Paws 4 Thought

Fingal's Cave

2007-07-06T19:38:00.000Z

The Isle of Staffa
The climb from the boat
Some Puffins came to meet me

Difficult to believe that these strange shaped rocks have occured naturally

Our Boat

Monday, 18th June

My favourite day: I met the puffins. Met really applying here as they settled very close - just a couple of feet from me. Apparently they like it when humans arrive because we keep the Black Back Gulls away, enabling the puffins to come in to land for a while. We also saw some wild dolphins, which I found very moving. Lovely to see them swimming around like this (so much better than seeing them held captive at The Animal Kingdom in Florida, whic was where I last saw them). We also saw a mother seal and her pup on the way.

The cave was pretty spectacular also - we got to walk right inside it. Even more spectacular when you think that this and the Devil's Causeway in Ireland are the only two places in the world where rock formations like this can be seen.

I enjoyed the actual boat ride. We sat right at the back up near the edge. I had to hold on to the side with one hand and Marcus on the other as we rocked from side to side - great fun!

Torosay Castle & Moy Stone Circle

2007-07-05T11:05:00.000Z

Torosay Castle & Gardens

Stone circle at Moy

Tormore Beach

Monday, 18th June

Not such a good day as my head was worse. Main problem is that we under estimating how long driving will take owing to single-track roads and having to stop every few minutes at passing places. So travelling onto Moy from Torosay perhaps wasn't a good idea; it is making Marcus very tired.

Gardens at Torosay very pretty and there was a friendly atmosphere throughout the castle. We had tea and cake on the terrace where a number of chaffinches came along to share. They are more assertive than the ones at Watendlath.

We liked the stones - again, there is a friendly atmosphere here that we are noticing more and more; it starts with the people but seems to leak out into the landscape.

Moy Castle a bit of a disappointment as it was covered in scaffolding but the bay was nice - I think we were a bit too tired to appreciate it fully at that point.

Went a walk over the headland in the evening and discovered Tormore Beach, a beautiful, quiet, secluded place.

Iona

2007-07-04T20:56:00.000Z

Nunnery Ruins

Abbey Cloisters
The North Beach

Sunday, 17th June

Caravan wonderful, tucked away in the back of Seaview's garden. There is a beach just outside the house and a lovely view of Iona, which is only five minutes away by a small ferry. We have a shop one side of us and a pub the other, so there is everything we need.

Have headache but it hasn't stopped me enjoying seeing this truly magical isle for the first time.

I was impressed with the modern artwork in the cloisters in the Abbey and how the old arcitecture lends itself to twentieth century living. But there was a service going on when we arrived and I'm afraid as soon as the praying started my stomach turned over. Preferred the ruins of the old Nunnery where a garden had been planted

Up Dun I next and then onto the Northern Beach, with it's white, white sand and blue sea. There were about six couples on the beach and we were told that this is crowded for summer!

On the way back I bumped into Phillip Macloud Coupe, head of the Lakes Artists' Society. A wonderful gentleman that I had the privilege of modelling for some years ago.

Off To Mull

2007-07-04T20:41:00.000Z

Loch Lomand

The Ferry arriving at Oban

Saturday, 16th June

Off to the Isle of Mull for a quiet week away. Hoping to see white beaches, wild flowers and some puffins.

Am very excited, especially as the ferry came in. Marcus kept saying that the island looked just like the one in, 'Lost', with the masts on a hill in the middle.

Stopped off at Loch Lomand for a few minutes.

The not so Great Mell Fell walk

2007-06-12T22:52:00.000Z

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

2007-06-12T22:30:00.000Z

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

2007-06-08T14:17:00.000Z

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

2007-06-08T14:09:00.000Z

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

2007-06-05T19:01:00.000Z

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.

Calvert Trust Training Day

2007-05-30T11:49:00.000Z

A very nervous-looking me at the beginning of the ride.

Wednesday, 23rd May

Today we learnt how to drive a horse-drawn trap. Great fun. Makes the ordinary tacking-up of the horses appear so much more simpler now!

Pan's Place

2007-05-26T20:11:00.000Z

Little Langdale Tarn

Slater Bridge

A crowd gathered just as we left

Inside Cathedral Cave

Hodge close Quarry

Pool at Holme Fell

Colwith Force

Tuesday, 22nd May

Took Francis to my all-time favourite place today. Started at Elterwater, where I had difficulty finding a parking place (early rising for walks from now till September). Sat by the old Slater Bridge for lunch; just in time as it happened as just as we were leaving it was inundated by a very large group of people. On to Cathedral Cave and then up to Hodge Close and Holme Fell.

There are two trees down at the shrine I once made to Pan which have almost completely obliterated it. The only piece I could find was some ribbons tied around a Birch.

Walked down to Colwith Force on the way back. Must have been early spring or autumn last time I went because I remember being able to see the top of the fall and now it is blocked by trees covered in bright green leaves.

Wonderful day followed by a trip to Lynne's where I got very drunk. We all ended up trying on some wigs she has (no photos available).

Francis

2007-05-26T20:08:00.000Z

Monday, 21st May

Early morning shopping followed by Francis's arrival for lunch. Chilled out in the garden all afternoon and then went to Bowder Stone and Scafell Hotel for a drink in the evening. Sat outside watching the river. Lovely warm day.

Muncaster

2007-05-20T22:02:00.000Z

Beach at Ravenglass
Roman Bathhouse

Pond along the path

Muncaster Tarn

A very happy Brina by the Tarn

View from the summit of Muncaster Fell

Sturday, 19th May

Finished the bathroom and it looks lovely. Well, our bathroom will never look lovely because of the terrible old bath we have in there but it now looks much brighter and cheerful (mainly because the terrible bath has now faded into the background owing to my wonderful choice of colour for the walls) :)

It was raining buckets when we started out for Eskdale this morning but we thought, what the hell, if it continues, we'll go shopping for a lightshade for the bathroom in Workington! Anyhow it stopped just outside of Cockermouth so we continued on to Ravenglass.

I have missed seeing the sea and really enjoyed walking on the beach even though it was ever so blowly. There was a book fair, which we went to before walking off to see the ruins of the Roman Bathhouse. I have never been here before and I can't tell you how much I enjoyed it. Everything is so bright green and the hederows full of flowers. Red Campion is in bloom down here but not yet out in Keswick and I spotted some purple vetch also.

It was just an easy-going, lovely afternoon out really. Saw a couple of pools that I haven't seen before and then, passing the entrance to Muncaster Castle, we popped in for an ice-cream. We have climbed Muncaster Fell before but somehow missed the summit so today we went straight for it. By the time we reached it, it was sunny but still very windy.

Bought some chips back home in Keswick and then both had a bath in the new bathroom!

Whinlatter - again

2007-05-20T21:50:00.000Z

Thursday, 17th May

Am having a break from writing this week and am decorating the bathroom. In between coats of paint, we went for a short walk around Whinlatter; starting at the Centre and heading up to the viewpoint, then down through the woods, following a beck to the ruined aqueduct and pool. There are llamas in the field nearby - or are they alpaccas? I must look it up. Had a drink in the cafe and then it was back home: more painting for me and an essay to finish for Marcus.

Lancaster

2007-05-20T21:41:00.000Z

Monday, 14th May

Have had a very pleasant and positive day. Everyone liked the second half of the story I submitted to the Writers' Group. It has been edited - a lot. I was still working on it during the end of the MA. Still, I am pleased that there are no gaping plot holes or chunks that still require some re-writing. I shall take it out in a few weeks' time and enjoy it in its finished state.

Met up with Francis for lunch, met Pops, bought a cardi and drove home in a very good mood indeed.

Along the Track

2007-05-20T21:38:00.000Z

Friday, 11th May

Talia invited me for a short walk but because I had a bad head I couldn't walk up a hill. We were supposed to be going for a very short walk but ended up walking nearly to Threlkeld, which took two hours in total. Nice though. Didn't think I would be able to go for a walk this week what with bad weather and bad head. (First headache in weeks and only two days instead of three) :)

Whinlatter

2007-05-20T21:33:00.000Z

Sunday, 6th May

Finally a nice, hot sunny day. Drove off to Whinlatter to walk up to Lord's Seat. A short unplanned walk, which I enjoyed very much. Had a drink of Earl Grey at the cafe on the way back.

Castycam

2007-05-02T22:39:00.000Z

Catstycam from Glenridding ValleyRed Tarn (Striding Edge behind)

Ullswater from summit

Swirrel Edge

Monday, 30th April

Yes - did it at last - Yay for Brina! Was going to go up via the North West Ridge, but chickened out at the last minute. The East shoulder wasn't the easiest way though so I did make myself a bit of a challenge. Met another 'concerned man' at the top, who was worried that I was going to attempt Swirrel and Striding Edge on my own. At least this one did seem genuinely concerned, and I had a nice chat with him. Then Marcus rang (It was the only place I could get a signal all day).

They met me again when I came down and stopped in the car park to say goodbye. Seemed very nice people.

Weather was goregeous although the heat made for slow walking (for me). Am very achey now!

Latrigg with Mom and Cocoa!

2007-05-02T22:14:00.000Z

Mom on top of Latrigg

(Doesn't she look pleased with herself?)

Guess who?

Monday, 28th April

And what a nightmare this turned out to be - (not really) but fond memories will remain of my voice breaking the pleasant silence for a number of ramblers trying to enjoy the day, by periodically yelling: "COCOA!" at the top of my voice.

Problem is the dog (next door's - not mine) is hard of hearing - bless her and once she gets her nose to a trail she might as well be stone deaf. Oh and she also has this love of chasing sheep . . . in the Lake District, yes, in spring.

So I'm walking up this fell with a seventy-year-old behind me who can't keep up and a dog in front who can't hear me and keeps disappearing in front!

Anyhow, we all made it in one piece; Mom making it all the way to the top (both of us thought she might not make the last few feet) and Cocoa being rescued by several different groups of people along the railway footpath who spotted her running off in the wrong direction after we had lost her.

Mom said it was as worse as taking Ricky out when he was little!

NB: Just for the record, Cocoa is an adorable dog - a sweet, nervous timid creature who needs lots of luv. She was a rescue dog and still jumps when logs on the fire spit and bangs down the door of her run and runs off into the woods when she hears fireworks. She has a lovely owner, named Chris, who looks after her much better than I ever could.

Tarn Hows with Mom

2007-04-30T20:43:00.000Z

Thursday, 26th April

Mom arrived for visit on Monday but I've had a bad tum and have not been able to take her out anywhere. Marucs drove us to Tarn Hows, where we had a lovely ice cream and walk around the Tarns. We had only just begun when we bumped into an old friend - Kristienne and her guide dog, Brambles - who were out for a walk with a friend.

After our walk we took Mom to the Drunken Duck Inn for a drink and decided that, as it was so nice and the food looked so good, we would celebrate our Wedding Anniversary here next week.

Birks and Arniside

2007-04-30T20:29:00.000Z

Saint Sunday in heat haze from Birks Summit

Ullswater (also in haze) from the summit of Arniside Crag

Sunday, 15th April

In which a brave attempt was made upon Saint Sunday but was curtailed due to hubby's tummy - which was upset - as was I at not being able to reach summit after long climb. I got as far as seeing it in the middle distance but Marcus's tummy really was too bad to go any further so he went back to Patterdale and I summited Birks and then came down via Arniside Crag. My tummy started to go wobbly on the way down also (sigh - we must have a bug)!

Ricky

2007-04-30T20:19:00.000Z

Wdnesday, 11th April

My son has come home for a few days; here's some pictures of us by the lake.

Birkhouse Moor

2007-04-26T15:45:00.000Z

Castycam from Hole-in-the-Wall

Is this the Easter Bunny atop the cairn?

Birkhouse Moor Summit Cairn

Ullswater from halfway down Birkhouse Moor

Saturday, 7th April

Didn't realize that I was out of petrol until it was too late and so had to drive to Penrith before slipping down to Ullswater. Holiday traffic ridiculous; two drivers beeped at me!

Could not find a parking place at Glenridding so drove to Patterdale. Eventually managed to find a place but then found myself on the wrong path for the first hour! Got onto the right one only to have some apparently concerned person tell me that I was going up a bit late (it was 2p.m. )! He wanted to know where I was planning to go. It's amazing isn't it; you go out for some peace and quiet . . . and people wonder why some fellwalkers prefer their own company - if only!

Finished climb to, 'hole-in-the-wall' and continued on to Birkhouse Moor, sending Ricky a text on the way. (Strange, but I often find myself texting my son whilst walking across some bleak fell-top or another). Came down the way I attempted the climb a few weeks' ago and then walked from Lanty's Tarn across Glenamara Park back to Patterdale.

I did enjoy this walk - eventually.

Red Screes

2007-04-09T20:36:00.000Z

the Summit cairn on Red Screes

Walking down to Middle Dodd

Sunday, 2nd April

Climbed Red Screes with Marcus, which was a little longer than the walk last week. I also walked across to Middle Dodd. Met lots of people at the top (and a really lovely dog named Megan). Good views, nice tarn and a long, straight drop over rugged cliffs. Good view of Cauldale Moor and Kirkstone Pass - and of course I now recognise the peaks of Yoke, Ill Bell and Froswick away to the east there.

Spring Gardening

2007-04-09T20:34:00.000Z

Sunday, 25th March

Finally got out into garden to plant, rake and sow. Building on last year and getting ideas for the next. As always I enjoyed it once I got going.

Watendlath

2007-04-09T19:29:00.000Z

Tea Shop

Saturday, 24th March

Such a lovely day. Walked to Watendlath and read books by the tarn.

Decided that as I can no longer eat cakes and bisucuits (wheat allergy) I should start eating chocolate again. However I have a rule that I only eat whilst on walks (that way I can burn off excess calories you see). Watendlath tea shop sells the really big slabs of Dairy Milk for only 85p! :)

On Writing

2007-04-09T18:50:00.000Z

Friday, 23rd March

Just wanted to say that I have now finished re-writing chapter one of my novel. Yes, chapter one I know, but have been struggling with it for weeks and Marcus suggested a way forward - something to try - when we out walking on Wednesday and - it worked! So, am going to try completely re-writing chapter two now.

The hope is that once the pattern, format and the characters have formulated, the going will be easier - here's hoping.

Seathwaite Fell

2007-04-09T18:22:00.000Z

Very snowy the higher we walked. (but not cold).

Sprinkling Tarn

Great Gable from Seathwaite Fell

Seathwaite Tarn

Wednesday, 21st March

Seems such a long time since I walked this feel; last summer in blazing heat I recall. And aftwerwards I climbed up onto Great End but had to visit Esk Hause before I went back. They were making or repairing the footpath. But although I walked the full length of the fell, I failed to summit the actual highest point so I thought I would return and ensure that I did.

We came up the easy way - from Styhead - as I didn't want to get stuck on Grains Gill. Many years ago I completed this circular walk with a friend in conditions similar to today and we found that in places the path was completely iced over. With no-where else to go, we had to make an unpleasant scramble across ice-covered rocks. Grains Gill is no place for a pleasant amble in snow. We met a guy near the tarn who had come up that way and tolk us he had nearly gone back so we were pleased to return the way we had come.

I like Seathwaite Fell. It is a pretty place, full of secretive rocky places filled with unexpected tarns. The one I have named, Seathwaite Tarn was little more than a puddle last year.

Troutbeck - 2

2007-03-09T16:58:00.000Z

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

2007-03-07T17:58:00.000Z

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

2007-03-06T20:06:00.000Z

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

2007-03-03T23:54:00.000Z

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

2007-03-01T12:39:00.000Z

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

2007-03-01T12:25:00.000Z

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.

Glenridding Dodd

2007-02-28T22:11:00.000Z

Ullswater from the summitGlenridding Valley - showing Keldas, Hartsop-above-How and Grey Crag in the distance.

Sheffield Crag from Glenridding Dodd.

Seldom Seen (well now I have) :)

Monday, 30th January

I have been meaning to climb this fell for some time but the ascent from Glenridding looked steep and I was feeling a bit lazy and fancied something a bit more easy-going. I parked at the small car-park near Glencoyne Farm and took the path through the farm onto the cart-track. Past Seldom Seen cottages, which was good because I had never seen then before and wondered what they looked like and then, turning left at the stile, I followed the wall up the fell to the ridge where both paths to Glenridding Dodd and Sheffield Pike could clearly be seen. On the way back I missed the farm and continued on the cart track to the road. This way passed directly under Stybarrow Crag and was far more interesting, pretty and easier to walk than going through the farm. A track alongside the lake took me back to the road and the car-park.

I think this is a walk I might consider taking other people on: it wasn't too high or difficult and had wonderful views from the top.

Another Afternoon Out

2007-02-22T22:50:00.000Z

Tarn Hows

Tuesday, 16th January

It feels so strange having Marcus come out with me during the week. Usually he would be at work. Today we drove to Tarn Hows and spent a lovely couple of hours walking round the Tarns. We went rambling off into the woods at one point and found another small pool which felt very magical, the sort of place fairies might gather (am thinking of incorporating fairies into the next story I write - perhaps Tarn Hows might provide the setting)?

An Afternoon out - Buttermere

2007-02-22T22:46:00.000Z

Wednesday, 10th January

It was quite novel for Marcus; going out during the week. We walked round Buttermere on a lovely dry day. The sun shone and everyone we met smiled. Feels like it's going to be a good year for us.

New Year 2007

2007-02-22T22:36:00.000Z

31st December, 2006 - 1st January, 2007

Went to Lynne's for dinner then on to Diane's for a party. Very pleasant evening. Welcomed in the new year at the pub. Only sad thing for me was having to take Ricky to the train station beforehand. He was going back to York after having coming home for a few days.

Christmas 2006

2007-02-21T16:47:00.000Z

Sunday, 25th December

We had a quiet Christmas, mostly spent by the fire, eating and watching the T.V. At one point Marcus did ask me if I wanted to go a walk! ! !

A very strange Christmas Eve

2007-02-21T15:23:00.000Z

Brocken Spectre
Summit of Gavel Fell
Red Pike and Starling Dodd with the Gables and Pillar behind

Tip of Melbreak and Hen Combe swimming through cloud

Grasmoor

Saturday, 24th December

Not everyone's idea of fun it has to be said, but it was different.

Decided to climb Gavel Fell near Loweswater. It was only one fell after all and I was to ascend by a path that I knew, having climbed both of the fells next to it a while ago. It was misty: so misty that you could only see a few yards ahead . . .

I thought I wouldn't get a view, but then I hadn't banked on climbing above the clouds. So there I was looking at the tops of the fells surrounded by a sea of sun-lit cloud. I saw my first Brocken Spectre (my illuminated shadow projected into the mist) and a white bow of cloud - so beautiful it took my breath away. Then I started to come down . . .

. . . and somehow took a wrong turning. By the time I realised my mistake I had descended quite a way and after following a beck for a while, came to steep cliff edge from which there was no way down. I climbed back above the cloud-line again, found a line of fence-posts and followed them down. About to descend again I realised that I was not where I was supposed to be. I knew where I was, but decided that descending through mist on a path-less route which meant crossing and re-crossing a beck after heavy rain, would not be a good idea so once again I climbed back up. By this time I had phoned Marcus and discovered two things: one that it was nearly four p.m. and the sun was about to drop and two, that I had somehow lost my map. I knew what fell I was on however and managed to get Marcus to find another map on-line. Unfortunately the map he found did not have the relevant fences and walls on it so I soon found myself lost on the slopes of the fell after dark trying to find my way through a mass of barbed wire and stones.

At least I knew what direction to keep going in but then came another blow; my torch didn't work. Goodness knows why - I checked it in the autumn ready for the coming dark nights, changed both the batteries and the bulb. So there you are, a catalogue of disasters all occurring on the evening before Christmas. Eventually Marcus called the Mountain Rescue, thinking they might have a more up-to-date map that could help me find the correct route. By the time they phoned me however, Iwas down and in sight of the road having climbed the fences and tearing my new jeans in the process.

Spent over another hour walking along the road by the side of Loweswater to reach the car park where Marcus had gallantly agreed to meet me. Good job he did in the end because having nearly slid off the road over Whinlatter Pass (ice was gathering and the mist was getting worse) I, not being an experienced driver, would have probably tried to go home that way. Marcus suggested we drive to Cockermouth and get back to Keswick on the A66 which we did.

Later, after a nice hot bath and a quick meal prepared by my loving hubby, we went carol singing! Yes I know, hard to believe the two of us were standing in Keswick town square declaring the birth of the Saviour to all - but you know, I like carols and I love singing them. Anyhow near midnight all the Christians went off to masses and we went off to the pub and had a pint.

Despite everything, I still think it was worth it for what I saw above the clouds. Some of the pics. above.

Graduation

2007-02-21T15:08:00.000Z

With my Mom and Francis.

Wednesday, 13th December

Still quite believe that I now have letters after my name: MA - wow!

Mom came up yesterday and we picked up Franics on route. Lots of pomp and ceremony; trumpets playing from balconies and people walking around in funny hats and gowns etc. It all felt a little bizarre. I guess I'm not used to having such a fuss made about me but there you are: worth a celebration to be sure.

2007-02-20T00:22:00.000Z

I came as a cat

2007-02-20T00:12:00.000Z

Ricky came as a bear

Some of our friends

Samhain Party

2007-02-19T23:56:00.000Z

Saturday, 11th November

Couldn't manage the 31st because Marcus is in the middle of loads of training courses. So here we are, at my favourite festival, with lots of people to share it with. Not sure it went quite as well as the summer party but we have small cottage and it was too dark to spill out into the garden as we did in then. We did manage some fireworks however. I always think we should have fireworks at Samhain instead of the fifth: light up the sky one last time before the deep dark of winter arrives, I say.

2006-10-13T21:47:00.000Z

Kitty waiting to take me home.

Going Home

2006-10-13T21:42:00.000Z

Saturday, 7th October

Good journey until I reached Threlkeld, where I waited over half and hour at roadworks.

Glad to be back. Looking forward to hearing the river as I go to sleep.

2006-10-13T21:24:00.000Z

The pools.

2006-10-13T21:23:00.000Z

Towards Frankley.

2006-10-13T21:22:00.000Z

Saying goodbye to the Lickies.

Last walk around Lickies

2006-10-13T20:55:00.000Z

Friday, 6th October

Walked around Leach Green Lane in an attempt to find suitable spot to set house in novel but was driven back by rain. Walked up to Beacon Hill from hotel then came back for lunch and a bath. Drove to Visitor Centre to meet the Park Warden, who showed me the 1914 gun butts in an area at the back of the centre. This, like the Old Schoolhouse was a great find. Am now thinking of how to add this to story.

Drove to Mom and Dad's. Got lost again on the way but as before, made it eventually. Nice evening. Dad cooked roast beef and yorkshire puds.

Birmingham Central

2006-10-13T20:51:00.000Z

Thursday, 5th October

Back to the library to look at newspapers from 19l5 - I hate those microfilm machines! Anyway, by the time I'd got one to go forward, backward etc. it was lunch-time. Met Stuart for a coffee, which was nice and then back to the library for more research.

2006-10-12T18:30:00.000Z

View of Brum from Cofton Hill.

2006-10-12T18:28:00.000Z

I'm saying nothing.

2006-10-12T18:27:00.000Z

Cofton Woods 1

2006-10-12T18:26:00.000Z

Cofton Woods - 2 Can't beive it's been over twenty years since I have walked through here.

2006-10-12T18:24:00.000Z

The Old Schoolhouse on Rose Hill.

2006-10-12T18:23:00.000Z

Inside the Old Schoolhouse.

Barnt Green

2006-10-12T18:04:00.000Z

Wednesday, 4th October

Long walk around the hills, starting from Bilberry, down Twatling Lane to Barnt Green and then back up through Cofton Woods. It feels really like autumn now. The chestnuts and acorns are falling and make a constant noise in the trees.

Discovered a caretaker, cutting back shrubs in what used to be the old schoolhouse and spent an hour talking to him about the area whilst he showed me inside the house. Have arranged to meet Park Ranger at the Visitor Centre on Friday. Walked to the monument, which surprisingly, I have never seen before. Was going to carry on to the Beacon but another headache had started so I returned to the hotel, had a bath and got ready to drive to Mom and Dad's.

Brum

2006-10-12T18:03:00.000Z

Tuesday, 3rd October

Took over an hour to get to the City centre owing to roadworks and an accident along the Bristol Road. In the end we had to change buses twice and turn off onto a different route (thank goodness I've brought a book).

Met my Mom and Auntie Irene, my late Grandmother's only remaining sister in the cafe at Debenhams and had coffee.Mom showed me how to get to the Central Library and left me to my research of the Lickey Hills at the turn of the century.

Got back to hotel before dark and did a quick climb up Rednal Hill before returning to pub for meal.

2006-10-12T17:52:00.000Z

View of Beacon Hill from Billberry.

2006-10-12T17:50:00.000Z

Path on Bilberry Hill.

The Lickey Hills - Birmingham

2006-10-12T17:43:00.000Z

Monday, 2nd October

Drove all the way to Birmingham, which was quite a feat for me, having never driven further than Lancaster before. This is supposed to be a working trip, so if anyone wants to know the real reason for the setting of my novel it is because I wanted a nice place to come to visit whilst doing the research!

Got settled into hotel and then climbed Bilberry and Coften Hill before finding pub and food.

Whinlatter

2006-10-12T17:37:00.000Z

Sunday, 1st October

Packing for my mini adventure tomorrow. After lunch we did a short walk around Whinlatter and then stopped for tea and a cake. Don't seem to be able to make the long walks just lately; I think the autumn weather is putting us off.

The Garden

2006-10-12T17:35:00.000Z

Saturday, 30th September

Spent a happy hour choosing bulbs for our garden: lots and lots of tulips and crocuses. Hope they all come up in the spring.

2006-10-09T23:10:00.000Z

Pasture Bottom - Raven Crag - centre right, Hartsop Dodd - right, Gray Crag - left.

2006-10-09T23:02:00.000Z

On the way to Hayeswater.

2006-10-09T23:01:00.000Z

The cracked surface of The Nab. Whether Hill and Loadpot to the right.

2006-10-09T22:59:00.000Z

The way ahead.

Rest Dodd & The Nab

2006-10-09T22:34:00.000Z

Friday, 29th September

Started late, looked like rain but I carried on regardless. Remembered the way to Hayeswater but as soon as I reached the resevoir, it began to rain heavily. Didn't want to turn back so struggled up to Rest Dodd, which I could hardly make out in the cloud. Saw The Nab as soon as I reached the summit and clambered down with difficulty (it was very steep). Decided to follow a path I could see by the wall on the way back, even though I wasn't sure where it led.

Peat hags - yuk! Was O.K. once I simply waded through them in a straight line instead of trying to work a way round them. Started to doubt my ability to get back before dark and wondered if I could go straight down The Nab and then walk on the road back to Hartsop but then realized that Martindale, the valley I would end up in, was miles away from Hartsop and there is no road round. I would have to climb another fell to get any where near.

So, back through the peat hags and up along the wall where . . . I knew where I was, having done the, Boredale to Hayeswater, via Angle Tarn walk, twice before. Bravo! Got back to Hayeswater and Hartsop just before dark and drove home.

Can't say there was much to enjoy about this walk, particularly in the wet. The view of Angle Tarn from The Nab was interesting as was seeing where I had been walking the week before. All I remember saying (out loud as I recall) as I was walking up to the summit of The Nab was: "I've got to get to the summit today because it means I'll never have to come here again."

2006-10-09T17:51:00.000Z

Our strange little water feature.

2006-10-09T17:47:00.000Z

Close up.

The pond!

2006-10-09T17:38:00.000Z

Saturday, 23rd September

A job I have been dreading has now been accomplished; that of cleaning out the pond. We do not have a proper pond, i.e. one with a liner and rock surround. Our pond has to drain water from the fell into a pipe under the garden and the lane to the river - so no liner.

I was the only one of the two of us to possess a pair of wellies (the rain-cloud fairy outfit at the summer party) so guess who had to go in and dig all the smelly mud out? I was covered - (should have got camera).

Anyway am very excited about pond: I know it doesn't look much at this stage, with everything cut back but believe me it is so much better than before.

2006-10-09T17:26:00.000Z

Hallin Fell from Bonscale.

2006-10-09T17:24:00.000Z

Bonscale Towers.

2006-10-09T17:22:00.000Z

Looking towards the peat hags on Whether Hill. The remains of the cottage chimney.

Loadpot Hill

2006-10-09T16:59:00.000Z

Friday, 22nd September

Have been fell-walking for over 25 years and today is the first day that I forgot my jacket. Fortunately it was not too cold but it began to rain just as I reached Loadpot and I had to make the return journey in the mercifully light rain. (I had remembered the waterproof trousers however, so at least my bum would stay dry)!

Have never walked here before and was fascinated to think that in the places where the remains of the Roman footpath could clearly be seen, I was walking on stones that had been placed there thousands of years previously. Walked to Arthur's Seat first and then navigated my way to Bonscale Pike. Had difficulties locating the old cottage chimney on Loadpot until I re-read my map more correctly. Would have been seen walking towards it with cup of tea in one hand and the map in the other. There is even less left of the chimney than there was when Wainwright drew it.

Wanted to carry on to WhetherHill but it had started raining and I was getting cold, what with the, no jacket situation and that. Must admit to not much liking the Far Eastern Fells but the various monuments made today's walk more interesting.

Whinlatter

2006-10-09T16:56:00.000Z

Wednesday, 20th September

A dull, drizzly day lightened by a quick drive up to Whinlatter and a wee walk up to viewpoint, down through the woods to the old aquaduct and pool and then back to the centre for a coffee and cake. Pleasant and cheery. Started to rain whilst sitting on wall just before the pool.

Whinlatter

2006-09-24T15:37:00.000Z

Wednesday, 20th September

Headache has lifted for first time since Saturday. Went for a short walk around Whinlatter. Started to rain as I was coming back to the Centre. Stopped for coffee and a cake. Good to get out in the green after being, 'in' for so long.

2006-09-24T15:31:00.000Z

We have arrived.

2006-09-24T15:29:00.000Z

Ricky's Flat.

York St. John

2006-09-24T15:20:00.000Z

Sunday, 17th September

Well, this is it. Left Ricky in what will be his new home for the next year and drove back in tears. All of us in tears: Marcus and me sniffling in the front of the car and Jess in the back. Took Ricky's stuff to the Halls, got his key and then went food shopping in Sainsbury's. Ricky says he misses the hills already.

York

2006-09-24T15:16:00.000Z

Saturday, 16th September

Drove down to Kirkby to pick up Jess then on to York. Head came on on the way and is bad. Met Ricky outside York Minster. He looked tired and stressed but pleased to see us all. Gave Ricky and Jess the best room in the B&B and we retired to the small twin-beeded room along the corridor. Walked round York. Jess and I fell in love with the doll shop. Had a meal in a pub. and an amazing milk-shake in a shop that makes them with almost anything edible.

Another pub. in the evening.

Watendlath

2006-09-24T15:12:00.000Z

Friday, 15th September

Have not been able to get out for ages owing to bad headaches. Walked to Watendlath today though, via the path by Lordore Falls. Once I'd reached the tarn I decided I wanted to go down to Rosthwaite as I haven't done that walk for years and it is one of my favourite.

Walked up to the Jopplety How Ridge and looked down on Borrowdale in the sunshine. Then I played U2's Kite and thought of Ricky and cried and cried . . .

Ricky Leaves Home

2006-09-24T15:07:00.000Z

Thursday, 14th September

Today my son leaves home for Uni in York. Drove him to the train station. Can't believe he will never live with me again. Am glad for him but so sad for me. We live in a rare situation where our son is one of our best friends.

Will see him again soon - Saturday, when we take down all his stuff.

Saturday

2006-09-24T00:41:00.000Z

Saturday, 2nd September

Dad & Joan leave: Ricky & Jess return. Had phone call just after lunch, asking to be collected. It has rained non-stop since we left them.

2006-09-24T00:40:00.000Z

Off we go. (picture taken by Clive)

2006-09-24T00:34:00.000Z

At the campsite. (picutre taken by Clive)

2006-09-24T00:33:00.000Z

We get them there at least. (Picture taken by Clive)

2006-09-24T00:31:00.000Z

In at last. (picture taken by Clive)

2006-09-24T00:30:00.000Z

River Derwent in the rain, near campsite. (picture taken by Clive)

Ricky & Jess go Camping

2006-09-24T00:23:00.000Z

Friday, 2nd September

Ricky & Jess planned a camping trip to Grange - and would I take them and help them carry their stuff?

We had five people plus camping gear in my little Ka and the poor car could hardly move. I stopped before Grange because we were having difficulty with the hills. What hills, Marucs asked when I told him? Exactly!

Oh and it was raining.

2006-09-24T00:21:00.000Z

On the way. (picture taken by Clive)

2006-09-24T00:19:00.000Z

Into the cave. (picture taken by Clive)

2006-09-24T00:17:00.000Z

Rydal Cave. (picture taken by Clive)

2006-09-24T00:14:00.000Z

Ricky on a rock. (picture taken by Clive)

2006-09-24T00:13:00.000Z

Picnic above the cave. (picture taken by Clive)

2006-09-24T00:10:00.000Z

Ricky scrambling up the scree. (picture taken by Clive)

2006-09-24T00:09:00.000Z

Marcus and me by the cave. (picture taken by Clive)

2006-09-24T00:07:00.000Z

Ricky & Jess. (picture taken by Clive)

2006-09-24T00:06:00.000Z

Marcus & Me. (picture taken by Clive)