Jenkin Hill Cottage News

The colours of the crocuses seem even brighter than usual after that long Winter.

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.