The rain stopped earlier than I expected this morning but I stuck to my plan for an early afternoon walk. There are usually sheep in this field as I walk to Rydal Hall, but today just evidence of moles. In the quiet garden at the hall were hellebores and snowdrops, one rhododendron bush with buds nearly open and (I think) a camellia in flower. Cappuccino at the tea room while I warmed up and then back to Ambleside the easy way . . . on the bus.