“The sun shines on the righteous”, so they say and we would like to thank all the righteous guests who have stayed with us since March as the sun has shone almost continuously since then. The rain we have had, has fallen mostly overnight creating a lush green spectacle across the Dales lit up under clear blue skies. In this country, we are quick to moan about the weather, so I want to take stock and remember what a sensational year it has been. The autumn leaves this year are predicted to be spectacular throughout the UK due to a hot summer leaving more sugar in the leaves than usual which will result in more vibrant colours than ever.
We’re lucky to have Peacocks Pick Your Own so close. Each year, Henry and Penny make a trip to get the Lodge pumpkins! We pull on our wellies and wade into the muddy field to discuss the right sizes for this year’s harvest – too big, too small, too flat, too round but after much chat and debate, the wheelbarrow is loaded and it feels like winter is knocking on the door! Back to the Lodge, we love to light the woodburner, get the kettle on and start scooping out the seeds and flesh to make delicious hearty soup for the freezer, before challenging each other to create the best lantern faces.
It really is a magical time of year and some of the displays in Leyburn’s shop windows are imaginative and creative, portraying the warm colours of the season.
Make time to watch the seasons come and go. Some countries don’t have them and each day brings the same weather. This might sound perfect if it means hot sun every day but people I know who live near the equator are envious of us with our changing seasons to add variety and moods to the days. Here at the Lodge, we love the Winter days as much as the Summer and when you stay, you will soon know why.
