Friday

The day got off to a really bad start ... we were a man down, already - poor Dave got the dreaded virus.

Dave was absolutely gutted to have to stay home and we were all sad, too. We wished him well and said we would drink to his health.

Before setting off, Charlie had to say goodbye to his faithful Toyota Corolla. It was being picked-up for scrap and he was getting used to its replacement, the Toyota Yaris.

Speaking of new cars, when Charlie & Simon arrived at Tim's (at the same time - that's never happened before), they were able to view Tim & Sam's new car (a Peugeot, naturally).

Charlie, Simon & Tim head for Keswick, with sat nav saying M1 route was quickest. Simon flashed-up the much-used music quiz, for last time (very American & 80s based) and, with his best ever performance, Charlie won it, outscoring the other twos' combined scores.

On the way, we stop for our traditional refreshments from "The Golden Arches".

The weather turned a bit rough over the A66 (video) ...

Pete & Steve had already arrived when we got to the cottage - and they had stopped in Keswick to stock-up on breakfast meats from Booths (since our normal supplier was self-issolating). By the time we left for the pub, it was a cracking evening ...

At this point, Charlie was able to reveal a record-breaking total of residue kitty from November - a whopping £165.

We had a fab time at The Riverside Bar, Scafell Hotel, Rosthwaite, with great beer and food.

The Usual Suspects

Perhaps it was just as well that Dave was absent - this was the sum total of vinegar available ....

Later that evening, back at the cottage, when we berated Pete for wearing these socks, he said, "<-- INSERT USUAL PETE CRAPPY EXCUSE HERE -->".

Saturday

Simon's sister-in-law had given him a list of chores for us to carry out over the weekend - Clear the remainder of the turf covering the driveway; Apply number "1" stickers to the 4 wheelie bins; Burn the garden waste pile.

Steve used a few spare minutes to make a start (video) ...

We set off towards Great Gable ...

... and soon find a a fast food joint for sheep.

Simon washes his water bottle.

Charlie takes the opportunity to scramble down for his famous waterfall shots.

Bridge shenanigans.

As we head up, we meet some cyclists not cycling.

As we gain height, the views get more impressive.

More waterfall action (video) ...

We reach Styhead Tarn. Charlie decides he's not going to make it to the summit and Simon kindly decides to accompany him on a bumble back down. Before the others continue up, time for a slightly out-of-focus group shot.

The Usual Suspects

As the summit group stride away, Charlie & Simon stop for lunch by the tarn.

Piercy Pot Noodle Pic

Ever in search of that fall-in-the-water moment (video) ...

Skimming stones (video) ...

We say goodbye to the tarn ...

... and hope that we fair better than this poor soul.

Buddies heading back to Borrowdale

Even more waterfall action (SLO-MO video) ...

At about the same time, the others had chosen the fittest duo to make an assault on Great Gable summit ... and they made it.

Mr Mallard

Back down in the pleasant late-afternoon weather.

A hollow tree (well, ex-tree, I suppose).

At this point, we hear the rare sound of a police vehicle siren - what could the emergency be? (video) ...

And then another comes hurtling along (we never did find out why).

We get back in time to place our Grand National bets ... and watch as none of them come in.

The others arrive back and after a cup of tea and showers, we take Pete up on his offer to take us to Keswick for a beer & curry (videos) ...

We have a beer in The Lake Road Inn and then have a great curry meal at The Sultan of Keswick. On the way back we stop for a quick one in The Riverside Bar.

There are several traditions on walkies weekends and one of them is Tim falling alseep during Match of the Day!

Sunday

A crisp morning.

The fleet.

The accommodation.

We decide to get the bus to Grange and walk back via Castle Crag.

We didn't see any, all weekend ...

... but at least someone has re-painted the squirrel! (Here's how it was in 2019).

Where have all the trees gone?

Castle Crag

Zig Zag

The Usual Suspects

At the summit, a memorial to 2nd Lieutenant John Hamer (whose family donated the crag to the National Trust) and the men of Borrowdale, who died in the First World War.

Simon tries to demonstrate how easy it is to get his pole straight ...

... and just behind him, a crouching woman lets an audible fart go, much to the amusement of all around. To ease her embarrassment, Charlie says, "Well, they did forecast light wind!" which, luckily, did make her laugh.

There's still plenty of snow on the tops.

Tree Fellers Wanted (it's a shame there's four of 'em).

Charlie sees a cave he remembers and can't resist going in ...

... but it's a bit flooded.

We find a good perch-with-a-view so we stop for lunch.

The Usual Suspects

Bee-utiful!

Simon tackles the stepping stones (video) ...

A couple of "deny" lambs! (Too long to explain; you had to be there).

Gnarly roots.

Then we attend to those chores ...

We then begin to play a foursome of Botheration - but put it on hold because it was time to walk to The Langstrath Country Inn for our booked restaurant table, taking in the sights ... including numbered sheep and a Victorian post box.

We have a cracking night and send this selfie to our absent friend, Dave - before retiring to the bar for more beer and shorts, until chucking-out time.

Upon our return we finish that game of Botheration, in which, unusually and much to his delight, Charlie executes a dominating victory, correctly guessing his trick count in 8 out of the 10 rounds!

Monday

As we pack-up, it was noted that the top-room-fly-count was, once again, zero!

Pete had cooked two cracking breakfasts over the weekend but Monday's cob-feast was prepared by Steve.

We loaded-up and headed home.

Simon explained to Steve that it was tradition for his passengers to fall alseep on the route back ... and so he dutifully obliged.

See you in November!