Dog standing on a rock

Today, I’d like to share a couple of pandemic verses written by Cathy Blake. Cathy was meant to visit last year, but of course Covid-19 came along and that put paid to that. In-between her original arrival date and now, we began corresponding on Instagram’s private messaging app. We talked daily and began to get to know each other. Meanwhile, I had put up on our website and also written a blog post to let people know that we would offer re-bookings up to 31st December 2022 to all guests who had booked previously but could not now travel. I felt that this was a fair offer to guests who had already reserved their rooms and also to those who might reserve accommodation whilst the pandemic seemed to be in abeyance only to find later that the coronavirus had reared its ugly head again. Cathy saw this offer, and asked whether she could change her dates to November 2021. We are looking forward to meeting her later this year!

About a fortnight ago, Cathy sent me a message asking me to send her photos of the Lake District. She would write some verses to accompany my pictures. I thought it was a fabulous idea and duly sent her photos of the landscapes and views that my husband and I share with our rescue Great Dane whenever we take him out for walks – which, of course, is every day. So far, Cathy has written two short verses for two of the pictures I sent her. I hope that you will enjoy reading them as much as I did. There is such meaning in her words.

Orrest Head, Windermere

Cathy’s Verse

The perfect bench, like the perfect life,
Shares the peace of the light
And the uncertainties of the dark.

Mountain view of Lake Windermere
Orrest Head was the first Lakeland fell that Alfred Wainwright climbed. He was so taken by the view that he decided to return and explore the rest of the Lake District, resulting in the publication of his pictorial and other books of the Lake District fells.

The Dales Way, on Brant Fell

Cathy’s Verse

Walks, like life, involve choices.
I am forever thinking about those paths not taken.
They offer possibilities of a life that could have been better —
Or worse.

Footpath signs
The Dales Way is a long distance trail between Ilkley in the North Yorkshire Dales to Bowness on Windermere in the Lake District National Park. These signs on Brant Fell include one pointing out the direction of The Dales Way Footpath which ends/begins a minute’s stroll from our front door at Blenheim Lodge.

I hope you have enjoyed reading this post and Cathy’s verses. I was very touched that she had offered to write some verses to accompany my photos in the first place, and am looking forward to receiving more verses from her. Cathy is already enjoying her pictorial tour of the Lakes through what I share on this Blog and our Blenheim Lodge Instagram Page. Please feel free to join Cathy and me and those others who follow and like our pages so that you may enjoy the Lake District vicariously as well as in reality should you come visit this beautiful corner of Cumbria.

And, of course, we’d be delighted if you’d choose us for your abode whilst you are visiting the Lake District National Park. Blenheim Lodge is very well situated with numerous walks on our doorstep. Our Bed and Breakfast is tucked into Brant Fell, on which there are plenty of trails to explore, one of which includes The Dales Way. The viewpoints behind our guest house are fabulous treats to enjoy for those who enjoy outstanding far-reaching and 360-degree scenic views.

Man and dog on mountain summit
This is Brant Fell summit, an approximate easy 20-minute walk from Blenheim Lodge. There are 360-degree views for all who hike up here to enjoy!

Even better, stay at Blenheim Lodge, and you will see views of Lake Windermere and fells from your own room. The vistas from our guest rooms are outstanding and our location is even better: tucked away from the noises of traffic and crowds in Bowness centre, yet only a 5-minute walk to all its amenities and the shores of Windermere! And if you enjoy cruising, then hop onto one of the Windermere Lake Cruises’ ferries or the Windermere Ferry itself to crisscross England’s largest lake. I’m sure all this beauty will inspire verses lauding the Lakes – and if you do find yourself sprouting verses, please do share them with us.

Mountain Fell Peaks seen from Blenheim Lodge B&B | Bowness on Windermere | Cumbria Lake District
This picture of Lake Windermere seen against a backdrop of fells was snapped from just one side of the triple bay windows in our guest lounge. There is more stunning scenery featuring more mountain peaks to be seen from Blenheim Lodge, our Bowness Bed and Breakfast accommodation.

Blenheim Lodge . . . panoramic Lake views, peace and tranquillity, nestled against acres of beautiful fields and woodlands, in the heart of the English Lake District National Park.’

Visit our website: www.blenheim-lodge.com

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Telephone: 015394 43440