My mate’s dog has just died—blue-green algae poisoning, Windermere’s Ambleside shoreline. Big dog, too. Very sad. http://ow.ly/20Fd1 RIP Jem

That is so sad – please don’t let that happen to your dog (or child !!!)

Environment Health at SLDC have told me that a [...]]]> I just heard on Twitter of someone whose dog died after swimming in Windermere

My mate’s dog has just died—blue-green algae poisoning, Windermere’s Ambleside shoreline. Big dog, too. Very sad. http://ow.ly/20Fd1 RIP Jem

That is so sad – please don’t let that happen to your dog (or child !!!)

Environment Health at SLDC have told me that a recent check  (end of June 2010) showed “no confirmed blue green algae” on Windermere.  Best exercise care though!

EDIT – They actually called me to request that I remove part of this warning that referred to an out of date report on their own webs site detailing where the problems were last year on Windremere.

I did so, but after reading this

http://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk/news/8247301.Vet_s_alarm_after_dogs_die_after_swimming_in_Windermere/?ref=rss

begin to wish that I had not.

Please do be careful and make your own judgements about whose advice to trust here!

If you go out with your dog please make sure that he or she is kept on a lead.

Not only is it unfair on the sheep and lambs to if your dog gets excited [...]]]> This is a good time to remind you all that lambing is in full swing in the Lakes just now.

If you go out with your dog please make sure that he or she is kept on a lead.

Not only is it unfair on the sheep and lambs to if your dog gets excited and chases them, but farmers WILL take matters, and a shotgun in to their own hands with the full force of the law behind them.

Please don’t let your dog get shot as an example to others!

He remembered dying, and that the dog walking beside him had been dead for years. He wondered where the road was leading them. After a while, they came to [...]]]> A man and his dog were walking along a road. The man was enjoying the scenery, when it suddenly occurred to him that he was dead.

He remembered dying, and that the dog walking beside him had been dead for years. He wondered where the road was leading them. After a while, they came to a high, white stone wall along one side of the road. It looked like fine marble. At the top of a long hill, it was broken by a tall arch that glowed in the sunlight.

When he was standing before it he saw a magnificent gate in the arch that looked like mother-of-pearl, and the street that led to the gate looked like pure gold. He and the dog walked toward the gate, and as he got closer, he saw a man at a desk to one side.

When he was close enough, he called out, ‘Excuse me, where are we?’

‘This is Heaven, sir,’ the man answered.

‘Wow! Would you happen to have some water?’ the man asked.

‘Of course, sir. Come right in, and I’ll have some ice water brought right up.’

The man gestured, and the gate began to open.

‘Can my friend,’ gesturing toward his dog, ‘come in, too?’ the traveler asked.

‘I’m sorry, sir, but we don’t accept pets.’

The man thought a moment and then turned back toward the road and continued the way he had been going with his dog.

After another long walk, and at the top of another long hill, he came to a dirt road leading through a farm gate that looked as if it had never been closed. There was no fence.

As he approached the gate, he saw a man inside, leaning against a tree and reading a book.

‘Excuse me!’ he called to the man. ‘Do you have any water?’

‘Yeah, sure, there’s a pump over there, come on in.’

‘How about my friend here?’ the traveler gestured to the dog.

‘There should be a bowl by the pump.’

They went through the gate, and sure enough, there was an old-fashioned hand pump with a bowl beside it.

The traveler filled the water bowl and took a long drink himself, then he gave some to the dog.

When they were full, he and the dog walked back toward the man who was standing by the tree.

‘What do you call this place?’ the traveler asked.

‘This is Heaven,’ he answered.

‘Well, that’s confusing,’ the traveler said. ‘The man down the road said that was Heaven, too.’

‘Oh, you mean the place with the gold street and pearly gates? Nope. That’s hell.’

‘Doesn’t it make you mad for them to use your name like that?’

‘No, we’re just happy that they screen out the folks who would leave their best friends behind.’

We used to hire one for our son, but I never imagined putting Suki in one. I saw these discussed on Twitter so I looked them up and you can buy them here.

If anyone knows where you can hire them in the Lake [...]]]> Well I never realised you could buy bike trailers for dogs

We used to hire one for our son, but I never imagined putting Suki in one. I saw these discussed on Twitter so I looked them up and you can buy them here.

If anyone knows where you can hire them in the Lake District please do let me know!

Please read the article and take note – the fells are alovely place to [...]]]> An article published in the Westmorland Gazette today shows the importance of keeping your dogs under control out on the fellsides. This is not just well meant advice – it could save your dog’s life (and those of some sheep as well).

Please read the article and take note – the fells are alovely place to exercise your dog,  but the farmers do have a livelihood to protect.

If you really are hoping to find somewhere you’re probably going to have to pay the premium [...]]]> A lot of people seem to be leaving it very late to look for New Year availability – all three of our lodges have been booked for over 2 months now but we are still getting loads of enquiries!

If you really are hoping to find somewhere you’re probably going to have to pay the premium and book with some of the agencies now, as everyone else I know who rents privately is also booked.

If you are still looking you might want to try Cumbrian Cottages who do seem to have some availability left, even though they were only taking full week bookings when I looked at the website just now.

Of course you can always decide to come next year and book one of our lodges now 

It’s quite rare to read about a new idea in tourism and they have a few really great suggestions for days out.

There’s the:

What a “magical” stay we have had here at “Otter Lodge”. The lodge stands in one of the best positions in the park. The brochure photos don’t do it justice. The amenities [...]]]> We just checked our visitors’ book and we were really delighted to read our firsts guests’ reactions, so we thought we’d share them here

What a “magical” stay we have had here at “Otter Lodge”. The lodge stands in one of the best positions in the park. The brochure photos don’t do it justice. The amenities on the site are superb. We must comment on the contents in the lodge. Talk about “home from home”. NOTHING has been missed out at all, and it was all spotless and clean. It really is a credit to the owners, John & Linda, – two really lovely people. 10/10 We shall be back.

We both had a great break away from the “norm” – The lodge has everything we needed.. especially the warm fire for the cold evening! Location is great – we are not strangers to the Lakes, but we have not stayed on this side before – lovely. Thanks to owners for a very well turned out lodge – we especially like the view out from the balcony – even a kingfisher or two!” (note from John- you were in the wrong lodge – you are only supposed to see Otters from this one )

We have had an amazing weekend here at Otter Lodge. The lodge is amazing – so cosy and warm with beautiful views. Our 6 month old puppy loved his 1st holiday. We will definitely be back