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I won’t lie, I’m a bit shocked I’m back here. After a few, but surprisingly painless, train hops. We made it to the Peak District! Specifically Matlock Bath, where we’re seeking refuge from the cold howling winds in a Hygge little coffee shop which advertises free wifi, doggos allowed, and USB sockets, in the window.
armed with wool gloves, scarf, hat and a rad balaclava/yoga times headband I gifted myself for my birthday- read to brave the elements to check this goal off the list in the 11th hour of the month.
As I mentioned in my morning post, this place is a bit eerie.
Maybe that's because we've always been here in the off season. But I like it. It's like a forgotten ancient, once aquatic, civilization... with chip shops.
And so as to nomad moths to the digital wifi flame we ht up the coffee shop as soon as possible.
There’s warm exposed bulb lighting, heavy salvaged wood tables and string lights and hand lettering everywhere.
It’s a bright sunny day and from our table we have a lovely view of the snow flurries drifting down.
It’s so cozy in here, it makes you forget how bitter cold it is out there.
There’s a bit of a time machine feeling for me being here again. This is a spot @teahumble took me at the end of October 2016. He had a feeling I’d love this town and he was totally right...
Even though matlock is completely land- locked it has the feeling of a old sea-shore town. There’s an odd Pisces geo-locative misdirection here.
Looking back at these photos, I think part of what I love about Matlock is how the infrastructure doesn't impose on the natural features, it feels like it was designed with respect for nature, instead of being at war with it.
@Teamhumble mentioned that the last time we were here, that I was drawn to this tree then as well. Maybe I spent time here in another life... Maybe snow just makes everything more magical
Matlock very old, and there are fresh fish and chips shops, arcades, gift shops, traditional candy stands and ice creameries that line the main avenue.
Opposite is a little waterway, where you can rent a ridiculously dragon pro swan shaped paddle boat to explore on during the main season.
as you can see, this place totally transforms in the fall..
As I mentioned earlier I’ve only ever been here in the “off” season, and although the weather is pretty frigid, there’s something about seeing this place aside from the summer hustle and bustle that I really quite like.
It’s almost was if we have the place to ourselves to explore. Feels very I Am Legend.
Does anyone-else imagine the way certain places will look at the end of world. I have ever since I was a kid. I guess I've always had post-apocalyptic goggles on.
Back to the coffee shop! Two flat whites please! Mine with coconut milk Mouser’s with regular- both looked delicious. And after we finished those, I opted for some Egyptian mint tea to clear out my stuffy nose.
eek doggo alert!!!!-- poor boy looked cold!
We’re sitting here tapping away on our USB keyboards. And I’m wondering what he’s typing on his side of the table. I’m going to have to check out his post later.
We soon packed up and headed out for lunch... which was an easy decision if you haven't picked up on the hints.... YEP! Chip shop!!!
We sat in the nearest possible seat to the fish tank while we waited for our foods and made friends with the fishes, and I silently apologized for what I was about to do to one of their own..
It was near torture to watch others enjoy their meals. But It was good to see folks in this space on such a cold day. Other than the coffee shop, the place was a ghost town!
@teamhumble put in the order, and it wasn't long before....
...cue the swell of classical music
Damn am I going to miss proper fish and chips when I head back to the states... I'm sold. Mushy peas for life.
We had to make our way back to the bus stop soon after we polished those dishes off, but there's always more time for some tom-foolery.
And window gazing...
More fish friends to meet not far from the bus stop, I couldn't believe how cold they must have been! Koi are tough little dudes!
It was so cold, that the spray from the fountain in this little pond formed icicles on the branches hanging above. It was kinda beautiful.
We finally made our way up to the stop and had a few minutes before the bus would arrive, so NATURALLY @teamhumble dashed across the road for a photo-op. LOL.
Thank goodness we didn't have to wait too long because it was BITTER cold and the winds were really starting to pick up.
The ride home was toasty warm and had some stunning views as our bus made its way out of the valley...
It always strikes me how much SPACE there is out here. From someone who grew up on NYCs doorstep, watching people cram into such small living spaces. The idea of what it could be like to actually OWN that much land, and then only plopping one house, for a few people to live on it, kinda blows my mind.
Personally I'd have it littered with gardens, and making spaces and shipping containers... a bit like Matlock, building within nature, respecting it, instead of on top of it.
ANYWAY!
SUPER thankful for @teamhumble for making this awesome end to my Birthday celebration happen, even in the bitter cold! It really fed my soul to visit again, and felt awesome to be able to put that check on my goals list.
I hope you enjoyed sharing in our little trip!
<3
Dayleeo
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