Trevor's Travelogues: Unusual Lake District Meteorological Hazard
Part of a collection of travelogues by Trevor Hopkins.
Perhaps I should say at once that the "Meteorological Hazard" was sunburn. If you have even been to the Lakes, then you will know that this is an absolutely unheard-of effect for a May Bank Holiday weekend in the English Lake District.
I hade been camping for a few days in the Lakes. I took Sebastian (then 9 years old) and another boy (Rory). (This is a quid pro quo, since Rory's parents took Sebastian to their place in Spain for a couple of weeks during the last school holiday.) Tracey, who has perhaps more sense in these matters, declined the opportunity for a weekend on a campsite, and instead took herself off to Hoar Cross Hall, a Health Spa and Hotel.
Now, I have been to the Lake District before. It is usually very predictable that it will be wet and windy - the prevaling winds are straight off the Northe Atlantic, only slightly moderated by Ireland - so I packed plenty of warm and dry clothes. Mistake - big mistake! I should have brought more shorts for sunbathing. It is quite definitely true that, when the weather is warm and dry, the views and scenery in the Lakes are utterly fantastic.
The boys had a great time - the fun of sleeping in a tent, plus loads of other kids to play with on the campsite Then there were the added attractions - the beach (and ice cream), the swimming pool, the steam train ride, the aquarium, the climbing frame (and more ice cream!). I also bought a cheap kite, which was fun, since it was windy enough to keep the kite flying for hours - the string just held down by a tent peg!
So, on this occasion, I came back suntanned - at least in parts - and with certain muscles aching slightly. I am not sure what unusual activity caused the aches - maybe it was sitting cross-legged more than I usually do, or maybe I can blame the football, ball games, cricket, etc.
If you have enjoyed these travelogues, why not explore the Lyndesfarne series of novels by Trevor Hopkins.
Other fiction by Trevor Hopkins includes the Four Square Less One collection of short stories, the nascent Findo Gask - Goblin Detective novels and another collection of short stories.
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