maze – a fun day out for all the family. The mazes were actually shaped like a cow and a tractor – see some aerial views here (NB not this year’s) and directions here.

* Visiting Eden Ostrich World nearby and seeing sheep being milked (!?)

* Having a visit from our friend Joanna, whom we knew from Benin (previously posted here and here). She even stayed a couple of nights in the caravan with us!

* A trip on an Ullswater Steamer after a 7-mile hike.

Here are some more holiday pics:

(TL: The kids on a cannon at Carlisle Castle (click here too), TR: A monumental walk along the banks of Ullswater, BL: Aboard the Ullswater steamer and BR: Outside the caravan with Joanna).

More summer photos on Rob’s Facebook profile which you can find by clicking the new link on the RHS of this blog (thanks for your tips on that one, Eddie A).

Thanks for reading! PS What do you think about the LHC – waste of time and money or fascinating scientific research tool? Leave us a comment!

If so, I whole-heartedly recommend that you attend Re:ignite next spring.

“What’s that all about?” I hear you ask! Well, it’s a kind of retreat for folk like us, which takes place in Keswick from 29th May – Friday 4th June next year. We went last year and found it a wonderful opportunity to:

(i) share with like-minded people
(ii) recharge our spiritual, mental and physical batteries
(iii) get some great teaching and handy ‘survival’ tips
(iv) enjoy the local countryside
(v) eat delicious meals on site every day.

There was also a great kids programme run by ‘international missions folk’ who understand TCK’s (of which we have three!)

Great setting too – Keswick is beautiful! (Click here to see the view from our room last year). What more could you ask for? But don’t take my word for it – check out the info on the Christian Vocations website (where, if you look carefully, you may see someone you know holding an orange and a quote from a certain ‘LB’ too).