Cumbria

[alt_poppy]

Well, here I am, laid up in the Mortal Man Inn at Troutbeck with a scraped knee, a large knot on my head, and a sore dent in my pride. Did I trip as I rambled over hill and dale from Grange-over-Sands to Witherslack and on to Cartmell Fell? No. Did I fall whilst picking my way up and down the hardscrabble slopes of the Coppermines Valley, as spry and sturdy as any of the sheep? Not at all. Did I slip in the foggy morning as I stepped over a stile along Wansfell Pike? Indeed not. Did I put my foot, calf-deep into a badger sett along Sour Howes way? I did, in fact, but it did no harm. (To me, at least. I confess that I left without having words with the badgers whose tunnel I had marred.)

No, my friends, I tripped over my own large shoes as I stepped inside the owl office at Applethwaite, embarrassing myself no end and raising quite a lump on my brow. I believe I might have chipped the doorpost!

In lieu of further comment, I offer this from my notebook—a handsome, if somewhat aloof, Herdwick I met above Coniston Water.

 

Comments

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[alt_poppy]

In fact, I'm perfectly fit. It was only a minor bump, though I believe that the Owl Mistress at Applethwaite will remember me for some time to come.

The innkeep at the Mortal Man, by the way, is my Dearborn cousin, Alun. He and his wife offered me room for as long as I'd like, as they haven't had any visitors here in several years. In fact, they are off to Torquay for the month, so no one is like to notice that I've left.

Frank, I shall Apparate to the place you suggested just at half-nine tomorrow morning unless I hear from you or Alice before then that I'm needed. I have only one item to collect here today, and that's not so important it couldn't be left if you need me.

Re: Order Only

[alt_alice]

That sounds like it would be just fine. We're all looking forward to your visit, and I'm very grateful you've timed it so perfectly.

We'll be waiting for you when you arrive.

Re: Order Only

[alt_poppy]

Very well then. I see from your entry that you are (all) as ready as you can be to have this baby worm his way out into the world. I trust that the small one is as ready as you are!

[alt_horace]

I am sorry to hear you've taken a tumble, Poppy. I've been so enjoying these missives of yours. I dare say you'll feel right as rain with a few days rest, and able to return to enjoying the delights of the Lakes.

[alt_poppy]

Yes, this is such a lovely place to spend a bit of time. From my table in the garden here I can see the most striking play of light and shadow across the valley. I've entertained thoughts of staying on indefinitely, but I wouldn't know what to do with myself after a week or two. I'm not a woman made for a life of retirement. So never fear, you shall see me back at Hogwarts before the train arrives in September.

[alt_horace]

Very glad to hear it, my dear. The old place wouldn't be the same without you.

[alt_terry]

I Solemnly Swear That I Am Up to No Good

Wish I could say something to her. Don't think I'd better, in case Master's watching the journals, but I expect she'll be all right.

[alt_sinistra]

Oh, goodness.

Do take care of yourself, Poppy. Or do I have to repeat the lecture you gave me about head injuries being serious, even if they're small? I hope you're planning to take a day or two to recover, at the least.

The ramble up north is quite pleasant, though the weather today has been rather blustery. We gave up our trudging around earlier than usual as a result, and I've been catching up with the journals this evening. (It is a change from trying to sort out the final groupings for the camping trip, at least.)

We've had nothing like your outings (and I could sketch star charts, but truly, they're better on bigger paper), but we have seen several interesting meteors when the moon's been out of that part of the sky. (I wish I could have put off this trip till new moon, but really should be tending to the last minute trip details by then.)

And I've had a lovely time working over my friend's notes and spotting logic and proofing errors in them. (Not many, but everyone's human, and it's always best to get another set of eyes.) My friend's looking at seeking publication of some of the results: I'm bringing a draft of the write-up back with me should you be interested.

[alt_poppy]

Oh, lovely! I'm so glad you are having good weather and good fun. I should be most glad to read what your friend has written. I trust that the quest to publish is easily accomplished.