Patrol to Buttermere

This picture was taken yesterday, this pond only ever has water in it during the winter but West Cumbria had half of its normal rainfall for August on Sunday !! We didn't venture out.

Today was forecast to be much better so we headed for Buttermere to do some more patrols for the Park.

We normally go anti clockwise round the lake but today we did it clockwise.

This is Sourmilk Gill which is fed from Bleaberry Tarn below Red Pike, quite a lot of water coming off.

The dogs having fun.

"Last one, big one"

Looking over the lake to Comb Beck which was to be our lunch spot.

Back down the lake.

High Stile and just visible Red Pike.

Never seen pink sheep before, cute huh!!

High Snockrigg and Buttermere Moss.

Robinson on the right.

Fleetwith Pike looking glorious at the other end of the lake.

Lunch spot at Comb Beck, Joyce eat your heart out.

Would you expect anything else from Bess.

Crag playing 'jacks'.

It was a wonderful spot for lunch and the weather got better as the day went on.

This tree was covered in fungi.

Probably not recommended eating.

The North East side of the lake with Robinson in the middle.

Probably not used much now, the route of the stream changed after a storm last October.

Sourmilk Gill in full flow.

These sheep were on the track, Bess isn't chasing them but they got out of her way.

Another parish completed for the park, we have to travel to Eastern lakes to do some more.

Linda's 60th Birthday

Last Wednesday our friend Linda turned 60 & yesterday the girls were going out for a meal to celebrate. Linda believed we were just going by taxi to The Howgate (a local pub) for lunch, however we had a number of surprises in store for her. The organising committee, Karen, Joyce, Lesley & Dawn Hidden in the other room was the first surprise, Louisa, Mona & Kirstie were also coming along. A toast before we left The birthday girl

Louisa had restored this photo of Linda from when she was 18.

At 1pm the next surprise, a bubblegum pink stretch limo to take us to The Howgate

Linda's face a picture when she sees it

Kirstie, Louisa, Dawn, Leslie, Joyce, Linda, Karen & Mona

Bubbly in the car & Linda hasn't noticed we are not heading for The Howgate

Our first stop is for a drink at The Castle Inn on Bassenthwaite Lake, these two bikers happy to stop for a pose

A quick half

Looking towards the lake

Then a short drive to our destination the 11th Century, Four Star Armathwaite Hall where we were going to have afternoon tea.

Whilst we were waiting Joyce decided a race up the stairs was called for!

Afternoon tea is served

After a delicious tea we went to look at the grounds, this is the front

And the back

Linda admiring the view

Looking across the lawn to Bassenthwaite Lake

Linda carrying the doggy bags!

And back into the car

From one of the classiest places in the area to one of the worse, for a laugh we stopped off at The Commercial in Cleator Moor for a drink.

We had a pint in Moffats & then drove back to The Robin Hood where Andy had been busy decorating it.

The next surprise the birthday cake, Linda is Australian so we went for a pink Australia shaped cake!

The candles were originally on the 6 major cities, but Linda moved them all to Perth as that is where she is from!

Billy, Billy snr & Linda

Linda also enjoys a round of golf

Linda & Billy dancing

Billy & Joyce dancing

Dawn & her mum

Linda dancing the night away with Fiona We had a fabulous day, it had been months in the planning, but we kept it a secret from Linda. Happy Birthday Linda

Lastly from our amateur photography to a professional, Louisa took this lovely picture of Karen yesterday, Louisa's website is http://www.myspace.com/whackedoutandweird