Thankfully, with fully working indicators and horn and a cough that had been soothed we were able to load up and head off.
Our destination for Saturday afternoon was in the North Lakes so we decided to get half way there on the Friday night and do the rest of it in the morning. Having spent my Uni days at Charlotte Mason in the Lake District with a second year at Lancaster Campus I had only really used the A6 to get as far as Lancaster. Well let me tell you, this is a mighty pretty road to use. If you are in a car and in a rush, the M6 makes more sense but if you have time to spend and a vehicle like Buttercup who won't be rushed I can definitely recommend it. With limited drama, we found somewhere to park, cooked dinner and enjoyed a glass of bubbles that we had kept cold in the fridge we now know how to work.
The next morning we decided to continue up to the North Lakes in a leisurely manner. The weather was kind and a quick look at the map showed us we could go via Haweswater before ending up at the Hesket Newmarket country show (more of that later). Haweswater is a beautiful, quiet lake that's not really on the tourist route. There is one road in and out that leads down to a small car park. Downhill in a van like Buttercup is great, engage neutral and coast. But we knew that climbing back up that road would be quite a demand so what else could we do but go for a walk to allow her time to recover?! And this is what we saw...
As you can see, it's gorgeous! It's so unspoilt, quiet and off the beaten track. The running water actually sounds loud! There used to be a village in this valley but it was flooded some time ago. On a beautiful summer day it seemed idyllic but I would imagine it's pretty unforgiving in the winter. The thought of living down here centuries ago, with only footpaths over the mountains to Shap when you wanted to bury your dead really shows how resourceful, brave and hardy humans can be.
From here we continued on our journey. The road out of Haweswater wasn't as bad as we feared and Buttercup tackled the gradient and bends very well. Driving her is so different from a modern car. Every bend has to be anticipated in advance, your feet dance permanently between brake and accelator. The dilemma of keeping up power versus taking bends at a safe and sedate pace is ongoing. It's certainly not dull! And so we climbed up and continued on our way to the rendezvous with relatives at Hesket Newmarket. We just had time for a spot of lunch before we headed to the show ground itself.
I grew up in a seaside town that borders agricultural life but nothing had prepared me for the show we were about to enjoy. It was packed with every kind of cow imaginable, sheep of every colour and terrier racing! Yes, you read that correctly! Terrier racing! Basically different types of terrier dogs are lined up by their owners and then have to chase a foxes brush (as it is the country I can only assume it is a real one) while the said brush is wound in using a contraption that is basically a bike! This is serious stuff. Owners were keen to take part and much preparation was going on at the start line. Dogs being dogs, there were several false starts and some dogs who really didn't want to do anything but run around the audience, sniff and leave their mark, but eventually the first race got under way. The compere was hilarious and really should have a show of his own. I couldn't possibly capture his brilliance but possibly some of the funniest things uttered were
"Peddle harder Michael, they're catching you!"
"Oh now I've stood in something soft. These are new boots too with new grip. I'll be lucky to get that out by the end of the month"
"My money's on that grey b&%$#r, he'll win see if I'm wrong!"
Genius!
I've attended a few summer fayres in my time but this is the first time I've seen a real marrow contest, best entry by an OAP, and best egg category. I felt as if we were extras on Midsummer Murders or Miss Marple. Thankfully everyone remained alive this time.
Having spent a very enjoyable few hours, it was time to head off once more. We had yet another rendezvous to keep on Sunday in Saltaire so we had some miles to cover.
Driving over from the Lakes to Yorkshire is really spectacular. The countryside is beautiful and when the weather is sunny (as it was for us) I defy anyone to find a more beautiful place than the UK.
I won't say exactly where we stayed on Saturday night as somethings should be kept quiet but let's just say that it was somewhere between Hawes and Hebden Bridge. This really was how we'd imagined camping in the van to be. A quiet place with a beautiful view. My birthday was on Sunday and I can't think of a better way to wake up than with a view like this from your window...
In true camper style we even headed to the river for face splash!
And this sums up why having a van is so special. I love the freedom we have. Although we had a rough agenda this weekend how we got to each place, where we stopped for food and where we slept was very much down to us. There's nothing wrong with plans but a van gives you the freedom to just try things. If you take a wrong turn does it really matter? In this country there's only so far you can go anyway.
A lot of people have asked if I have regretted buying an old vehicle that has already cost a fair amount to do up and will almost certainly cost me more as the years go on. My answer has been the same for them all - NOT AT ALL!
And when you look at the pictures above, who can blame me.
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