Saturday, 15 September 2012

River Deep Mountain High - Four Go Mad In The Lake District



We're just back from a brilliant break in The Lake District with Krista and Chris and we're already missing them like mad.


We ascended to over 1000 feet at Loughrigg Fell, braving torrential rain and bitingly cold winds and were rewarded by sunshine and glorious views when we reached the summit.


The hill that many visitors to the Lake District climb to say they have climbed a hill, and that has introduced more people to the delightful lunacy of hill-walking. With a cave, scrambly rocks, corking views and within staggering distance of fine cream teas in Ambleside, drag a hill-walking virgin up Loughrigg on a fine day and – guaranteed – the bug will bite.   (Live For The Outdoors.com)


 Our choice of walking gear caused looks of amazement and countless comments by other walkers kitted out in boring old Gore-Tex, fleece and drab waterproofs.


 At least Mountain Rescue would have had no problem with finding us had we got lost.


Jon's got the walking bug so perhaps I can realise my dream of reaching Everest Base Camp once I get my other hip done.

Barry M, the preferred lippie of hikers.
 The euphoric rush of conquering a challenging peak in inclement weather beats a shopping trip hands down. 

Bowness-on-Windermere

 It's been over 27 years since I last went to The Lakes and it was as fresh and exciting for me as it was for the others.


 On the banks of Lake Windermere captured by a friendly couple from Liverpool.


Jon's such a bird magnet

 Most Brits love a queue, we chose not to join it and went charity shopping instead (what I found deserves a separate blog post).

Coniston Water


 We took in a bit of culture visiting the pretty village of Grasmere and William Wordsworth's modest grave.



 We posed in the grounds of the gorgeous 14th Century St Oswald's Church,



We called into Sarah Nelson's for the best gingerbread in the world.



 Former gingerbread-haters Jon & Krista are now converts.



We found time for plenty of boozing, eating and hanging out in pubs, too. The local restaurants were beyond brilliant. 


We seemed to attract a lot of strange looks, hot pink & turquoise doesn't appear to be a common choice of clothing colour in a conservative village like Ambleside. 

Bring me the finest wines known to humanity
We introduced Krista and Chris to the ultimate slacker film, Withnail & I after a session in the pub on Thursday night.


 The bromance continues.


Krista finds a bargain in Windermere.

Bridge House, Ambleside.


1970s cocktail dress courtesy of the divine Curtise

 Why bother with Gore-Tex when there's lamé and leopard print?


 Can you tell how well we all got on? Krista and Chris are amazing, funny, down-to-earth, generous and gorgeous. It's like we've been friends for years. There wasn't a moment of moodiness or an awkward silence from the minute we met.  Look out Portland, Oregon, we're coming to get you as soon as we can!



 Thanks for all your wonderful comments left on my last post, Krista and I loved reading them. You are fabulous and I promise to catch up with all of you tomorrow. Right now the pub's calling and our sadness at our friends' departure needs easing with alcohol.

See you soon!

PS If you think I've fallen out with you, I haven't! I've lost my mobile somewhere in the house.

88 comments:

  1. No wonder you got some funny looks, you look like you could kick up a storm the 4 of you, but in a fun way lol. Beautiful photo's, looks like a great trip.
    V
    xxx

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  2. Looks like a fab trip to the Lakes Vix. I love the outfits too, so much nicer than boring old walking gear.
    Dx

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  3. I've seen a side of you in this post i've never seen before--and I love the colorful hiking. It would be fantastic if you and Jon came to the states!

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  4. OMG!!! What a colorful bunch you are- I bet you guys had SO much fun, and thank you for sharing it with us! I'm a little teary, not sure why, think my maudlin sentimental spirit is coming out in my old age- but I love how blogging friends has transformed into real life friends so seamlessly! And dont EVEN get me started on how amazing it would be if you were to come out and visit Krista and Chris, cuz I'm a few hours away!!!!! xo!

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  5. Wow ! What a beatiful place !
    And you colourful people are so georgeus !

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  6. Oh you all look like you had the most outrageous fun! x

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  7. First, I am cheering at your choice of outdoor wear! You guys are awesome!! Thank you thank you for being your colourful selves in the wilds - why do so many people transform into dark formless gorms as soon as they hear the word hiking? I'm glad you have this new friendship. Everyone looks so happy.

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  8. What a fabulous post, Vix! I love seeing you in a countryside setting, not your usual habitat but that just shows how adaptable you are! All the photos of you and Krista, Jon and Chris just radiate happiness and friendship. So glad you had a good time (of course you did!) and I am smiling to see that you girls lit up the Lakes with colour and glamour!
    Don't be too sad that they've gone, just get planning the return adventure! xxxxx

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  9. Looks like a riot - we used to go on holiday to the Lakes when I was a kid. It's so beautiful up there.

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  10. I have never been to the Lakes and I utterly must!

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  11. Ah this looks like so much fun, you've got me right in the mood for hill walking next week! In a waterproof jacket most likely tho...:)

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  12. Beautiful countryside, thanks for showing it.........made all the more beautiful by your stylishness I might ad. You all look like absolute soulmates......

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  13. Looks like a fun time. Lake District is beautiful!!!

    ∞ © tanvii.com ∞

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  14. What a fab post, Vix. How lovely to see you all in such a beautiful place.
    No wonder you attracted attention adn I would expect nothing less.
    I did leave a message on yer hotmail, but if you can't get on it I'll go via fb instead.xxxxxx

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  15. Spectacular you guys and gals made some amazing memories I am so happy you all were able to meet. The walking of hills looks like much fun and Love how you just dashed your color everywhere hehehe!!! Have a great rest of the weekend and raise your glass for me Cheers to friends!! what a blessing they are!! ~Love Heather

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  16. I have never seen hill walking with more style, my dear friends.
    I love the Lakes so very much,and know them well, but from now on, they have a pink colour.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  17. Gorgeous photos, you all look like you have been lifelong friends. Love the photo in front of the bridge house, Ambleside is somewhere I have spent many happy hours x

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  18. Wow Vix, looks like you all had an amazing time. Much nicer and colourful kit than my boring walking gear I can tell you.

    So glad you all had such a great time.

    X x

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  19. Wow Vix, looks like you all had an amazing time. Much nicer and colourful kit than my boring walking gear I can tell you.

    So glad you all had such a great time.

    X x

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  20. Wow Vix, looks like you all had an amazing time. Much nicer and colourful kit than my boring walking gear I can tell you.

    So glad you all had such a great time.

    X x

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  21. Wow you can tell you all had a fab time,I'm loving hot pink and it looks fab on you both with the turquoise :)

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  22. Lovely pictures, you all look so close. I didn't know you like walking, but you certainly do it in style! I'm afraid I'm a member of the blend in with the landscape brigade when it comes to hiking! The lakes are gorgeous, I've only been once, but would love to go back. Looking forward to seeing your adventures in Portland x

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  23. It's sobgreat that you all hot in so well - u ladies look beautiful - Krista has a lovy selection
    Of leggings going in and I'm liking your fluri pink and green tights :D

    I neat went to University in Ambleside, but decided it was too far and too quiet to spend 3 years there - but it is such a beautiful place to holiday!!!

    Sal x

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  24. Looks like you had an amazing time - fab views from the top of the hill, and I agree, so great to be rewarded with sun and beautiful views after going uphill in the rain!
    I was in the lake district two weeks ago, and it would have made my day to bump into you in your hot pink gear!

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  25. Looks lovely! And wow colorful ! If you like climbing hills you would really love Kentucky. All rolling hills and sunshine :) Thanks for sharing, your such an interesting gal!! Love it!
    Xo Tami

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  26. I'm so jealous! I have the exact same photo of the boats taken when I was 10! How odd. I still have a groovy rainbow bangle from an Ambleside shop so I know it's a cool place to buy stuff. Now you've introduced Krista to two of my absolute favourite things - Gingerbread and Withnail and I - hopefully she might get the reference in my next blog post.
    You've proved you can go walkies in anything and be comfortable. Something I always knew - who needs gortex and barbour to go hiking? You both look gorgeous, did you mean to wear matching colours? I love you both and I bet you're so miserable to have all been parted! xxxxxx

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  27. I'm so jealous! I have the exact same photo of the boats taken when I was 10! How odd. I still have a groovy rainbow bangle from an Ambleside shop so I know it's a cool place to buy stuff. Now you've introduced Krista to two of my absolute favourite things - Gingerbread and Withnail and I - hopefully she might get the reference in my next blog post.
    You've proved you can go walkies in anything and be comfortable. Something I always knew - who needs gortex and barbour to go hiking? You both look gorgeous, did you mean to wear matching colours? I love you both and I bet you're so miserable to have all been parted! xxxxxx

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  28. wow looks amazing, sounds like you had fun x

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  29. Brilliant fun! I've never seen such beautiful walking outfits and your smiling faces indicate that you all had a spectacular time together surrounded by natural beauty.

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  30. Aww...this post makes me happy for so many reasons, but I am glad to know I'm not the only person in the world who goes hiking in skirts/dresses and gets bewildered stares! I love Krista's bitch socks!

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  31. Aah you retraced my steps, I should have left messages for you guys in the Churchyard and gingerbread shop!

    Also my post today was written before I saw yours but I think I have found just the thing for your next hill walking trip!!
    x

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  32. WOW Vix!!! The best ever hiking clothing ever, and how thoughtful of you both to be visible for search and rescue!! Wordsworth was my favourite poet when I was at high school. I so would love to visit England and see all the history you have everywhere!!

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  33. now that's what to wear hiking! What beautiful countryside, like a fairy tale.

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  34. How farking GLORIOUS!!!
    You were frocked up perfectly for hiking, I suspect I would have dragged y'all behind a bush for some frolics if I'd come across you!!! It all looks so lovely, and I'm practically weeping with jealousy!
    YAY for introducing those kids to Withnail and I!! they'll never be the same again!!!
    I have to have a nother perve at these fabulous pix, it's all too much..........!!!
    Love Helga xxxXXXxxx

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  35. The other walkers must have thought you and Krista were a couple of exotic birds with bright plumage! I love Krista's pink boots. How rare and wonderful to get along with someone so well. So glad for all of you that you have found such great friends.

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  36. oh my god how beautiful it is there! the landscapes are breathtaking really perfect for hiking and you all have the most fabulous hiking outfits i´ve ever seen;)
    i can really see you are having a good time;)
    love and kiss,mary

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  37. It looks so lovely there Vix, I've been trying to talk Pat into a walking holiday for ages and now I have your pics to use as extra ammunition for why we should do it. Love you and Krista hill walking in all your finery, you two must have brightened people's day everywhere you went. Looking forward to the blog when you and Jon go to visit them now! xx

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  38. I love the lake district. How can you fail to have fun there. I hope Krista enjoyed it too, can't say I've ever seen anyone as bright as you guys when I've been hill walking. X

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  39. Jon as bird magnet=LOL!!! Good one. Isn't it great when visitors inspire you to do things you wouldn't otherwise.Beautiful photo of you and Jon in the graveyard, your body language is superb, always so lovely to see :) Can't believe Chris & Krista weren't familiar with Withnail & I!! With or without the movie, fine wine always sounds like a good idea!! Glad you got along so well together, let's skype soon.xx.

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  40. Well you look brilliant all climbing the bill hill! I love the Lake District, just not the drab rainy weather it generally attracts.

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  41. The views outthere are amazing! What a wonderfull place. And you and Krista look so cute together.
    It is always sad to see good friends go home.... But now you can look forward to the next visit.
    Hope you have a wonderfull day. xx

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  42. Oh this is a post that makes my little heart sing!!!!
    Two wonderful ladies from two parts of the world joined in friendship and love thats what makes the world good.
    Happiness!!!!
    love v

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  43. I certainly looks like you had a great time; I haven't been to the Lake District since I was a child and would love to go back; walking the hills of Dartmoor is something that I still miss about living in Devon.
    We went to Cumbria for a wedding a couple of years ago which was a lovely; we drove through The Dales; stunning; and saw Abbleby Fair as it happened to be on that weekend. I would love to go back to the village that we stayed in and explore further x

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  44. I can feel how much you enjoyed your little holiday through the pics...my face is lit up into a smile!:D You'll look so gorgeous and colourful! And the first picture-its amazing!
    Yes your'e in my sidebar did you wave hi to you?:D

    Lots of Love,
    Shubhi's Revels!

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  45. you look amazing. The village and lakes look so quaint and charming. I'm glad you both brought some colour and fun back to them though ;) im learning to not care when people look at me in my brighter outfits anymore..blogging has been good for curing that!
    What a fabulous looking time away. Can't wait to see your charity shop finds
    xox

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  46. N'aw looks like you all had so much fun! I do love being back in the lakes as it is soo pretty and laid back! I've never been to the charity shops in Windermere/Bowness i think i'll have to make a visit as it is only about 10 miles away from me :)
    The gingerbread is incredible!
    Rachelle x
    http://inspiredbytheretired.blogspot.co.uk/

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  47. What a gorgeous time you look to of had together. It is a beautiful thing to be able to click with like minded souls. You ask yourself where they've been all your life.

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  48. What a great holiday you had. The Lakes were often a place i'd be taken along too as a child for holiday and my parents use to dump me up in my buggie up said hills and across horse stiles. Can't say i've done any proper hardcore hill walking myself but I bet the views were amazing.

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  49. Now I'm going to print these photos, they are beautiful,here you can see the happiness,the friendships, the beauty all enlightened with bright colours and smiles!!
    The places you visited are dreamy, maybe because of the gray sky seems to be in a fairy tale land and you and Krista are the princesses, you make me want to dress in hot pink and turquoise, but I really need a side kick, please come here too!!
    Love

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  50. What gorgeous scenery---and I'm not talking about the Lakes!! You both looked magnificent!! I'll bet the tourists you met have more pictures of you and Krista then they do of the real scenery!!
    I am so jealous of all the fab fun you guys had!!
    {{{hugs}}}}

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  51. Oh the Lake District is so beautiful!
    I love that you all still look bloody amazing even up a mountain =)
    xx

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  52. Oh what a fun happy post. You can feel the BFF chemistry oozing out of it! All I can say is, The Lake District is amazing but how much moreso it must be with fab company, leopard and lame and sweet confections! You all look like you had a blast. Can't wait to see what thrifty treasures you bought xxxx

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  53. I love the Lakes but it is usually grey when I go.Your colourful pictures show just what the Lakes District is missing. Looks like a fun trip

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  54. these purple haze pics are amazing, miss v! love your clothes too!

    hope you follow me back on blogspot, have a new one.

    xoxo, viviane

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  55. whouuu, both of you look fabulously colorful and gorgeous whatever you go!, and love your outfits to hill climbing, they look warm & pretty without that bored sport cloths shades!
    Your fabulousness is inspiring and cheer me up!
    besos

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  56. You two certainly cheer up the landscape, I can just imagine the interest you gained from other hikers. So glad your bloggy friendship resulted in this fabulous time for you both. You all look so happy.

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  57. What a brilliant post!

    You all look so relaxed and happy like old friends reunited again.

    It was nice to see you in a different setting. You can't beat a good romp in the countryside. And dressed to kill too. You all looked fantastic. Look forward to the US post in the future.

    Really enjoyed your holiday photo's really happy snaps.


    P x

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  58. These pics are all gorgeous--you gals and the scenery. Looks like you had a great time too. (The hugs as opposed to poses gives that away!)

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  59. Aah, you guys looked like you had a fab break! Gorgeous scenery, i'd love to go up there!
    Can't wait for your next installment!!!
    xo

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  60. Beautiful sights! You really saw some amazing things. I really want to travel more. Maybe once I am out of school.

    http://www.glamkittenslitterbox.com/
    Twitter: @GlamKitten88

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  61. You sure look like you're having a great time together!

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  62. I love all of these photos, especially the ones of you and Krista, which are just explosions of colour and joy!! You all look like you've been friends for ages. I love your hiking outfits; if I ever go hiking, I'll definitely use you as outfit inspiration.

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  63. Most interesting hiking outfits evah! Beautiful scenery and photos!

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  64. I love your hill walking gear. No point in dressing down just because you're hiking. xo

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  65. I bet the hills do not often see such a colourful, happy group as you 4... Everything looks so lovely and green - and yes! the perfect environment for practising the Mount Everest climb! xoxo

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  66. I LOVE yours' and Kristas' walking outfits, truly inspirational and colourful.

    I bet the Lakes didn't know what hit them!!

    Lovely photos and glad you all had a fab time.

    L xx

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  67. Another 'smile all the way through' post! So glad you had a fun time with Krista, and both showed the boring sage and beige walking geared up folks your peacock colours! :) x

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  68. Looks like you all had an amazing time, stunning outfits and beautiful scenery :)

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  69. wow...love the Lake District but haven't been for a million tears....went for first holiday with 2 girlfriends there when I was a teenager.... camping....we met a load of French guys and went tearing about the countryside & up in a deux chevaux!!x

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  70. Hi Vix! great photos, fantastic outfit! you are beautiful! :-)))

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  71. Ahhhh - looks like a GRAND weekend!

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  72. how wonderful to spend the day hiking with such good friends. you are the most colorful hiking group i've ever laid eyes on! that gingerbread sounds so delish right about now. xo

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  73. We came we saw and we kicked that mountains ass in colorful style! One of the best things that came out of this adventure to the Lakes was getting to know a whole other side of you. I love that not only can you drink like a sailor, dress like a Bohemian Goddess, but you can appreciate the view at the top of a mountain we just climbed. I hope you get a chance to make your Fathers dream your own and I know you will do it in style.

    I can still close my eyes and see that rainbow.
    I wuv you honey!!
    XXOO
    Krista

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  74. aahh what a lovely trip such beautiful photo's i love that photo of the lake and the stillness of the boats just gorgeous. And im not surprised you got a lot of attention you all looked gorgeous, dee xx

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  75. Wonderful pics Vix of you all again, so wonderful
    England is a beautiful country indeed, the countryside is such a delight!
    You girls shine together, a match made in heaven!

    Ariane xxxx

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  76. Balls to Monty! I love that film! Sadly, I can quote large chunks of it due to a lasting love of Paul McGann as a teenager! You look like you had a wonderful time, I'd have love to have seen you on a fell! I usually have one garish item when walking even if the rest is mostly sensible! Looking fab!

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  77. Such a gorgeous place! Must visit some time!
    You guys look great together and really happy - and I love your friend's pink hair too!

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  78. Your photos make me want to go back to England!

    I am totally digging the green tights/green dress combo.

    I am glad you all had such a great time :)

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  79. You all look so happy and relaxed, you can tell that you got on like a house on fire.

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  80. Did you see Ang and Brad Pitt and their 2.5 million children? I heard they just took a trip to the Lake District, as well.

    Love,

    SB

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  81. You both look amazing - no wonder you attracted so much attention! You definitely would have stood out amongst everyone elses sombre walking gear. Looks like you all had a fab time too.

    Nikki x

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  82. Oh these photos are so wonderful! I absolutely love seeing you all together - and doing everything in such fabulous style! You and Krista look so happy and beautiful and excited - and the boys look like old mates. I hope you'll take me to climb that hill when I come over! I just love these pics so much. Love you more than this post! Sarah xxx

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  83. Looks like you had a wonderful time. Your friends are lucky to have you to visit. I'm in Washington State - a mere 3 hours from Portland, Oregon. What a small world!

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  84. Every pic's a winner - look at the pair of you cuddling up like possums in your glorious outfits! I'm pretty sure Mr and Mrs Greige populate most walking tracks and you would def have given them something to talk about at their next Tupperware party heheeeee! I do hope the pain of separation is easing with time, the four of you certainly look so happy and cool with each other, actually no ... ecstatic!!! xoxoxo

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  85. YOU WERE IN THE LAKE DISTRICT!! SO WISH I COULD HAVE MET YOU BOTH ! BUT am glad you had a FABULOUS time :) you all look amazing! xx

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  86. Aww it looks like you all had a lovely time! I love the Lake District too, been many years since we were there, Michael was only a little tot then. Maybe next year I'll get to go there again. :D

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  87. I was reading your latest posts driving back with feeling a bit of the post-holiday blues but this has made me smile! So glad you girls made walking look so jazzy - Hugh and I did some walking this week and everyone thought I was bonkers for wearing floral shorts and tights on a walk! We actually stayed in Ambleside last summer, it's so beautiful I'm so glad you enjoyed it! x

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Thanks for reading and for leaving a message. Please don't be anonymous, I'd love it if you left a name (or a nom de plume).

Lots of love, Vix