OUR FINAL DAYS IN MACCLESFIELD

Colin Kerry Lobster Walter and Bella

Kerry writes:

Our time in Macclesfield is drawing to a close. Despite the poor summer, we have achieved our aim - to do plenty of walking. The Peak District is an absolute delight. The views over the countryside are spectacular. I hope the photos that Colin has taken of them have done them justice. Our little walking companion, Bella, is the most special little cocker spaniel. I will miss her.

We talked to Kerry on Skype this morning, and she informed us that 17c was the coolest temperature on Thursday night in Melbourne. It was our warmest for that day!!!!!! I suppose it is some compensation that we have an ample supply of water over here!

WEDNESDAY 29th

Following our walk to Teggs Nose Quarry overlooking Macclesfield, and the photos of Jodrell Bank from this view point, we knew you would be fascinated to have a closer look at that historical icon. Poor Bella was dejected. She sat in her usual position, 4th step up on the staircase, waiting for the lead to appear. "Sorry Bella- not this trip". Sad soulful eyes! Cruel house sitters! We timed our visit to Jodrell badly. There was repair work being done on the dish, but it was still an interesting couple of hours. We found out that the telescope was crucial to the discovery of quasars in the outer Universe, which then led to the Big Bang theory. Sounds good. I hope you are all suitably impressed by my new found knowledge!!!!(Bella wasn't) We were also taken on a 3D trip to Mars. Amazingly, the film was made at Swinbourne University in Melbourne. We are now waiting for part 2; to bring us back from Mars! Home to 265. Bella greets us. Reward----A walk, of course. Happy Bella. The information in the photograph below is from Teggs Nose quarry and shows how the rocks change from Gritstone at the edge of Macclefield to limestone in Buxton, hence the limestone Caverns, Blue John mines and characteristic peaks and dales.

Thursday 30th

Our final trip to Manchester. Obviously the right day - it was raining! I am looking for a casserole dish. Colin's scientific knowledge has definite limitations in certain areas. He learnt that putting cold water onto a casserole dish straight out of the oven can lead to instant fracture, and a certain amount of verbal abuse from yours truly. We traipsed every major department store in Manchester to find a similar replacement without success. The only light relief was a visit to The Manchester Art Gallery and lunch of fish and chips ( Magpie Cafe standard) under the big wheel, at the same pub we visited last time. Four hours later, we were both very weary. So back to the station, and a train home. As we walked back home through the streets of Macclesfield, I noticed the smallest of signs advertising a hardware shop,(specialising in casserole dishes?) down a back street. Nothing ventured etc. We decided, as tired as we were, to give it a go. You've guessed. They had the very same casserole dish (last one in the shop) How lucky was He!

Home to Bella, Wally, Lobby, tea, a warm bath and would you believe -York City v Rushden live on the television. Unfortunately York lost. They should have won easily, but they missed chances and let the opposition in. Colin reminisced of winning the York Cup under the same floodlights 41 years ago.
I'm also enjoying the US Open tennis. Not much mention of any Aussies! Maybe we will see Leyton Hewitt tonight. There is no mention of Aussies at the World Athletics either. I wonder why!!!

MACCLESFIELD FROM ABOVE

Here is a view of Macclesfield from above the town showing the Jodrell Bank radio telescope to the West, and a view in the reverse direction. As can be seen, good countryside and good walks are only a stones throw away.

Jodrell Bank is 50 years old this year and was used to identify Sputnik 1, the first man made satellite in space. Sir Bernard Lovell and Jodrell bank were big news items when we grew up, but it appears that younger generations are less aware. When I was taking the photograph, a couple from Wimslow near Manchester asked us what it was.

And yes that is Kerry racing Bella up a steep incline. I wonder who tired the quicker?

BLUE SKIES OVER MACCLESFIELD

Wednesday 22nd

The weather is slowly improving, and this week we explored more of the Derbyshire peaks and dales. On Wednesday we walked along Millers Dale which contains the river Wye and two large mills (wool?) originally driven by water wheels. The Wye starts above Buxton and joins the Derwent (not the Malton one) at Rowsley which then flows past Chatsworth. We parked at the Pub at Monsal Head located above the Derby-Manchester viaduct. The viaduct's construction was the subject of conservation criticism by John Ruskin in the 19th century. It is now a notable feature of the landscape. We started at the viaduct and followed the disused rail track from Bakewell to Buxton through Millers Dale. We traversed a hill side where the rail line disappeared into a tunnel and were completely oblivious of the shear limestone cliffs beneath. Only on the return journey alongside the river, did we appreciate our adventurous path high above. Unfortunately we have no photographs of the dramatic scenery. Bella simply forgot to bring the camera - she could pay for this mistake! Along the trail Colin had his greatest rambling triumph when a couple of lost ramblers approached with a book of Derbyshire walks and asked “Vous pouvoir me dit la façon au Moulin de Litton?” With our impending trip to France in mind the reply came [quickly] “Oui Monsieur, vous avez besoin de tourner est parti “ . The walk was completed with a sandwich and a relaxing drink in the sunshine at the Monsal Hotel.

Thursday 23rd

On Thursday we climbed the mighty Shining Tor , altitude 559 metres Long. 2.00 deg West, Lat 53 deg 16 minutes North- just South of the Arctic circle. We started from the Cat and Fiddle, the second highest pub in England [used to be called the Fat Cat until the hikers arrived]. Armed with an Ordnance Survey Map, cleverly the one covering this area, and with camera, we argued our way to the first way point, in French of course, and then settled into a gentle ramble under the big blue skies of Derbyshire (photo). En-route we spotted and photographed a Richardson Falcon waiting for the correct sized dog to hike by. Bella squeezed herself close to my legs until the danger was over and then reacted (see photo) as only a seriously scrutinized Spaniel could -- barking “ put that camera away you perverted paparratzi pensioner”.

The hike up-hill from the reservoir (shown in the photo) to the Cat and Fiddle, which by now had become the highest pub in England, proved taxing for both dog and man, though seemingly not for la dame. We duly rewarded ourselves with a big bowl of water, a pint of cider and half a pint of local brew and chatted over the events of the day. “Geeze that was a tough walk” drooled Bella with her ears draped in the bowl of water -- or was that Kerry?.

A MAN AND SOMEONE ELSE'S DOG

RICHARDSON'S FALCON

THAT'S A RELIEF

FULL SUMMER SWEETNESS

MUM'S NEW RACEHORSE

Since finding the dead body in the river Dove, the week has been subdued. Computer technology assured us that Bakewell would have sunny spells and so on Wednesday we headed East for lunch planning to stop when the car wipers stopped. Faster and faster she drove; Buxton, Bakewell, Matlock, Mansfield, Kings Lynn - we've been everywhere man! Turn again Whittington, you have been out-rained. We returned through the precipitation for lunch at the The Grouse and Claret in Rowsley and then to Bakewell for a tart. The tart was followed by an impromptu purchase of jeans and dress for wearing in St Tropez - picture to follow when next the sun shines.

You must visit Chester! We did and were not disappointed. Chester races are next week and so Kerry was pursuaded to buy a share in a promising thoroughbred - see picture. Chester, like York, dates back to Roman times, has city walls and impressive buildings, but surprisingly also has very trendy shopping. Accordingly we wandered through the open Malls and visited five museums and a dress shop. [there is something not quite right about that last sentence].

Kerry's personal influence with the owner of Gawsworth Hall paid dividends. She sweet talked her way into the fully-sold-out last concert of the year, and we ended the week with a great evening of ABBA. Preceding ABBA we had lunch in a very pleasant and relaxing wine bar in Alderley Edge. Quoting the famous Melbourne socialite, Megan Walton, we had Rissotto "to die for". Again, I was instantly recognised as a famous Australian soccer coach, signed a few autographs and received first class service. Kerry mistakenly went to the gents toilet and came back with the story that two blokes were in the "Ladies" hanging up a notice advertising disk jockeys for Barmitsva's. A most plausible explanation.

SHOPPING IN CHESTER

SPERERO II

WATERLOO

MACCLESFIELD TOWN 0 LEEDS UNITED 1

As special guests at Macclesfield Town Football Club we chose to arrive late to make sure our presence was noticed. Kerry's suggestion to take the Burger King's "drive through" route (meaning circumnavigate) ensured this. Announcing ourselves at the secretaries office as fans from Melbourne, we were duly allowed to purchase two tickets, but only if we agrreed to be in the stand cordened off for the Leeds fans. 'Ay' we said, and so were duly escorted by security guards through two large iron gates into the chanting crowd. Kerry ensured our integration by singing " We luv Leeds forever" and "What a load of Macca's." Her vocabulary was also broadened greatly during the match. Luckily for us, Leeds won, or else we could have been given a police escort out of Macclesfield.

The match was rather tame and so to crank up the excitement, the next day we took a walk through the Dove Valley. Kerry spotted a dead body floating in the water and took a photograph. It was camouflaged in a florescent red plastic cover and the stench was appalling. We took the concerned citizens position and told no one, hoping that one of the other many walkers would be even more consciencious and then we wouldn't look alarmist.

RIVER DOVE

DEAD BODY

THE MORNING AFTER

David and Val, the vision of Bella on the settee is a figment of your imagination.

Tess, please note, your slippers are in constant use.

ARIAS, STAGS AND ROCK AND ROLL

On Wednesday we went to Gawsworth Hall to see, sorry - listen to, the Opera Babes. They are the two in the lower photograph. The singing was magnificent, -- it was! Above them is another babe trying hard to break into modelling.

On Friday we headed off on "Best Tea Walks in Cheshire" No 25 ,to Knutsford, famous among other things for King Canute and the setting for Mrs Gaskells novel "Cranford". The walk in theory around Tatton Mere was very simple, but once again, the description was vague and did not mention a sodding big steel fence which appeared in the middle of the wood. Well, nothing fitting that description could be deciphered from the text. Drawing upon all our navigation skills we turned North, and after a few hundred miles blundered into a scene from Mrs Brown or was it The Queen? The fine beast in the above photo and his concubines pursuaded us that continuing in the current direction was not advisable and impressed upon us that tea shop walks are not all jam and scones. We hastily beat a retreat back into England and to the gentility of Knutsford. Bella muttered, or mutted something about bleeding amateurs.

"Rock and Roll I gave you all the best years of my life" - so sang Kerry as we headed off again to Gawsworth Hall for a night of "60's music". That is, music of the sixties, not for the sixties, but curiously they are both the same now. We joined this mob in the photo on the lawn and jived the night away. Fortunately for us, and for many of the other retro pensioners, there was no one to photograph our participation.

BONUS BLOG FOR REGULAR SUBSCRIBERS

These photos are from the Kinder Scout Treck and can be enlarged by clicking. We inserted them by PICASA particularly for Bella's family, currently in Costa Rica. We are having mixed results with our normal approach since only selected photos are able to be enlarged.

JESSICA KAYE MARTIN

Breaking News. Jessica Kaye Martin was born at 10.13 A.M. on Wednesday 8th August. Both Mother and daughter are extremely well. Weight of baby- just over 7lbs. Graham flew from work to see his daughter born in the nick of time. Nicole and Jessica will be home on Friday. If I had to guess, I would suggest that Graham chose the name. "The Man From Snowy River" lives on. Well done Nicole, and congratulations to all of you. Photos can be found here.

HOUSE HUNTING and BELLA'S ADVENTURE

SUNDAY. HOUSE HUNTING

UK TV abounds with programmes on how to buy, decorate, upgrade and profit from real estate. Our latest ramble at Little Morton took us close to a couple of properties which took Kerry’s eye. She suggested that we could install plastic double glazing windows in the little black and white number (see photo) and make a killing. This would be the first 15th century house to meet the new energy emission standards. As we happily rambled across neighbouring farmers fields, diligently following our tea shop rambler’s guide, we gave no thought to the previous nights news that foot and mouth disease had erupted in Surrey, and that a prohibition had been put on all stock movements across Britain. The things we do for Australian agriculture. Yesterday’s weather was close to drought conditions with no rain observed in the Macclesfield area for the whole day.

LITTLE MORETON HALL

MONDAY.

A SIMPLE WALK


Faced with the nerve racking prospect of interpreting “Best Tea Shop Walks”, two days running we chose the simpler option on Monday, of the Macclesfield canal. Once we had made the agonising decision to head North rather than South, the pressure was off. We reckoned any 19th century horse, would prefer towing a barge than pulling a dray along rutted roads - and the hills are far easier. We passed many people chugging gently through the countryside on their holiday barges. If push came to shove as they say in Yorkshire, one could combine a barge holiday with tow path walks, and enjoy the countryside, while keeping fit.

After dinner Bella came into the room and explained that tow path walks are OK for the odd ablution, but she wanted to run through the heather, feel the wind in her ears and the sun on her coat. She wanted to bound over mountain springs and see the mighty redwood. She wanted -- hold on Bella!!! -- Your owners might be heading to Canada but pull your lead in a bit. We compromised with a proposed walk up Kinder Scout and got her to promise not to mention it to the cats, Walter and Lobby.

TUESDAY. BELLA'S ADVENTURE

Bella here: Something big is happening today. It’s fine, warm and sunny. Kerry and Colin have had breakfast-(theirs looked much more interesting than my dry biscuits) and they are ready to leave the house. Hope they take me too! Yes, Yes Yes. The lead, the plastic bags, that’s all they need. Car door open. Great, that means a long walk. I did whisper in their ear last night about the Kinder Scout. I wonder if they took that on board!! I love a ride in the car. It is quite relaxing, and they always tell me I’m a good girl. Well, we’re here, in a car park. I heard Colin say Edale, but how would I know! I don’t really care, as long as we walk, and that’s what we are doing. Wonderful. Kerry gives me full rein, so I can wander a little. Now into a field and climbing. Up, up and away. Hello, they’ve stopped. Admiring the view, yes that’s it. They’re breathing heavily too.

ENJOYING THE VIEW

Now Colin is pointing that little black thing at me. I won’t look. I’ll peek. Click. He’s got me again. Actually, this walk is getting hard. I might stop myself and have a rest. I do believe we are on top of the world. The view is spectacular.

I'M ON TOP OF THE WORLD

Maybe we’ve done the hard yards now and it’ll be downhill from here. Oh oh. I don’t like what I see before me. Rocks. I can’t negotiate those. I’m going on strike!


A VIEW DOWN THE VALLEY

A REST AND SOME HELP FROM A FRIEND

Nearly down. I see water across the track. I hate water, they know I hate water. But I made such a fuss about mountain streams. Oh well, here goes. Not too bad, as long as I don’t have to do that again. Can’t wait to get to the pub for my drink. I dream of my own huge bowl of water. Mmmm, lovely.

WADING THROUGH WATER

They must have read my mind. Called in at The Nag's Head at Edale. A pint of Cider for Col, half of local beer for Kerry and a gallon of water for me. I"ve promised not to mention the two large plates of Fish and Chips.

Into the car again and off to Castleton. They want dessert? How can they eat again after that huge plate of fish and chips.

ROSE COTTAGE

They are having a private joke about Rose’s Cottage, I don’t get it, something to do with a joke at Andrews wedding. I noticed they were tucking into scones, raspberry jam and clotted cream. They didn't offer me any! Stiil I never give them any of my dry biscuits. Kerry couldn't resist buying a pendant and ear rings at a gift shop in Castleton. These are made from Blue John, the locally mined gemstone, which is unique to the area. ( Aren't I a clever dog). One way or another we girls did quite well today.

If there are any other dogs reading this, the route is shown on this map. We walked from the bottom right hand corner up the ziz-zag to the peak at top right, then along the top ridge and returned down the steep scree( A word Kerry knew instinctively - clever little human) at the far left, and back along the path next to a stream ( centre of view) to Edale - bottom right

OH I DO LIKE TO BE BESIDE THE SEASIDE

A picture of Emily reading this blog site


The start of a new month deserved something special. The Rolls' family were in Whitby for the week so I put forward the idea to Colin to drive there for a day. We could take Bella with us. I wondered whether she had ever seen the sea! The plan was set. Bruce and Nickie did the research and found out that a walk to Sandsend was on the cards for Wednesday. By 6am we were on our way. I messaged John and Pete at 9am and hoped the weather was as good as it was in Macclesfield and wished them a great day. We arrived in Whitby and parked the car at 9.20am. Bella had been as good as gold as though she knew she was in for a treat. The planned walk was at 11am, so first we visited Bruce and Nic's cottage for toast and tea and caught up with Emily May (how she has grown - she does a good impression of a sleeping grand-dad) and Helen and Liam.

Then off to our meeting place near the bandstand on the pier. (The very same bandstand where Colin's illustrious musical career came to a shuddering- shivering halt) Pete saw us first, John followed a few minutes later. It was worth the trip and a million pounds just to see their faces when they caught sight of us. Bella had a ball. She loved the freedom of her run on the beach and she was an instant attraction for the grandchildren who fussed over her and pleaded with their parents for a dog just like Bella. At Sandsend, the family took over the gardens of a local pub, and lunch was very welcome. We retraced our steps to Whitby, and sat on the beach, while the mad ones in the family (surely this is sufficient evidence for them to be certified) swam in the extremely cold North Sea. Then back to John and Pete's for afternoon tea, a natter and a rest.

Before leaving, we joined in the family dinner at Kipper Cottage and deprived someone of their extra sausages, mash and baked beans. This was followed by a beautiful cheesecake which Helen made and promised to bring the recipe to Australia - even though the gesture was clearly aimed at reducing the intake of jelly.

The visit was completed by the ritual Rolls family photo on the Abbey steps. The 21st year of visits and photographs and Emily May's first. We understand Pete is compiling an historical photo album which he thinks will sell like Harry Potter. What a great day. It was an easy drive home until the talking nav sat (the male version) got a little lost. In fairness to him, we both get confused with some of the signage over here. It is different from ours. I wonder what confusion it brings to drivers from foreign countries!!! How will we go in France and Italy??? As they say in France, "zer eez nossing verse zan effin ossipoms"

Bella had visited every corner of Whitby beach and needed a rest.

And then a drink - John Smiths

She made a token gesture at paddling, but decided, quite rightly, that the North Sea was too cold and too wet- much to her minders relief.

Happy Siblings in Whitby

The 21 st Anniversary photo of the family on the Abbey steps. Not a record number due to the trio in Thailand and the ban on the Aussie beer swillers