THE LAKELAND MEANDERER'S SPRINGTIME SAUNTERINGS

Well folks here we go again another few days worth of inane drivel to hopefully inform and amuse. A bit late getting started but more will follow...... Really good trip across from Hull...very little traffic.....althought did pass one 'unmarked' police car doing well over 90 ! ! ! But they must have been on a job cos they didn't chase me hahaha!! In cottage around 2.15 food put away, bags dropped wherever, boots on, cameras at the ready and out for a few hours in the beuatiful sunshine. A little wander trip upto High Sweden Bridge and surprise, surprise ended up abou 5.00 in the Golden Rule for a few Dizzy Blondes.....fish and chips followed......and then the dreaded unpacking.....Oh how I hate that.

This morning not quite so good, cloudy with mist over the hills, but still going out. So at least I have got the thread started....just need to find things to do to keep it going.......should not be difficult 

Did you leave him a drink behind the bar Ruth--

Where you going Vince??

Sorry folks, a bit late tonight.....bit of a party in the RULE, one of the regulars celebrating a birthday and for some reason I had a Dizzy Blonde bought for me so felt I had to stay a while

Well, as indicated previously today started off not very good. But I was out, reasonably well weatherproofed.......apart from leggings......must buy some.....and off I went into the drizzle and mist. Up Miller brow onto Loughrigg Fell and made my across the direct path towards Loughrigg Tarn, rather than the usual diversion to Lily Tarn first. Not surprisingly met quite a few like minede idiots...... At the end of the day we are there on holiday and have to make the best of it and if it's raining !!!!!! you get wet...tough innit. I was on my own so able to make good progress.....apart from the uppy bits which my ageing muscles seem to dislike......but all in all really good progress considering the conditions. The prime camera never saw daylight and the G9 only made an appearance a couple of times...once to ensure it was dry and the other to ensure it was switched off !!!! Modern cameras and rain do not go well together. A few years ago and my F1s would have been clicking away open to the elements without fear as they were completely manual.......who can remember having to set shutter AND aperture settings to get exposure correct. But I digress, as is often the case in these inane (insane!!!) mumblings. Still quite wet as I passed LoughriggTarn which had a fairly full compliment of campers.....and I do mean tents....... Along the path over Loughrigg Fell and passing Loughrigg Tarn the Langdale Pikes are usually majestically visible ..... but today...... totally invisible such was the rain and low cloud.......pity cos that is one of my favourite Lake Distrit vistas.

Was fully intending to go into Grasmere but due to a sudden detrioration in the weather......more rain......decided to go along Loughrigg Terrace and down to the watery place known as Grasmere.....not a LAKE....a MERE...then through the woods to cross the main Ambleside -Keswick road in order to find and follow the old 'Coffin road' back to Rydal. Quite steep, and because of the rain, precarious in places. From Rydal avery easy stroll back to the cottage.....all clothes into the washer and rest up for awhile. Then somewhre arounf 3pm the sun came out so a quick get dressed and out down to the lake for an hour before making my back into the village and a a few well earned pints of Dizzy Blonde. Just as i was leaving around 6pm to get a chinese for my tea i was invited back later..........hence all this rubbish is being written so late.

Weather forecast is reasonable for Monday so as long it looks good when I open the curtains a drive upto Keswick is the plan. Catch a boat across to Hawes End.....trek over Catbells to Brandelhow and catch the boat back to Keswick........BUT...if time permits get off at Asness and walk upto Ashness Bridge........if for no other reason that to say....'I've done it'.....albeit a very difficult place to take a much 'different' view from what is usually seen.........

to be continued very much to your dismay i am sure

Is the old timer with the eye patch still hogging the fire Dave ?

Hopefully by the time you read this your weather will have improved, have a good day, look forward to reading today's adventures later on.