Jenkin Hill Cottage News

Snowdrops in our garden

Our garden and many grass verges here in the North Lakes are studded with Snowdrops. These have been in bloom for about 4 weeks now, and show no sign of fading yet. Spring is rapidly approaching, so we have the daffodils and then the bluebells to look forward to.

The birds have been collecting nesting material for some time now, but we are still having frosty mornings.

The Winter scenes here in the North Lakes are really lovely. The accessible lower slopes have been well used by children (and adults) sledging and generally enjoying themselves.

Photographers are out and about just about everywhere. It is a long time since the lakes have been frozen over, and snow resting on the ice adds to the photographic appeal. This photo is of Bassenthwaite Lake looking towards Ullock Pike and Skiddaw.

As I write this just four days before Christmas Day there is an inch of snow outside. Unfortunately it is wet snow, not suitable for snowballing or for building a snowman. More light snow showers are predicted for the rest of the week, though.

The fells look marvellous at the moment, as the sun is shining and the air seems very clear.

Added on Tues 22nd December – the view from our gate:

Thanks to all of those who have telephoned and emailed to ask about our situation here in the North Lakes.  Despite the heavy rains and winds we are still here in “sunny” Thornthwaite. The garden is a bit wet, though.

Although it has been bad for many, the road to the village remained passable, although Bass Lake did overflow onto the A66 causing that road to be closed for about 48hrs.  There are problems with bridges in Keswick (as well as Cockermouth & Workington), with many staying closed to vehicles and pedestrians until they have all been checked by engineers.  The main street in Cockermouth has been severely flood affected, including Wordsworth’s house. At one time there were two lifeboats in action on the main street in Cockermouth and three rescue helicopters lifting people from upstairs windows and roofs. Keswick got off relatively lightly, although there are many flooded homes & businesses. The town centre itself was largely unaffected. (Added 2 December – all Keswick bridges are now open, as are the main bridges in Cockermouth.)

Needless to say there is a massive effort taking place to check out the safety of properties and businesses and then  the clean-up and repair process can commence.

Bassenthwaite Lake after the heavy rains viewed from Whinlatter Forest.

Thornthwaite is on the left of the photo above, and the village Church is in the centre foregound, surrounded by water.  Bassenthwaite Lake has joined up with Derwentwater as last happened in 2005.

This short video was filmed on Friday morning.

Autumn days can be wet and miserable at times, but also absolutely wonderful. This photo was taken last week early in the morning from Thornthwaite. It shows the morning mists over Bassenthwaite and  Skiddaw.

autumn, Bassenthwaite, Skiddaw, Thornthwaite

We have a bird feeder mounted on the dining room window. It has become very popular!

Bird feeder, blue tits, coal tits

Sunny days, cool mornings.

We have been enjoying lovely sunshine this morning, as a lovely dry spell continues. This photo of Bassenthwaite Lake was taken this morning as the sun burned off an early morning mist.

Thornthwaite forest in early morning mist

This photograph was taken at 8.20am on 10th October, 2009. Visible through an early morning mist, the trees are starting the develop their autumn hues.

Hopefully we will soon experience the stunning colours of previous years, when the hillside seems to glow in the early morning sun.

The rainfall we experienced here in the Lakes during August slowed up our progress in removing trees and shrubs from the higher parts of our garden, and encouraged just too many weeds to grow in the borders!

The weather did not put off our visitors, though, and all reported having a good time despite sometimes having to “take refuge” in a coffee bar, shop or museum! The Cumberland Pencil Museum has been a popular attraction this year not just because it is indoors, but also because it is surprisingly interesting.

After 10 years the sign by our gate was looking tired and tatty so a new sign was commissioned from Sun Signs of Kendal to a design by John Cartwright.

We are really pleased with the result, which you can see in this photo.