Friday Finds: Mountains

As you read this I will be setting out on a 4 day hike in the Andorran/ Spanish Pyrenees. it's the first time I've been on holiday on my own (a whole 2 weeks of it, yay!) and while the first few night are fully booked, the next few (for my hike) roughly planned, and the last week Is complete unplanned, so I'll be winging it. However, my whole trip has been centralised for the hiking, and specifically, the beautiful mountains of the Pyrenees. I have always loved hiking, since I was little a day hike has been a regular feature of my holidays. I went to Switzerland a few years ago and was a bit grumpy for the first few days as it rained and the clouds were really low, so hiking wasn't really an option. This time my hike will last several days, which means packing light as I have to carry everything. Packing light however, still means a rucksack that weighs in at 10K, which will be heavier with food and water added to the mix. I'll have thighs like Xena the warrior princess! Anyway, before I make you to jealous of my holiday plans (or more likely, before you start think that I am actually really crazy) I think it's time to move on to some of Etsy's Mountain wonders.

 

 

This fabulous Print by Beloved and Co was a clear winning candidate for todays featured, because it's exactly how I'm feeling right now. I can' wait to be there, away from the distractions of modern life. If you have ever needed some encouragement to head to the hills, this is it.

 

 

 Alice Mason is the talented artist who painted the original of this bold and beautiful print. The contrast between the trees and the dark night time mountains is stunning, like all of her work.

This mountain themed iPhone case by Queen of Cases is perfect for the intrepid mountaineer. With this to look at each time you reach for your phone the mountains will never be far away, even if your stuck in a stuffy office.

Give your home a splash of mountain light with Sugar Lips Glass bright mountain sun catcher. I really like the use of the different colours, the purple reminds me of beautiful heather covered moors.

For a touch of the dramatic, (as many of us mountain adventures have experienced) head to JPicPhotography for this striking photograph. The looming craggy, mist shrouded mountain makes me want to head there to see it!

Happy Hiking! 

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Scarborough

Peak District and New Stitches...

For a long time now, I've wanted a new project. A big project for myself. While I love making cross stitch jewellery to sell on Etsy, the items are small and I can make several things in an evening, so I just can't get stuck into them in the same way that I can a big project.

I've thought about several things, I'd love to do a monotone cross stitch, and a fairytale cross stitch (I'm a bit of fan) and have thought about combining the two. The trouble is, I'm fussy. There are hundreds if not thousands of kits and charts that encompass these things, but I lack the time to search through so many for the perfect one. The more I stitch, the fussier I've become.

The other problem is that while I could buy a kit, I do have the Royal School of Needlework's cross stitch software DVD. I have used this to create all of my cross stitch jewellery and keyring/magnet designs, as well as a few cards and bookmarks, but I feel that it's time to challenge myself, time for something bigger. In short, I'd like to create my chart to stitch.




The problem with that is where to start. Do I design a whole kit myself from scratch? while part of me would love to, I am a just a little bit scared of the notion. I have little confidence in my skill to do such a thing, as there are smaller designs that I have struggled to design. Part of the trouble is that those designs have to be small, and in fact something larger may be easier, but to get the level of detail required I would need to be able to design from a very zoomed in level. I simply don't have the time to try and create my own chart from scratch, and I have absolutely no idea where to start.

Luckily (perhaps) I would also like to stitch something a bit more personal to me. I love landscapes, but often struggle to find ones that I like from the kits commonly available, yet I go walking regularly, especially in the Peak District, and have plenty of beautiful photos that I could convert. The trouble is, detail is lost in cross stitch, so a photograph of a beautiful view loses it's impact. I need a picture with a beautiful view, and something beautiful in the foreground. In short, I need to be looking for a scene to stitch when out walking.

This happened on Sunday. I was walking with Chris and some of our friends near Langsett Reservoir wen we stopped for lunch on the river bank. It was perfect. The rocky river bed and blue pool (thanks to the skies reflection, then water was actually brown, stained by the peat it of the moors). There was a few trees in the mid-ground, and hills in the background, all complimented by bracken and beautiful flowering heather. However, now I've just sat and looked through all of the photos I've narrowed it down to four, and here's where I need your help. Please comment below with your favourite and I'll use the overall favourite!



 

Photo 1



Photo 2







Photo 3




Photo 4




Thanks for looking!


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Scarborough!

Chris and I headed to Scarborough last Tuesday for a short break away. We chose Scarborough because neither of us had been there before, it was fairly quick and easy to get to be train. We found a cheap apartment to rent from Atlantis Flats, and with that booked only the day before we went, we packed and prepared to head off to the seaside!

 

We arrived at lunchtime on Tuesday and headed straight to our apartment, which overlooked the North Beach (well, it overlooked the back street, but if we'd been on the other side we would've had sea views!). After a quick lunch of cheese and biscuits (thanks to a deli we passed en route to the flat) we headed out to explore the North beach below us. After wandering along and paddling in the sea we were approaching the far end of the beach. A sea life centre, mini tourist steam train and a couple of crazy golf courses ensured that there were plenty of people milling about, and without much ado, we were soon pitched against each other in a piratical putting paradise.  

 

I won by 2 strokes, but it was close all the way through, and Chris was definitely beating me at the beginning. After all the exercise we headed a little further along the coast to slate our thirst with ale from the pub, sipped while overlooking the North beach and Scarborough castle. It also meant that there weren't loads of children immediately surrounding us. Scarborough is very much a family holiday destination.

Following our drinks we slowly meandered back along the promenade, watching the oncoming of ominous looking black clouds. It was obvious rain was coming and before long the skies darkened further, cold hard drops of rain was falling and thunder was rumbling in the distance. Needless to say we quickened our pace, but the heaves opened with a downpour to leave you drenched in seconds. We quickly ducked into a close by dinner to escape the weather over coffee.

 

It looked a fair bit different to the sun of a couple of hours earlier. Once the downpour had subsided we retreated to the flat (Chris had to change his jeans having gotten a sandy bottom on the beach) before heading out in search of food. This proved harder than anticipated. I was greatly looking forward to locally caught fish accompanied by vinegary chips, but all the fish and chip shops proved to be closed (from 6) except for a few on the seafront of the south beach. I'm always a bit dubious of sea front places as better food is often found further inland and away from the major tourist areas. We did however, find a cafe called Bamfords (Chris's surname is Bamford) which was fairly amusing. After a lot of wandering around we finally succumbed to our bellies grumbles and headed to an Indian. The food was good, and there was plenty of it so feeling full, we headed to the North Riding brew pub on the street parallel to where we were staying. It was full for a Tuesday night, we had to stand at the bar until some people left. It was a good pub with tasty local beer, but it did seem to be lacking a buzz. In fact, it seemed a bit sleepy. That didn't matter though, as we drank up and headed to bed.

 

The morning dawned warm and sunny. It was perfect for a walk south to Filey, so that's what we did after buying breakfast and lunch from a bakery en route. WE headed to the south beach and got beautiful views of Scarborough in the morning light. The walk began by following meandering paths through garden above a spa complex at the end of South beach, before reaching the first signpost pointing along the Cleveland way. Unusually for us we lacked a map, but we knew that Filey was easily within walking distance along the coast path.

 

The walk was very pretty, with lots of flowering Pussy Willow and great views back to Scarborough as we rounded each headland. The views ahead were also impressive, and the sunny holiday mood was definitely upon both of us as we rambled merrily along. Before too long we round another headland to see a beautiful beach stretching away below us. There were a few people from the nearby caravan site on it, but it was quieter than the sands at Scarborough and was very inviting.

 

I quickened my pace, eager to get onto the beach and paddle in the sea before munching an earlyish lunch. Chris was a wimp however, and wouldn't paddle out into the sea with me. He did provide me with plenty of amusement however, as he hopped around on one foot when putting his boots back on. The walk continued with beautiful headlands, views back to Scarborough, and rocky bays below the cliff tops. Despite spending a good hour on the beach at lunch we made good progress, and it wasn't long before we first saw the beach at Filey.

 

It was huge! It stretched around the bay for miles. The sun was out, and it was very inviting. Once again my pace quickened to find the way down to the beach. Once there shoes and socks were discarded and It wasn't long before we were heading towards Filey, walking in the surf. Well, I was. Chris neglected to remove his footwear. It was warm, we had reached the end of our walk, and Chris was eager to build a Sandcastle with a bit of broken pipe that had washed up, (he had neglected to take the spade). Leaving him to it I stripped to my Bikini and soaked up some sun before a further paddle followed by an ice cream and, reluctantly the train back.

 

A search for food followed our showers. It was about as successful as the previous nights, even though we explored different streets around the town centre. Eventually we came across an Italian and enjoyed pizza and wine. We then headed to the seafront to walk it off. Evidently it worked as the sea front Fudge shop proved too much of a temptation for us. After a quick drink in a pub in town, which had more of a lively buzz than the previous nights owing to music and a younger crowd we called it a night.

Thursday saw us headed north, along the coastal path once again. This time we were armed with a map, and decided to follow the path to a nearby village. It was a short walk, but could extend our route further along the coastal path past the village and head back if we decided, and return to Scarborough by bus. The path was fairly pleasant, our route encompassed lots of fields. There was some building work near the start of the coastal path once we'd walked to the end of Scarborough's North beach, but once we'd gotten past that we relaxed into the countryside much more. The scenery was nice, but by no means atty or dramatic as the previous days walk. still, we enjoyed heading along, spotting butterflies and surrounded by the buzz of crickets.

It was not too far along the path, when we were setting a good pace, that a very tanned, fit looking man in his 60's passed us. A little further along he had stopped for a bite to eat and asked us where we were headed, so we told him. He replied saying he was walking to Robin Hoods Bay. At first Chris (with the map) thought that was about 18miles away. However, after a bit more walking and much discussion and map reading, we realised that it wasn't quite as far as Chris first thought, although still a fair way. Unfortunately, the route was half on one side of the map and half on the other, which makes it a lot harder to tell. Still, a useful signpost pointed Scarborough out as 3 1/2 miles behind us, and a village of Ravenscar 6 1/2 miles ahead. Ravenscar looked to be about 3ish miles south of Robin Hoods Bay, and we were making good progress, so, not to be outdone by an old man, we decided to head to Robin Hood's bay too.

That flat terrain and less spectacular countryside helped us to keep up our pace, and by the time we were thinking of stopping somewhere nice for lunch we saw that we were approaching a small rocky bay where a river met the sea in a waterfall. It all looked very exotic, and we quickly decided to have lunch there. We perched on a rock at the top of the waterfall and soaked in the unexpectedly pretty scenery over sandwiches. After we'd eaten we went down to the bay to look at the waterfall, but mindful of the long walk left to us, and the fact that Ravenscar had no buses back to Scarborough, we didn't linger long.

 

Our pace slowed. The terrain was more undulating, and I am not fast at all at going uphill. I still set a decent pace on the flat, but our progress had slowed. Still, while we were conscious of the time we weren't worried, we knew we should make it in time for the last bus back. The heavens however, showed looming grey clouds ominously surrounding us, and we soon felt some spots of rain. It was still hot however, so the breeze the rain brought was welcome, and luckily it was a very light shower. It did encourage us to quicken pace however; neither of us fancies getting drenched.

 

  Luckily it wasn't too far to Ravenscar, which was a small village with a rather grand looking hotel. after a quick bite to eat on some benches outside the visitor centre we headed off, ready for the sights of Robin Hoods bay and the rocky beach that stretched along from it. We'd both been there before, so it was easily recognisable when we first spied it. We didn't hang around absorbing the view for long though, thanks to clouds of pesky flies that were crawling all over us. They even went down my top, there must've been 20-30 of the little b*****s down there. Once again, our pace quicken to escape the onslaught. Luckily it didn't last for long.

Before too long we were on the beach (we decided it would be nicer walking along the beach than along the cliffs because it would be flat, and because it was different to all the rest of the terrain we'd walked along that day. Besides, I really like being on beaches!) The beach at Robin Hoods bay is fairly long, and mostly rocky (although there is a bit of sand) so it's great for rock pooling. We wandered over the rocks slowly, peering into the pools to see if we'd find anything exciting. We didn't, anything lurking there was probably well hidden amongst the seaweed.

The tide was coming in as we meandered along the rocks, gazing into pools and marvelling at the amount of shell fish crowded on the rocks. Chris was busy bird spotting, while I concentrated on closer wildlife. It wasn't long before we heard the sound of a landslide, as small sections of the earth cliff face fell. It happened a few times, but they were only very small slides. Still, I hadn't expected it, even though it is a common occurrence there. The tide was coming in quickly though, and we had to somewhere find energy to leap over streams winding their way to the North sea. Chris may look spectacular flying through the air in the photo, but really he still got a wet foot. So I did, when my leg failed to produce the extra force to make a leap. Well, our short walk had quickly turned into a 14 1/2m one (according to the signpost) so no wonder our legs weren't quite in leaping mode. We'd definitely earned our Fish and Chips and pint before the bus.

We headed out to a pub (unsurprisingly) again that night. Chris wanted to try out the Leeds Arms as it was in the Good Beer Guide and I was happy enough to go for a quite drink, although I would have been equally happy to sit and read at the apartment. It was our last night though... The pub was very quite when we went in, but it was nice. The walls were covered with scenic photographs of Scarborough over the years, there were boat oars hung between the beams of the ceiling around the bar, and the adjoining room had fish netting suspended from the ceiling. All in all, there was definitely a nautical theme. The land lord and land lady were very friendly too, and I have even been inspired to start knitting after seeing the land lady busy with her needles, making bags that she then sold. We ended up staying there in a pleasurable evening.

 

After a good nights sleep we woke and packed, our stay was at an end. We didn't leave immediately though. After a cafe lunch we headed to the South Beach to say goodbye to the sea. A slow wonder around the marina followed, watching a pirate boat take people on 15 min cruises of the bay, and speedboats whizzing out of the harbour periodically for a more exhilarating tour by boat. There were also adverts for a 1 hour coastal cruise, and lots 3hr fishing expeditions. Surprisingly they all cost £3 (except the fishing). Given that fact, I was surprised how many people chose a 15min trip around the bay on the motorised Pirate ship, rather than a longer, relaxing cruise, or the thrill of a speedboat. We sat watching the sea from the marina for a bit, before slowly trudging up the hill for the train.

 

It wasn't quite over yet though. We had to change trains at York, and Chris wanted to visit the newly opened York Tap at the station. I was also quite happy to as I like the Sheffield Tap, and they're owned by the same people. The bar in the York Tap was large and circular, in the middle of the room. Even with 20 hand pumps on the bar, there was space left for more should they be required. After a half each, and then a bottle shared between us our lack of cash encouraged us to head for the next train to Sheffield. We arrived tired, but happy, having enjoyed a good few days away together.

Happy Holidays!

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Walking Inspirations

I love going walking. When I was little our holidays often consisted of walks, (probably because it was cheap), I remember following countless coastal paths, marvelling at the craggy cliffs, sparkling sea and beautiful beaches below. We hiked up mountains too, Delicious Fudge kept me and my sister going as we headed up Ben Nevis when I was 9 and she was 7. The views were fantastic, and when we reached the top the cloud was so close above us it seemed as if we could jump and touch it. I've climbed Ben Nevis twice since, once only to the lake about 2/3rds of the way up, as the top was under about 12ft of snow from other hikers reports. The third time we made it to the top, which was in the clouds from just above the lake, so the fantastic views of my first expedition were limited to approx 12ft, smothered by the clouds.

The second two times were both with friends from Sheffield University Walking Club (SUWC). I joined in my second year and before long was walking in the nearby Peak District nearly every weekend. After a year of going on walks I decided to become a leader, planning my own and co-leading with friends. I quickly became a first aider, and the Publicity Officer on the committee, at the same time as I met Chris, my boyfriend of just over 5 years.

My weekends were filled of walks, come rain or shine, but as we got older we started walking less with the club and more as a couple, or with friends. Time changes, work and housework get in the way, people move away, and suddenly you realise it's been not only weeks, but months since going wondering the Peak District. This was the case until Sunday.

One of our friends and my ex-housemate, Pete V was visiting from Edinburgh for the weekend, so we decided to brave the rain forecast (after all, we've all worked in plenty of bad weather) and headed out to the Peaks.

Our route began at Ladybower Reservoir, and along the bank of the reservoir to cross the damn before trekking up Win Hill the 'scenic route' (longer but less steep) only to take a shortcut off the path and directly to the top. Win Hill is one of those hills that starts off fine, but has a smaller, steeper mound on the top. It was worth the puffing and panting and sweat though, as there are spectacular hills from the top over Ladybower and towards Derwent edge and Kinder Scout, (the highest peak) and across Hope Valley.

After a bite to eat we headed downwards, along to Hope Cross and the dubiously termed 'Seat of Youth'. originally a village, it has mostly now fallen down, crumbled away and been reclaimed by the woods, but someone used several old stones to make a chair. We have often used it as a lunch stop, and this was no exception, before continuing our walk along Ladybower reservoir, and finally up to the double peaks of Crook Hill.

Crook Hill is not the most exciting of Peaks, it's not particularly high, it's essentially a field with two rocky tips poking out. But it was here that inspiration struck.

I was puffing along when to my right there was a beautiful view of Win Hill. The clouds were dark and grey and brooding, but from somewhere light struck the peak, brightening it to an almost luminous olive green. This created a stark contrast with the trees silhouetted below, and I thought 'that would make a lovely cross stitch'. Unfortunately, my lanky other half was making good use of his long legs, and had run off with the Camera so I couldn't take a photo. As we climber higher the view lost some of the effect, but still looked beautiful. Luckily Chris did take a photo, so you can still get the benefit of the view.

I did, however, complain to Pete M about Chris running off with the camera at such a beautiful view, that looked very cross-stitchable. This led to a conversation about creating more Peak District cross stitches, and I certainly have enough photo's to do so.

In fact, converting a photo to cross stitch is something I've thought about doing for ages, but I've always been a bit scared to tell the truth. What if the colours blend in too much so you can't see the 'layers' of hills, what if its too detailed and doesn't come out on a cross stitch very well, what if it's not detailed enough and doesn't look like anything much? There are countless reasons and excuses, but really, I've just been a bit scared of starting such a project. On Sunday, I decided that it was time to stop all that, and to give it a go. What's the worse that can happen anyway?

I'd best get busy choosing a photo!

This is Me!

Ok, so I have a little confession. I've been busy working on several projects (as well as having my day job) so I haven't quite completed anything to blog about! That got me thinking, what else could I write about that's relevant, maybe inspiration, maybe other blogs/ other crafters, although I'm planning that for a Valentines Blog next week (if you'd like to be featured, please leave a comment below), but they're still all standard 'blogging' topics. I want to do something different.

OK then, so what makes a good blog? I am far from the expert on this, and good is just a matter of opinion anyway, right? Still, with a little help from my thinking cap I realised that my favourite blogs, the ones I keep going back too, are a bit more personal. So how about telling you a little about me? I'm always curious about other crafters, so this is me!

I grew up in the Midlands with mum dad and my big little sis (she's been that ever since she grew taller than me!). We were often out and about, clambering up trees, going on walks or bike rides, playing in the garden, doing all the things that kids do!

It was probably when I was about 10 that I was given my first cross stitch kit, which I proudly completed, (and has subsequently been lost along the way)

Throughout my teenage years I kept stitching on and off, off and on, through school, 6th form, a few years of being in the Daventry Dolphins swimming club, then a ju-jitsu club, before coming to Sheffield for university, as a big girl.

...Well, I was certainly bigger, and what student doesn't have a fancy dress house party at some point? In case you hadn't worked it out, I was the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland. I always made my own costume, the best ones always were! (One of my friends dressed up as a spider with stuffed tights for the legs! she looked awesome!)

It wasn't all parties though, I did a lot of walking. Living in Sheffield with the Peak District only a bus ride away, and the fantastic University of Sheffield Walking Club, how could I not? I soon became a walk leader and publicity officer, and met my boyfriend Chris. I grew a lot in myself those years, thanks to fantastic housemates, and great friends made in the walking club!

Can you recognise where the castle is? It's Pervil castle, just by castleton in the Peak District.

Of course, as any avid walker will know, refreshment is essential, after a long hot walk a refreshing pint is just what's needed. Likewise if it's a rainy walk, cold, misty, snowy, any sort of walk really! A pub stop at the end soon became a large part of the walk, and my social life.

Now I've bought a house with Chris, I work 9-5 as a Cell Biologist, and try to sell my cross stitch jewellery! I still have dreams though, they're the same ones I had since I was little, and one day I will do them.

I will go travelling.

I will be a mum.

One day....