It was a wet morning as Jo was packing to return home last Saturday.

It seemed that the gods were against her again, as no sooner had she left the valley than the sun came out and our beautiful views returned.

In the time spare at the end of the afternoon I took the dogs for a stroll up and across into Mosedale.

The clouds had been rolling back since late morning and were now confined to the high peaks.

They were beautifully illuminated by the strong afternoon sunshine.

Wisps of cloud pass close to the summits of Whiteside and Grasmoor.

However the cloud base further up the valley was low enough

to cross the flanks of Whiteless Pike and hide the summit of Robinson from view.       

Long shadows across the graveyard . . . they've cleverly placed the chairs in the sunniest spot.

Behind is the old school buildings, extended many years back and now the Village Hall.

I take a photo looking back as I head out to Kirkhead Farm and the lane which will take me out onto the open fell.

I'm not aiming high today but I'll do a short climb to the break of slope at the base of the crags

and then head right and down into Mosedale, between Mellbreak and Hen Comb.

Above the larch trees and with a clear view once again of Hopegill Head with Sand Hill next to it at the top of the Gasgale Valley.

To my right the blue skies are reflected in the watery expanse of Loweswater.

About as far up Mellbreak as you can go without starting the serious climb.

There's a nice view from up here . . . Lorton Valley, our cottage and the pub !

Heading down now towards Mosedale, the shadow of Mellbreak now extends across to Lanthwaite Hill.

Harry takes five as I have stopped to take photos.

The sun just about to disappear behind the slope of Hen Comb.

I had a photo without the flares . . . but this seemed more colourful at this festive time.

Walking back out of the valley past the larch plantation and Harry's pool further down below the fence.

As we head back down the track we walk back into the lovely afternoon sunshine.

The Ennerdale to Loweswater bridleway reaches the fields of Kirkhead Farm

and twists and turns as it follows the field walls down towards the Kirkstile and our cottage in the distance.

I think this is where I came in . . . the sun is lower in the sky . . . the cup of afternoon tea higher on the list of priorities.

Hold your cursor over the picture to see how time has moved on.

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