Seatoller, Lake District
A few reminders of our weekend
THE USUAL SUSPECTS...
- Charlie "Chuck up" Grant
- Pete "Gay watch" Smith
- Simon "New hat" Piercy
- Tim "Summit bagger" Spate
- Dave "Extra chips" Noble
- Steve "Same clothes" Barker
Friday
Simon, Charlie, Pete and Tim make a traditional stop on-route for refreshments.
A quick game of 'Botheration' before heading for the pub ...
... but hang on - is that a WOMAN'S watch Pete is wearing?
So gay.
Then, down the pub, an AMAZING thing happened ... Pete bought a round! Well, it was his birthday ...
The Usual Suspects
(Photo courtesy of Tim Spate)
Steve admires his clothes. (Little did we know that he was thinking, "Hmmm... these clothes are so good, I'll wear them tomorrow as well.")
After the pub we play 6-handed 'Botheration' and shock of shocks - Pete "Mr Botheration, I don't cheat but I'm always the man to beat" Smith finishes last ...
Saturday
The Place
The Accommodation
The Audi Owners Club
Once again, Pete was our stand-in for Chef Astbury and produced more superb breakfasts for us.
After breakfast we set off on what Tim calls a 'shortish walk' - which just happens to take in England's highest peak!
Reassuring ...
These two had been busy ...
... rounding this lot up ...
... but all for nothing because Pete "Gay for the weekend" Smith was looking for some Ram love. (New nickname for the weekend: - Pete "Ram Raider" Smith ??)
Last time we were up here Pete managed to lose his really naff, crappy, 'safety' cycling goggles - but he's got new ones! Oh, how the rest of us felt so ill-prepared and 'at risk' because we were out walking the hills WITHOUT safety cycling goggles.
At this point, as some of us were obviously slowing down progress for the others, a decision was made to split the group. Like all good expedition teams, our fittest made up the 'summit assault group' and surged on and up ...
... whilst the others took the pass up past the two tarns.
This was a good place to relax and enjoy a well earned lunch break - which means, of course, that it's time for the P.P.N.P.
(Piercy Pot Noodle Pic)
We climb up and away from one tarn ...
... past a waterfall ...
... and up to Sprinkling Tarn.
The snow stunningly depicts the north-facing craggy edge of Great End
360 degree view
Cute
... and made it to the top!
During the descent ... a picturesque rock pool ...
... and a bridge over a narrow cascade.
Back home to Mountain View ...
... and the summit assault group arrived about half an hour later.
We all shower and change (well, except Steve - we do manage to get him to have a shower but he then proceeds to put on yesterday's dirty clothes) and then head back to the pub. During the taking of the group photo, some local tart behind Pete does something really original and funny (not).
At this point we drink a toast to absent friends (see below for a clue of who we mean).
Sunday
A few of us get up early to watch the opening Grand Prix of the season, Pete cooks another great breakfast and we are greeted by a clear blue sky.
We feel so privileged and fortunate to actually be here, to experience first-hand, such a rare occurrance - A sunny day in Borrowdale.
Spring time.
Stepping stones
Charlie went first and then shot this video ...
Cave(ish)
Robin request
Pete camping it up (despite the sign)
... and plenty of ducks ...
... and time for a game of 'skimmers' ...
... before we head over the bridges ...
... to catch the bus back ...
... where Pete sits in an appropiate place ...
... and there was the customery 'nutter on the bus'.
We packed up and moved out, stopping off for our traditional Sunday shopping and pint trip in Keswick ...
... before heading home.
But let's take a moment to ponder why on earth Steve took this photo ?? ...
(Worryingly weird)
(Photo by Steven Barker)
(Red Thai Chicken Curry)
(Map by Tim Spate & Charlie Grant)
First sign of snow on the tops.
Borrowdale
Styhead Tarn (with Great End in the background)
Meanwhile, the summit assault group had experienced amazing views ...
(Photo by Tim Spate)
(Photo courtesy of Tim Spate)
(Photo by Tim Spate)
We embark on a short walk north along the river to Grange.
(Map by Tim Spate & Charlie Grant)
Handy chain rails available for this narrow traverse.
(Photo by Steven Barker)
We stop for lunch by the bridges at Grange, with great views in the background ...
(Photo by Tim Spate)
(Photo by Tim Spate)
(Photo by Tim Spate)
