We were content as the tea and cakes had arrived, Tetley lending a paw to help Shaun fill the mugs with freshly brewed tea.
"Thanks pal", said Shaun.
Southey, who like Allen is a cake stuffer, asked, "what cake delights have we today?"
Grizzly replied , "well pal, Little Eric has made the blueberry slice that I know you all like, while I have made some fruit scones. There is butter and raspberry jam to go with them too."
We all dived in. Southey said, "the scones are delicious."
"It's all because we got Elaine's recipe. Her scones are legendary", replied Grizzly.
"Love the slice too", said Tetley. "That was a great idea of yours, Little Eric."
He was about to reply, when he stopped open mouthed and exclaimed, "where's Allen, the tea belly and cake stuffer in chief. Not at all like him to miss out."
"Oh have no fear", said Shaun. "He can smell tea a mile off, so you can be sure he will be here very soon."
And he was right out course, as just minutes later he came bounding into the room, calling out, "I have news about our next walk."
"Ok", said Tetley, "but have your tea and cake first."
"Ooh yes, I'm gasping for a cuppa.", he laughed.
So a few pieces of cake later, and his mug refilled, Allen then said, "it has been a couple of weeks since our last outing, due to Dad having the new fencing installed, so he has resolved to take us out on Thursday. We are going to Feizor and Elaine's."
"But the cafe is closed", pointed out Southey.
"Yes of course, but instead Elaine is operating as a pop up shop, doing take away meals, including fish and chips. This is what Dad will be having after the walk", Allen replied. "Also Dad has asked Elaine to make him a chocolate cake, so we must make sure that he takes the cake tin."
"I'll remind him", said Shaun.
"So where is Dad planning to take us?", asked Tetley.
"To see the bluebells in Wharfe and Oxenber woods, then back along the lanes", said Allen.
"Just great", cheered Little Eric. "Can't wait."
9th December 2020
With dry if cloudy weather, Dad told us we were going walking, but that he only felt like doing a short stroll.
"Well" said Tetley. "How about we start from Elaine's. Then you will be able to have lunch there afterwards."
"And we will get to go in too", cheered Allen.
"I am very happy about that idea, lads.
Shaun said, "so, how about redoing the walk through the woods, and returning along the lane. The woods will look very different being winter and nature slumbering, ready for spring."
"It will be hard to believe that they are a blaze of colour with the bluebells and other wildflowers in May."
"I like the idea", replied Dad. "We do not have to set off too early either. Starting the walk about 11:00 is the plan."
Dad took the camera, and we have added some extra pictures to our original narrative to reflect on today.
We awoke to yet another gloriously sunny day, and once Dad has loaded his gear we quickly ran out and settled on the front passenger seat.
The drive of course was so very familiar, especially to Dad, who had driven it hundreds of times with Uncle Brian on their regular Monday visit to the tearooms.
Dad said, "it is so strange not being able to go due to the crisis, and I can't wait for the time when cafes, pubs hotels etc., are able to open again."
"Let's hope the hotels can reopen in time for your booked stay at Armathwaite Hall", said Little Eric.
"Yes lad. It's a possibility, but if not I will just re-book to go later on."
Dad parked at the top of the yard opposite the barn, where he saw Uncle Jonathan, and they had a chat.
He then walked down to the tearooms. You can see that some items for sale on the wall and a picnic bench serves are a form of counter.
Elaine came out to chat. She said, "I'm just finishing off your chocolate cake, Gerry", as Dad handed over the cake tin.
On a Monday trip in February, Dad had amongst others taken our pal Ping, who had been adopted from Country Harvest at Ingleton, on 13th June 1999. Here he is on the right with his American friend Yanzi.
Now Aunt Sue, who works at the tearoom, just fell in love with Ping. He is of course no longer available, but after some searching Dad was able to find his cousin who was for sale. He had been living in Albuquerque, New Mexico USA, and we had to wait very patiently for him to arrive. Aunt Sharon, Elaine's daughter, then took him to Sue. Almost immediately a message arrived to say how lovely he is and how much she likes him. Today she had walked over with a thank you card, Dad only missing here by about 10 minutes.
"How kind", said Dad, "Just a shame I did not get to see her."
So now we got ready for the off. Today Dad was wearing his new Meindl boots that he had bought in Keswick in March, for the first time.
"They are just so so comfortable, lads. The best boots I have ever had."
"That's good", replied Tetley, "after all they were £225."
"OK", said Dad, "Let's go."
He strode down the yard and then turned right along the road through the hamlet.
The road bends left, passing the old pump.
"That house looks lovely with the wisteria in bloom", pointed Allen.
The road ends at a gate, where beyond the rough surfaced track climbed steadily, finally levelling off at Feizor Nick.
"Wow, super view of Pen-y-ghent, with Plover Fell behind.", called out Grizzly.
"So where now?", asked Little Eric.
"Through the gate ahead, then over the gated step stile on the left into Wharfe Wood", informed Shaun.
Following the clearly marked path Dad strolled on, with the swathes of bluebells on either side. "How beautiful", enthused Southey. "How wonderful is nature."
"Look", pointed Grizzly, "Primroses." Then with a sigh, "I will always think of Uncle Brian when I see them."
Allen filled up and sniffed, "I miss him so much."
"As do we all", replied Tetley, putting a paw round his shoulder.
The path now divided, Southey pointing left, "that rocky outcrop will make a good spot to have our picture taken."
Looking down, Little Eric said, "what are those yellow flowers?"
"Cowslips", replied Grizzly, "although they have not quite fully opened up."
With us settled in the rucksack, Dad rejoined the main path where suddenly the view opened out to Ingleborough. "A must picture for the story", pointed Tetley.
Contrast this with the view in December, after the snows a few days before. "Brr", said Grizzly, "looks cold up there."
Also that day we took time to read the information board just over the stile at the entrance to Wharfe Wood. It mentioned some quite extensive areas of limestone pavement, and so Dad made a short detour off the path to get this shot.
For a little way more bluebells lined the path.
"What is that purple flower?", wondered Southey.
"Not sure", replied Grizzly. "I suggest we ask our bear expert pals Bracken and Moss when we get home."
This we did and they told us it is a Early Purple Orchid."
Minutes later under some trees were massed wood anemones.
At the far end of the wood the way was clearly over the stile and into Oxenber Wood, the path then leading on to a junction, but just before Dad stopped and sat a few minutes on a convenient rock.
How wonderfully peaceful and quiet", whispered Allen. "Just the sound of the bird song."
"When we set off again, we go right at the junction", whispered Shaun.
As Dad got up, Allen said, "how about taking that nice tree, to further illustrate our adventure."
And again in contrast here it is bare of leaves in December.
At the junction Dad went right, as Shaun had instructed the narrow path descending through woodland, to then open out.
"That's Austwick to the left", said Allen.
"Yes lad", agreed Dad. "I am staying well away too, in view of COVID-19."
"And that's the hamlet of Wharfe on the right", pointed Grizzly.
Ahead under an area of woodland were more bluebells. "Magnificent", breathed Tetley.
The path now finally dropped down to come beside a wall. "We go left through that gate ahead", said Shaun.
Beyond we followed it right through another gate. Here the narrow way soon led to Wood Lane. "It's left" called out Shaun.
In December, we noted that some work had been undertaken to prune the trees along here to keep the path clear. Passing by, Little Eric called out, "look at all the rings. One for each year's growth.
"Dendrochronology", stated Allen.
"What?". replied Tetley, open mouthed.
"It is the scientific method of dating tree rings to the exact year they were formed", replied Allen.
"Well I never", said Grizzly, "you are a clever bear, Allen.
Coming to a cross of paths, Shaun instructed, "it's left here onto Hale Lane.
"Look", said Southey. "That ewe and lambs are begging to be photographed.
"Oh no", cried Allen. "I really began to think this would be a sheep picture free story.
At times along Hale Lane there were more bluebells on the verge.
At one point there is this ford, with a little bridge to ease crossing, when the beck is on spate.
Then in yards is Meldings Barn. "How sad that is lies in ruins" commented Southey sadly.
Just beyond a track branched off right, but this was ignored as Dad knew the route, and anyway the sign to Feizor pointed us left, keeping on Hale Lane.
About halfway we passed Cat Hole Barn that has not suffered the same fate as Meldings Barn.
Striding on and after about a quarter mile or so, the track ended at the road in Feizor, where it was left to the tearooms.
Just before Tetley said, "there's Uncle Jonathan's bull. A fine looking animal."
Debbie and Roger, from Austwick were there for fish and chips, and Dad took the time to have a nice chat with them.
Lucy then called out, "here's your meal Gerry."
"Oh these are just delicious", said Dad. "So nice not have have to cook for myself for once."
Lucy also brought Dad a mug of tea to wash them down.
Going to pay and collect his cake, Elaine said, "I am not charging you for the cake, as you are a good friend and customer over the years."
"That's so kind" thank you.
After all the works at home recently Dad said he was stress free today and seeing Elaine, Lucy and Jonathan made him feel good.
As we drove home. Little Eric spoke for us all saying, "thank you Dad, that was super walk and we have had a truly lovely day.
In December with the tearooms open Dad enjoyed a lovely lunch, while we sat on Uncle Brian's chair watching all that was going on. He had a breakfast, then blackcurrant pie and custard, and of course tea. Dad is the original tea belly. Like May it was another lovely day for us all and Dad.
