Troutbeck - 2

Thursday, 8th March

Wanted to finish what I started last week and climb the three peaks that edge the left side of Troutbeck Valley: Yoke, Ill Bell and Froswick. The walk to Garburn Pass still seemed to take an age, although I think I was walking faster than I did last week because of its familiarity. Stopped off for a wander through the quarry (I like quarries) which also took up some time.

Once up, the walk took off very quickly and it seemed like no time at all before I was coming down again. Couldn't believe how easy the descent was (Scott Rake) - think this would make the easiest way up for High Street.

Coming off Ill Bell was a bit tricky at the top but other than that this ridge makes a very pleasant walk. The views are stupendous - all the way round - and makes all the effort worthwhile.

Only drawback worth mentioning is the long walk to the Pass and the equally long walk back along the valley of Troutbeck. Troutbeck Tongue looks really pretty from the front and Threshthwaite Mouth a challenge - can't wait. Want to go noooooww! ! !

PS: No camera as Marcus has taken it to Amsterdam!

Troutbeck

Troutbeck Valley
Further along showing, Threshthwaite Mouth, The tops of Froswick & Ill Bell in cloud and Yoke.

Friday, 2nd March

"Sour Howes is a fell with no obvious appeal to walkers," writes Wainwright in his Guide to the Far Eastern Fells and I am afraid I have to agree. I had planned to walk both Sour Howes and Sallows before attempting the great ridge of Yoke, Ill Bell and Froswick but as usual, I started out too late and had to return after Sallows. I have never been further down the Troutbeck Valley than the NT house at Town End, so in the end, the drive became more of an adventure than the walk. It was interesting seeing fells I had not seen before and looking at others from a different vantage. Troutbeck valley is quite beautiful and I am looking forward to exploring a little more in the future.

Nottingham

Friday, 23rd - Sunday, 25th February

Friday
A trip to see our friends Dave and Murial (otherwise known as our beloved Moo). First some news when we arrived: Moo is pregnant. We are still reeling from the shock of Dave about to become a Daddy. Actually, he has been a successful school teacher for some years so perhaps we shouldn't 'reel' that much :) We watch Walk the Line and talk for a long time. Dave cooks curry, which is delicious.

Saturday
We end up driving around Derbyshire, which is an unexpected treat as Marcus was born and bred there. Nice to re-visit old haunts: Cromford, Ambergate, Dovedale and Bakewell. Drove through Matlock Bath on the way back - another old haunt. Moo cooked a lovely minestone soup when we got back. (She is going to send me the recipie).

Sunday
We go into the centre of Nottingham (Oh my God - poper shops)! for a lovely meal at a pub. that is built around the canal. It has two barges in the centre of it. Aferwards, I get held up in TK Max and end up buying two tops I don't need.

Shelia & John

Thrusday, 22nd February

Spent a lovely evening with our friends over in Workington. John cooked us a lovely meal, which we ate whilst discussing rock music with their son Simon. Afterwards he showed us some of his art work and so did his mom. I persuaded Shelia to show Marcus the dolls house she has made, which is a replica of the house she was brought up in. It is an amazing piece of work, which has not yet been completed. (For further info and a peek at the project go to http://www.fielder.worldonline.co.uk

Lancaster

Monday, 12th February

Drove down to Lancaster this morning for the next meeting of the Lunesdale Writing Group. We meet every month to critique each other's work and discuss other writing matters. Most of the members have MA's in writing or are published authors. I met most of them during the writing course I completed before starting my MA. The standard of work is therefore exceptionally high and a pleasure to read and work through.

After the meeting I had a coffee with Nick and then bumped into Francis, who I had arranged to meet much later - he was in the same restaurant having lunch with some friends.

Did some shopping - nothing exciting - and then walked back to the car-park carrying a huge book Marcus wanted for his birthday (27th January). Drove to Francis's and spent a happy hour or two sitting in his large bay window drinking tea and chatting. You can see all the way to Black combe from there and the Old Man of Coniston. I always remember this when I am up there and jump up and down waving in case Francis is looking out - (he would need a telescope to see me mind).

My Birthday

Tuesday, 6th February

My birthday is actually 28th January but Marcus was away so nothing happened. Today was supposed to be the day that Marcus started helping with the horses at the Trust stables but apparently a group cancelled so Henri suggested that we all had a ride out.

Last time I tried this I was quite scared. This surprised me because I had ridden before (many years ago and was O.K. as far as I can recall). I asked if I could be just led down the road instead and Henri offered to take me. This was really good of her I thought because she was missing out on a ride herself. I told her exactly what Iwas scared of and she told me how to deal with it. It was particularly funny when we came out of the stables (there is a steep hill down) because Marcus was behind me and all he could hear was Henri saying: "Now just take a deep breath Brina, relax and, open your eyes Brina, open your eyes."

By the time we returned I was no longer holding onto the saddle for dear life but sitting erect with head held high holding onto the reins properly. I was so chuffed with myself for getting back on when I was scared and really, really enjoying it. Can't wait till next time.

Afterwards we went for a meal in town at Maysons, which was good as always. And I came home feeling like I'd really had my birthday.