Active weekend with the Branches

Friday the Branches made their way 'up North' to spend the weekend with us - it's been a while since they've been up and we got a good weather weekend - yay!  They arrived in good time on Friday and after an hour or so of running around etc, they went to bed quite easily.

Cousins at the top

We gave them various ideas of what to do.  Clare wanted to climb a mountain and as it was a Saturday we would be doing it, we decided the best bet was Ingleboroguh from Ingleton - as it is off the 3 Peaks Path.  Saturday came, so we made up a picnic and headed out up to Ingleborough.  Tom wanted to lead our walk and went the wrong way out of the house?!!!!  Sometimes I do wander!!!!!  Now I have gone up Ingleborough many many times, but this time I found it quite hard.  It was hot but not burning hot, oh well, just as well we had children with us who kept stopping.  Amber (as predicted by her parents) wasn't really up for it and whinged from half way up.  It's not a case of her being unfit or short legs (we measured her and Tom and although Tom is a touch taller than Amber, Amber has longer legs than Tom!) and anyway, Tom walked up Ingleborough happily enough when he was 5!

Anyway we all made it and we got some decent views over the viaduct and of the Dales and Bowland - it was too hazy for the Lake District mountains unfortunately.  We had our picnic and then headed down - this time the children were quicker than the adults (going down kills your knees), in fact poor Clare did suffer quite a bit.

We got back, the adults had showers, and the kids had down time whilst we waited for 4.30 and pool opening time.  I know that Jake and Amber spend their lives in swimming pools - but this one is different - it's not one to 'swim' in - more to mess around in.  Amber couldn't wait to get in and then quickly got bored and wanted out!  In the end she and Clare came home, whilst the boys stayed in till the end.  We then had a BBQ AND we ate it outside.  A successful day

In Yordas Cave

Exploring behind the waterfall

Sunday we gave the Branches various options - as it was another lovely day - we thought to stay local.  First stop was Yordas Cave - this is a cave anyone can enter - not a show cave and not much in the way of stalactites or stalactites but plenty of exploration to do and a waterfall to find at the back.  The kids enjoyed it - so much so it was hard work getting them out again.  Clare didn't like it at all and didn't go in!

We then decided to sneak into the top of the waterfalls trail as we were on the right road and show them Thorton Force which is the biggest of the waterfalls on the route.

It hasn't rained for quite a while so it wasn't pounding as it can, meaning that you can explore behind it.  Jake, Amber and Tom went straight over to climb behind it - Simon was then despatched to keep an eye on them and Matt joined them whilst me and Clare watched.  Think they enjoyed it.

Cousins on a rock

They also went clambering on the big rock.  Oh the power of peer pressure: normally Tom 'can't' climb on it by himself and asks for help with whomever he is with - but as Jake and Amber did it by themselves with no help from anyone, he sort of had to do it by himself, and guess what - after a bit of huffing and puffing he managed it.  Always knew he could do it - but him being him, always will take help rather than do it for himself.  Well done Jake and Amber.

On the way back the kids found a tree swing to play on - we never knew that existed!

We then walked back to the cars before heading to Inglesport for lunch - Giant Yorkshire puddings for Simon and Jake - when in Yorkshire and all that.

They then headed off back to Buckinghamshire tired!

Swinging in the trees

Think we showed them a good time and the weather did us proud.  Have to say this time Jake was great - don't think he even acknowledged my existence until about 2 years ago and now he will happily chat with me as if he always has.  Amber was contrary again - 'no' is still her favourite word and she plays on being the youngest, but then you would wouldn't you?   There was a blow up between Simon and Jake but apart from that we had harmony (yes Simon and I got on fine) and the cousins were grand together.  Tom will happily hang out with either Jake or Amber - depending on who is nearest and wants to play.  It is as if they spend a lot of time together rather than a couple of days in a year.