So, last weekend I was brave enough to venture outdoors despite the horrendous weather and meet up with some fellow Geeks for Geeks in the Peaks; a weekend camping just outside of Bakewell.
The weekend started with Annamarie, Michael and I trying to compact all our camping gear into my 4 door Polo, which resulted in what was essentially a game of Car Tetris. Once we’d managed to stuff the car full of things it turned out we wouldn’t even need, we set off on the 2 hour drive from Blackpool. We found the camp site (Haddon Grove) easily enough, arriving just after 4pm and had a little wander around before putting up our tents and waiting for more happy campers to arrive.
It didn’t take long before @richardathome turned up, and soon after we spent an hour watching @ianibbo and co. trying to erect what appeared to be a camping-cottage. A couple of hours later we had the beginnings of a real ‘camp’ thanks to those that came very well prepared with wind breakers, gazebos and braziers!
On Saturday we spent the morning deliberating over what to do for the day whilst it drizzled intermittently. Following a morning of indecision, Michael, Annamarie and I decided we’d take a trip out to Haddon Hall on @guru’s recommendation, and a brilliant recommendation it was, the staff at the property really knew their stuff, not just about the history of the building, but the families past and present and even when the bread oven was last used, I’d recommend taking a trip there if you’re in the vacinity, the prices were a bit high on first thought (£9.50/ adult or £8.50 concessions + £1.50 parking) but I’d say worth it after the visit, if just for the view from the steps in the corner of the garden.
Saturday evening we celebrated Annamarie’s birthday a day early with rainbow duck cake, cider and toasted marshmallows, needless to say we all felt a bit of a sugar rush that evening, and retired early when the rain started around 11pm.
Sunday morning, following a night of rain I was thoroughly fed up, and we decided we’d pack up and head home that evening, as the forecast was to stay wet all day. Once we’d packed up, and attempted round two of Car Tetris (which we failed epically at!) we headed down into Bakewell in search of breakfast. We had a reasonable breakfast at H’s cafe in town, however I think they were slightly over whelmed by our numbers, as the food apparently went downhill the later people ordered, but not bad for the price (£4.95 for a full English) and a decent coffee despite the initial dirty cup.
We went for a stroll after breakfast and found ourselves in the Red Lion by lunch time, where we took over the bar area and I learned how to play Citadels and Zombie Munchkins with @yorkhannah and @jagusti. The games really inspired me to think about starting a games night in Blackpool, which there will be more blogging about in the future. We finished up the evening with the biggest (and tastiest) plate of steak and chips I’ve ever eaten at the pub, and headed back up to the camp site to gather our last few bits and pieces and then set off home.
Over all I had a great weekend at Geeks in the Peaks, and would definitely recommend it to anyone to try. The effort put in by all the Sheffield (particularly GIST) Geeks was outstanding and made it really worth while. Next time I would definitely go better prepared for the weather and take a bigger tent! Despite the weather and the poor packing skills, a great time was had. So thanks to all those that organised and participated in making it so much fun, and see you at the next one!
Lally