Stay cosy!
Sophie
More from our recent weekend away in the Peak District. Cast your minds back and you may remember that storm Abigail was due to hit us (oh, that weekend) and so I kept a close eye on the forecast. It appeared, that day, as though the morning would start dry and the heavy rain would start mid morning. My plan was to head out walking as early as we could and turn back when the rain started and therefore we would have reached the furthest point dry and only got wet on the return leg. Considering we left the cottage at 9:15am (which is impressive on holiday) and the forecast strongly suggested heavy rain from 10am I assumed we'd be back for an early lunch.
We walked from Cressbrook mill towards Litton Mill. As it turned out it stayed dry as a bone until 11:57am by which time we had joined the Monsal Trail and almost reached the Chee Dale end when the first drops were felt. I popped up my hood and marched for home. We'd walked much further than anticipated so even a military pace on the way back meant it took quite a while.
The walk itself is flat as it's through a dale; much of the path was quite muddy by the river and it sounds like it often becomes unwalkable after heavy rain, we saw a path to Cressbrook to avoid this stretch when the path is flooded.
Thankfully, the rain never reached the 'torrential downpour' stage until we were safely indoors when I no longer cared what it wanted to do. We ate a lunch (my stomach had been growling for well over an hour), changed out of wet clothes and lit a fire.
I'll share my pictures of the Monsal Trail separately as I have more to say on that.
Sophie
The odd few warmer days are giving rise to the last few autumn outfits before the full blown Michelin-man style of layering up begins. This dress is one I bought on a whim; it was in a charity shop window being worn by a mannequin and took me by surprise. It's virtually unheard of for me to buy something on display as such... the only other time I can recall was a pretty Monsoon dress which I gave back to charity without ever wearing as it really didn't suit my skin tone. That was rather amusing (I was egged on by Hazel) as the shop assistant tried to wrestle the dress off the mannequin for quite a while before realising that undoing the zip would make the world of difference.
Although this red number is a couple of sizes too big, it's technically the best fit as I enjoyed it a little roomy and just gathered the waist in with a leather belt to add a little more shaping to the silhouette. While I rather love the almost military feeling lace sleeve caps, I can't say the same for the asymmetric stitching to the body. Anything asymmetric gives me an uncomfortable feeling which I can't concisely explain but usually I try to avoid anything on the wonk. (or as we say on Norfolk, 'on the huh').
As I'm getting older I'm feeling so much more relaxed about wearing less make up. I haven't put on anything on my skin for months now, instead just opting for eyeliner, mascara and something balmy for my lips. I still feel like me; the rustic version but I consider that to be my style.
Neat idea wearing white tights in the countryside, Sophie. They won't get mud splatters up the calves...
Do you feel like you're growing in to your own style?
Sophie
Some days have moments where time stops.
The wind drops and all is still; not a breath to be felt on my cheeks, not a hair out of place, not a leaf fluttering to be seen. In the deep blue sky the sun pauses a while. Rays of light shine down, filtering through the trees down to the forest floor and down over the river.
The river stays silent. Still as a mill pond, a liquid sheet, an invisible seal to the surface that nothing breaks through. I stop a while, linger by the water's edge enjoying the peace and quiet. The only sound is the click of shutter and gentle footsteps on the fallen leaves, each carefully placed foot breaking the carefully composed silence of the scene.
Have you been exploring lately?
Sophie
Following our day at the Museum of Power's Steampunk event almost a fortnight ago I thought I'd share a bit more of the museum itself. The autumn scene was so pretty as we walked across the bridge from the car park to the museum entrance; bright yellows and greens.
The old Langford pumping station is now home to the Museum of Power, run by Essex and Suffolk Water just down the road from Maldon in Essex. There are so many exhibits to see! You cannot fail to be impressed by the main pump itself 'Marshall' which is quite simply fascinating in size and mechanics.
Good for Arthur Mumford. I have to say I've never been able to make my mind up.
There were a good number of engines on display as well as information and interactive exhibits. What a great use of these pieces of history, being kept clean and tidy so they can be admired and learn about. I rather loved the dials on this giant board.
We were fortunate to take a ride on the miniature railway which was running, hurrah! I have to say at £1 a ticket is was well worth it, we had a good giggle. Not least me as my skirt was almost prohibitively too tight to sit astride the carriage (I was hoping I wouldn't need to attempt side saddle). Blogging friend Kezzie seemed to enjoy herself too and I love this picture I snapped.
As well as the museum, displays, information, model village, gardens, miniature railway and walks from the museum there is the tea rooms as well so you can refuel as well. Coffee time! Here's the important bit: check the visiting times for all the details but as a general rule the museum is open from 10am Wednesdays – Sundays. There are loads of events throughout the year to get involved with too; the Winter Wonderland sounds delightful.
Thanks to Essex and Suffolk Water for inviting us along for the day!
Sophie
