Sunday 29th March 2020 in the Yorkshire Dales

I know you’ve probably heard it said before but, yes, what strange times we’re living in although looking from the house on Lower Back Nook in West Burton you would really not think anything different was going on in the world. But wow, what a difference there is. It does seem very strange not going for my usual walks with friends and if that’s all I can think of as a hardship then I’m not doing too badly. Being of a certain age my husband and I are in the house and garden as far as possible and rely on our family, Joanne included, to keep the cupboards and fridge with something in them at least.

Usually on here I would be talking about the walks I’d been on, relishing in the beauty of the countryside in the glorious Yorkshire Dales and what there might be to do during your stay. The beauty of the countryside is still very much here and spring is gradually beginning to stir. First coltsfoot spotted today, you don’t always see many around here for whatever reason, just round here, other parts of the dales there are plenty, I think. Primroses have been showing their bright faces for a couple or so weeks, soon the garlic will be carpet on the sides of Morpeth Scar lane and we can look forward to the heady smell of bluebells a little later.

I’ve confined my walking to Morpeth Scar and the High Lane always in a linear manner, I don’t need to go through any stiles or gates and I can walk as far as I can, could even go to Middleham if the urge took me, I think my piece of elastic won’t stretch that far though! Don’t look behind and you get a totally different perspective on the return journey. The weather has been kind and the views have been quite breath taking and the clouds, always love the clouds, could gaze for hours if time permitted. If you are interested in clouds a friend mentioned that there is a Cloud Appreciation Society, and if you want a relaxing 10-minute break, check out the founder's TED talk. Hopefully it will make you smile. https://www.ted.com/talks/gavin_pretor_pinney_cloudy_with_a_chance_of_joy  I have yet to listen but apparently there are other interesting talks on there too, one by Bill Gates recorded in 2015 that we should all have listened and taken heed of then!

Don’t forget we’re here waiting for you when all this is over, hopefully not too long away. Do keep safe and well, Nadine and Joanne.