" Local, Mell and Crum." at EveryTrail
 

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A difficult week at home as we say goodbye to our younger dog Bethan.

The atmosphere and the walks are a little more subdued but countryside and friends

still brighten the soul in between the grey moments and grey clouds.

As it turned out, this was one of Bethan's last walks and was a popular little stroll up the Whinfell track.

With parking near the highest point and a simple unmade road walk it matched the needs of the day.

Towards the end of a lovely sunny day here in the north western Lake District.

looking back at the sunshine on Ling Fell and Binsey and the lengthening shadows in Lorton Vale.

Extensive views looking north over the Solway Plain.

Zooming in on the view of Criffel in Scotland

as seen over the town of Cockermouth, partly hidden by the trees and the folds of the landscape.

On reaching the bend in the track we also reached the sunshine.

Here on the high point of the field we saw first one horse, then two, then three . . .

In the end, four lovely ponies came over to see who was passing their field.

The grass is always greener on the opposite side of the fence.

Overnight cold weather has left a tell-tale heavy frost, even snow over the high fells.

Grisedale Pike, Ladyside Pike and the table-mountain aspect of Hopegill head all have a dusting of white.

Leaving Ann and Bethan to return to the car, I take Harry the extra mile up to the top of the track

till we get a wider view of Whiteside and Grasmoor, now catching the late afternoon sunshine.

At the head of Buttermere, the high fells are looking clear but cold !

Back down at a slight jog, okay a fast walk . . . to catch up Ann and Bethan before returning home.

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A few pictures from the weekend and early part of the week . . .

Mild weather and a drifting wisps of cloud cover Hen Comb.

Cold mornings and dramatic skies.

New angles on another day's winter sunrise . . . a triangle of vapour trails in fact.

I took the opportunity one afternoon to give him and myself a little exercise . . . up one of our local fells . . .

Photographers say you should always try and frame a photo if you can . . .

Here's Haystacks seen through a frame of a local wire fence.

Chris's cows are still out, which is surprising for the end of November

but it has been a mild autumn and there's been no need to put them in the barns yet.

Harry and I start the ascent of the northern end of Mellbreak.

After stopping to chat to a local couple and to Chris

we're a little later than planned climbing the fell . . . hence the flash setting kicking in.

Self-portrait with Harry at the northern cairn of Mellbreak,  the misted over lens is due to the . . . mist !

Hmm . . . a little later than planned coming off the fell too

but to be fair it wasn't quite as dark as the photo suggests.

It was dark now though as we pass the woodland opposite Harry's Pool . . . but not far to go . . .

The time was just before 5pm.  It had got dark very early tonight as the cloud closed in over the valley.

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We met up with our good friend Sophie for a walk

which meant that Harry had company again . . . Harvey and Daisy, her two retrievers plus another labrador we met at the lakeside.

Chance to play and chase sticks.

Looks like the Hounds of the Baskervilles . . . but they are just racing to be the first one to reach the stick.

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Many thanks to all of you who have emailed and written in recent days in respect of the passing of our dog Bethan. It has been heart warming to receive so many words of comfort from so many people, folk like you who have walked with her or followed her walks here on the web site and who have written to us, not only from the UK but from all round the world. Hopefully we have replied to all your messages but if we have missed anyone, please accept our appreciation here. Roger and Ann.                      2nd December 2013.

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