There is often much debate as to when Summer ends and Autumn begins. People living in the South seem believe the Summer extends into September. My wife will have none of this. She is a teacher and returns to school this week for the "Autumn/Winter Term". So that settles that argument.
There is no doubt that July and August have been pretty miserable for weather with what seems like almost constant rain. In fact I am sure I have heard on the news that August was the wettest on record. All this poor weather makes us forget the fine weather in May/June. At one stage I did believe that Lake Windermere would fall to such a low level that I would be unable to moor my boat at Fallbarrow. Hopefully, we will get an "Indian" Summer in September/October and then probably forget the poor July/August. Still as a good friend of mine often states "there is no such thing as bad weather in the Lakes, just the wrong clothes". I guess most people who visit the Lakes expect poor weather and any sunshine is accepted gratefully as a bonus.
Having been in dispute with SLP for almost 12 months over the season extension and the associated increase in site fees, we have decided to accept the fact the the site will open over the winter months, and will be paying the revised site fees for the 2008/9. Thankfully, SLP did see some sense and accepted that the 2008/8 fee increase was excessive and have adjusted the new fee accordingly.
There does seem to be a more responsive attitude from SLP since the ending of the Graham Hodgson era. They do seem to be more prepared to listen, and more importantly take appropriate action. At the end of the day, all we want to do is enjoy the "Lodge lifestyle" without lots of aggravation and upset.
Finally, having accepted the new extended season, we have also decided that we will not use it over Christmas and New Year. So if anybody wishes to rent the lodge over this period, then visit our website:
http://lakedistrictlodge.googlepages.com/
Regards
KW