Crosby Garrett 10/02/09

At last a gap in the terrible weather we have been having and I thought I could safely visit Jean in Cumbria. She has recently had a hip replacement and I really wanted to see her and also needed to take a spare part for her shower!

As usual I left the M6 at junction 38 and headed along the A685 towards Brough. This road was perfectly clear of snow. I managed to find a lay bye to park so that I could stop to admire the views and take some photos. Despite being really cold the sun was shining and the snow was thawing - only to freeze again by the time I was returning home in the early evening.

Then following the route map I had printed out (completely forgetting to request the route via Kirkby Stephen!) I turned onto a minor road and that was my downfall!! All of a sudden I was on a one track road, the passing places were hard to find as they were covered in snow and I didn't fancy my chances on the grass verge. Eventually I followed a tractor into a farmyard to ask if the road ahead was safe. A lovely couple explained that the road was covered in ice and impassable but as they were heading back towards Kirkby Stephen they would show me the other road. I am truly grateful to that couple, but for them I think I would still be sat in my car lost on a snow covered country lane - apparently mobile phones are of no use around there as there is absolutely no signal!

There at last and only about one hour late, well actually most of that time was taken up admiring the views on the A685 - that is my story anyway! With lunch in the oven and shower mended we managed a chat between the steady stream of visitors.

There are lovely views form the garden but unfortunately chimneys seem to get in the way! Although there are always lots of birds feeding in the garden they all disappeared into the trees whenever my camera came out - no surprise there eh?!

Sadly it was again not the right weather to walk up to the church but I will do it one day.