Greenslate

We have had a very enjoyable day. A circular walk from Elterwater formed the centre of it. Fantastic autumn weather - it could not have been better.

A lot of the buildings at Elterwater are constructed of the local green-slate, which is a really attractive building material. There is still an active quarry on the edge of the village (out of sight), owned by Burlington Stone. This is one of the companies owned by the Cavendish family. The companies were started in the mid 19th century by William Cavendish, second Earl of Burlington, of Holker Hall. Of course, we are not a feudal society - although it sometimes looks like it !

One of the things I like about the green-slate facing is the lack of any mortar joints, and its higgledy piggledy look. A bit abstract, at one level. And I like the textures.

The extra is the Langdales viewed across the tarn at Elterwater. A golden retriever was trying to pursue a group of mallards. No chance of catching them of course.