Our time in Lancashire is coming to an end, and we will miss this place. The walks, the people, the beer, the sheep … and, well OK, the weather has had its ups-and-downs, but when it’s nice, it’s very nice.
At the end of a long stay, life can get a little more busy. Verifying our travel plans, checking reservations at our next lodgings, flights and/or trains and all of the other logistical matters that have to be checked.
Things that we have spread out over the apartment need to be collected, furniture that we rearranged needs to be put back, and all of our chargers and adapters need to be located. And since we were taught to leave things as you found them (or a little better) we also do a final cleaning.
But we still had three days, so the final cleaning can wait. There was still time to get out to enjoy the countryside some more, to see how much the lambs have grown, how the trees have leafed-in, and how the wildflowers have popped up since we arrived about six-weeks ago.
Spring had only just begun on our first days, and we still had some winter to get through including some sleet and snow. But now light sweaters and short sleeves often replace the heavy coats, though rain gear is always nearby.
A short drive up to Slaidburn provided us with a walk in the Forest-of-Bowland. The path started off along the river and then through forest, pastures and fields. It took us through the tiny village of Newton-in-Bowland, and through some fields where we got thoroughly lost for a bit. A friendly farmer on his tractor stopped to provide some clarification that got us on our way again.
While a picnic half-way through the walk provided nourishment, the ice cream we had when we returned to Slaidburn several hours later was the treat, the true reward was the experience of being out in the English countryside on such a beautiful day.
Our last walks were near our apartment in Waddington. We were able to say our goodbyes to our neighbors and others we had come to know during our stay. Neighbors such as Roy & Kath, from across the road that were often out early working with all their plants making the view out our window particularly nice. 
And Graham and his wife, our next-door neighbors who helped us figure out the recycling and when to have the trash out, and lots of good chats. The garden area behind their apartment was wonderfully filled with colorful flowers and plants as well.
Someone once said that you shouldn’t be sad that something is over, but you should be happy that it happened … oh, and we were.
Soon the next stop will be Edinburgh, Scotland, and the bar has been set high.
Carmen
29 Jul 2016Hi Jeannie and Chris,
We met you last weekend on a trip to a Glacier.
I read some of your posts and I have to say I am impresed. Your energy is amazing and the wonderful idea you had when you decided to enjoy your retiremet traveling.
I just suscribe to your page.
Regards.
Carmen&Ole in Norway.
Mighk
26 Jul 2016Love that high-latitude light.
Alice L Mathias
26 Jul 2016Thanks again!
Linda
26 Jul 2016It really is amazing to see the old stone houses, churches, fences and bridges. Interesting how well everything has held up.
Barb
26 Jul 2016Lovely pics as is your standard! Some remind me of a Thomas Kinkade canvas.