National Partial Nudity Week

There seems to be a national day or week for just about everything now - and recent events in Eskdale have led us to declare this to be Partial Nudity Week. I have no doubt it is probably a nationwide phenomenon, too. It all started at 3am on Julia's late shift when she was woken up by a woman wandering around the hostel in her undies. A few days later we had the most lovely group of five guys staying a night. They had driven a long way to get here, and spent the morning taking pictures of each other posing topless in the stream. This was then followed up by photos of them arm wrestling on the bonnet of their hire car (which was parked right in the middle of the lawn). Both of these activities should absolutely be added to the definitive guide of 'Things to do in Eskdale'. 

Another activity, which is largely hostel specific, is an adaption of the game Kabbadi. This involves holding your breath for the duration of time spent in the oppositions territory. Now transfer this idea to making beds in an excessively stuffy (to be polite) dorm room. The tops bunks in particular are quite tricky. I'm sure this sport will soon by blacklisted by health and safety though - especially when my cause of death is listed as hyperventilation.  

Rachel, meanwhile, has quietly been growing courgettes big enough to feed a small country.  The largest weighed in at five and a half pounds - surely a winner in any village show competition. I think we also have several candidates for the village idiot competition, but that's another matter entirely. When my brother, Rory, was talking about this blog he said, "the overriding sentiment I get whilst reading it, is just how sorry I feel for Mick!" No idea what he's getting at. 

PS. We raised £65 for Breaks for Kids in our Euro 2016 charity sweepstake. There was the most unlikely winner - my younger brother drew Portugal from the hat (a Tupperware box). Unlikely because Hamish has never won anything football related in his life. Although, he did once score the most impressive own goal I've ever witnessed - I literally have no idea how he managed it. Many thanks to all those who took part, especially the staff at the Woolpack who, between them, must have bought up over half the teams! You're amazing x