Sue and Martin in Mallorca 2019

Sue and Martin in Mallorca 2019
On the Archduke's Path in Mallorca

Monday 18 June 2018

Sunday 17 June 2018 – Yet Another Dunham Massey Walk

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We didn’t make the same mistake as last time. Today’s departure from Timperley Bridge at 8.40 saw us arriving at the Lavender Tea Rooms spot on 10.00, just as they opened with a fresh stock of newly baked cakes. My miniscule portion of coffee and walnut cake almost dwarfed the coffee that was served in crockery from a doll’s house!

On my last visit I reported that the swans didn’t seem to have any offspring this year. They must have been taking a break then, as today they were looking after a kindergarten of eight or nine babies.

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The canal was busy, with runners and cyclists on the towpath, as well as the usual boats and rowers. What can sometimes be a very muddy, churned up and rutted path turns into a hard baked flat surface at times such as this. We’ve had hardly any rain for some time.

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If we were train spotters, this would be a ‘double header’.

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‘Two ‘phones’ JJ enjoyed one of his home made scones, whilst it took me a little while to meet the ‘cake challenge’. We reflected on how lucky we are to have such a fine establishment as the Lavender Tea Rooms so close to where we live. And it’s not the only such place.

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A 14 km circuit from Timperley Bridge, after we’d returned via Altrincham and Navigation Road. I’ll not detail the numerous calf injuries that arose over the weekend, but I hope everyone makes speedy recoveries.

8 comments:

Lindsey said...

Great photos, that looks like a lovely peaceful walk, and that cake looks super tempting.
I haven't seen any signets this year yet, plenty of swans perched on nests but nothing to show for it.
I look forward to reading more!

Phreerunner said...

Lots of birds were seen on this walk. Grey wagtails at Timperley Bridge, a couple of herons, a cormorant fishing in the canal, to name but a few.

Sir Hugh said...

I presume you've just left the scene to go for heavier tackle to dig into that cake with. I see JJ is quite sophisticated having colour themed his base layer with his posh coffee cup.

Phreerunner said...

Correct, Conrad, and JJ was on excellent form apart from his calf injury. Sadly he is on a sugar free diet so he couldn't help with the cake!

AlanR said...

Is that a slimmed down JJ or is it just the camera lens. Definitely not enough coffee in that cup. Did it come with numerous free refills. But the cake looks wonderful.

Phreerunner said...

They were quite big cups actually. It's just the contrast that shows them empty in the lower picture - the top picture was taken at the same time.
Yes, JJ's 'no sugar' regime is causing him serious (lack of) weight problems.

John J said...

It's not exactly a 'no' sugar regime, more a 'limited' sugar regime ;-)

The calf injury is slowly improving, I did a nice 20 miler on Monday with no ill effects. I wonder whether cake would speed recovery....?

It was a pleasant little wander, made all the more pleasant by the antihistamines I'd been taking - get thee behind me pollen!

Right, time for a walk.

Phreerunner said...

Good to hear that, JJ. I possibly overdid it on Sunday, so taking it very easy until I've seen the surgeon on Friday. I don't want to have to return from holiday to see him again!
Probably see you before we go (coffee is always on - sugar free!), but if not - enjoy your 50 miler and your Dutch adventure.