The not so Great Mell Fell walk

A Red Squirrel says hello

Spooky Trees on Great Mell

Monday, 11th June

Which was entirely my fault because I did all the things I always tell anyone who is going walking on the fells not to do; I took no waterproofs, no food, no compass and no map. Why would I need these things I thought as I was only going a wee walk up an extremely wee hill?

Actually Great Mell was an enchanting place (once I reached the top and found myself on a half decent path. A quiet, magical place where one got the distinct impression that the spirit of the place was one that was not used to being disturbed. Dark, spooky; a place where sorcery has once been practiced.

I think I would have appreciated it more had I not turned onto the side path which circumvates the hill and, as a result, been forced to climb up the steep North face, instead of the gentler - and drier - Western flant. Will know better for next time.

York

Ricky outside his dance studio

(Compare this with the one of him arriving last September)

Sunday, 10th June

After having spent two days in bed with a migraine, finally getting to visit my son in York was truly wonderful. We had originally planned to go on Friday but I was too ill. I was so pleased Ricky was not working today.

Had lunch by ourselves as Ricky overslept! Found our way to where he lived and then walked round the shops/market. I think his University is much more inspirational than the concrete slabs of Lancaster (sorry, but it has to be said).

Leaving my son and bringing home someone else's seemed - odd. (We picked up Ross for Jane).

Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Appreciating one of Andy's Sheepfolds

Inside the Sky Space

Posing in a Henry Moore. By Bittern Lake

An amazing field of poppies backs a Henry Moore
(I called it Alien Girraffes)!

Monday, 4th June - My Surprise day out

Marcus wanted to take me on a suprise day out and we ended up at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. In particular he wanted to take me to the Andy Goldsworthy exhibition that was featured.

Can't say I was too impressed with his early work: Sheep shit on Snow, for instance did nothing for me at all. I could see the point of the Cow dung window however but it was the installations in the underground gallery that I appreciated the most - liked the Stone Room in particular.

Have to admit I still like his outdoor art; the leaves pinned together and the temporary dams that self-destruct after just a short while. I like the idea of nature taking back what belongs to Her, as if She is merely lending herself to the artist for the moment only. Long enough for us to appreciate her finer qualities before she becomes Herself again. Yes, I love that.

Marcus liked the Sky Space by James Turrell. The building reminded me of an Egyptian temple: Abu Simbell or Edfu, I thought: a Temple to the Sky, now there's a thought.

Keswick Beer Festival

Saturday, 2nd June

Busy one this as we were also invited to Henri's (stable manager at Calvert Trust) party as well. Had to sort of jostle between the two although to be fair, I'm not much into alcohol, especially during the afternoon when I've got a headache. It was o.k. though; very much helped by the weather, which was warm.

On the other hand, Henri had my favourite wine, home-made burgers made by Kay and a chocolate fountain - now if Ihad to be honest. . .

Wastwater Screes

Yewbarrow, Kirk Fell and Great Gable from the top of Whin Rigg

Looking down into Wasdale Head

Burnmoor Tarn - Bothy on the far right bank

Saturday, 26th June

Didn't see much of the Screes actually on this walk as I was walking on top of them. Started from Eskdale, walking through Miterdale forest onto Irton Fell and then across the summits of Whin Rigg and Illgill Head. Walked past Burnmoor Tarn, which I have never seen before. And ooh I would like to stay at the Bothy on the edge of it. I think it is probably more remote than Skiddaw House - just sitting there on the edge of the tarn with the flank of Scafell at its side.

The walk back down the valley was - long. So was the drive - thought I would fall asleep, especiall in the forty-mile-an-hour zone going through Whitehaven.

Lovely walk though and wonderful weather. I am enjoying exploring parts of the Lake District I haven't seen before.