Back from Derbyshire

We have returned from our summer holiday in Derbyshire.  The weather was mainly cloudy, but this didn't spoil our enjoyment of this lovely county.  We visited Arkwright's Cromford Mill again.  Last visit was in 2001 and it was great to see the further restoration to the first mill.  The Industrial Revolution was the first History topic I remember studying at school, so has always fascinated me (satanic mills,etc...)

We walked along the Cromford Canal (used to move raw and finished cotton) from the mill site to the steam powered pumping station that was used to lift water from the river to the canal.  This was a lovely, peaceful walk with lots of ducks, moorhens with their young to see along the way as well as a cafe half way along for a break and welcome cup of tea.

Mike is very keen on trams, old buses etc., so we twice visited the Crich National Tram Collection and travelled on a variety of trams, some over 100 years old.  They also sold the most wonderful icecream...not good for the waistline!

There was also a lovely woodland walk full of wonderful wooden sculptures.  My favourite is below.

We also visited Poole's Cavern at  Buxton.  The guide was absolutely brilliant and this made the visit really enjoyable.

Now I'm back home, I am in the process of completing a little brown bear, Buddy.  Will post photos when he is finished.