Eros arrival
Venturing into February, there’s the sense that winter is in the rear view mirror and somewhere around the next bend spring will be waiting, wearing a fancy bonnet. Fresh snowdrops are now heaped under ancient oaks, whilst daffodils jostle for their prime time moment. Soon they will bathe in their egg yolk yellow glory. Alongside the fresh green tips of wild garlic, marking at last winter’s end. The month of love reaches it’s Valentines trig point next week, time for me to look back at the paths taken and forward to the adventures to come.
Bacchanalian Bowland & Bay
January has felt like an extended New Years Eve party. Folks came together over wild venison pies and giant beer paddles. Nobody parties harder than the zodiac sea-goats and water bearers. When the world says channel you inner puritan, they double down on living their best birthday life. Their laughter kept the clouds away and Bowland offered up spectacular winter vistas and marmalade afternoon sunsets.
Brightest Stars
February has also been about planet aligning partnerships. When you leave corporate world, you don’t imagine you’ll be standing in a pub garden, star gazing with 50 rural businesses. Yet last night at the Fleece Inn, we gathered for the launch of the Discover Bowland Guide. To celebrate the dark sky discovery sites of the AONB. As we looked out into the universe for Jupiter and moons, I looked around at the friends I have made on my start up journey. Planets aligning.
Back beside a cosy fire, with Michelle from Rewilding and Paul from Wyreside Mushrooms, we chattered about the health benefits of Turkey Tail Mushroom Tea, whilst drinking Bowland beer. I have found the best foodie folks, including the fantastic launch of foodie getaways, with The Cartford Inn and Browsholme Hall (call direct for dates and details). The stars are definitely brighter in Lancashire.
Love is Eggy Bread
Spring is coming, double digits on the temperature, reaching the 200 mark on superb Bowland & Bay artisan suppliers to visit. Only snow stopped one tour in 2022. I love this life, all season eco-escapes, supporting independent food & drink producers across Lancashire and the Lakes District. Meeting folks from all over the UK and planet earth. Their smiles and enthusiasm for Bowland & Bay, warms the Morecambe Bay cockles of my heart.
My recommendation for the 14th is save money on the roses, instead grab some daffodils and treat a loved one to breakfast in bed, with local eggy bread. If you are very lucky buy Lovingly Artisans Cheese & Chilli Sourdough. Every Friday Mrs Kirkhams and Lovingly Artisan meet to swap fresh bread and raw cheese, which goes on to make this magnificent loaf. Cumbria and Lancashire artisans and legends, spreading the love of real food – now there is a foodie love story.
Enjoy the adventure everyone, live life like a sea-goat.
