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Two walks, the first with the dogs on possibly the hottest day of the year

and one the following day when Dee and John travelled over from Keswick to see us. 

It's been far too long since we've met with them and fortunately the weather the 2nd day was cooler for their walk.

" Lazing on a sunny afternoon . . . in the summertime "

But by late afternoon they were up and wanting a walk if I found myself anywhere near their collars and leads.

On a hot day there's nothing like a swim in the lake or the local river at Harry's Pool.

We set off towards Mellbreak and the pool which can be found in the valley between Mellbreak and Hen Comb.

It is possibly the hottest day yet but there is a slight breeze that the photo doesn't show.

What it doesn't tell you as well . . . is that it was a hot breeze that hardly evaporates the perspiration.

Climbing the northern end of the fell . . . with views down to Loweswater and the Solway.

The contents of the small water bottle I brought was shared three ways.

On the summit the indentation on the top of my hat served as a small water bowl for what was left after the climb.

The view ahead as we make our way down to the saddle in the middle of the fell.

All the high fells are there in the panorama ahead.

No southern summit bid today . . . as we turn and make our way down the sloping traverse path

following the Mosedale Beck back down the valley towards a certain pool.

With two wet dogs we set off home . . . after having been out rather longer than planned.

- - - o o o - - -

Next day the weather was cooler after heavy overnight rain.

Dee and John were over for the afternoon and evening . . .	. . . and the conditions were actually more pleasant for the walk.

We headed down to the side of Crummock Water this time.

The water level is surprisingly high following the rain and the fence is further underwater than a few days ago.

	- - - o o o - - -   This was the comparative picture from a few days ago. At that time it was low enough to discern the old boat landing out by the end of the fence.   It was covered when they raised the level of the lake by six feet or so in order to extract drinking water.      - - - o o o - - -

	That day I waded out and stood on the rather slippery slabs and chanced my balance as I pointed the camera downward.   The darker water to the left of the slabs was two or three feet deeper as befits a landing stage suitable for Victorian Ladies and Gents to alight from their rowing boats. - - - o o o - - -

Today though . . . the water would be almost waist deep . . . no need for another picture !

We stop by the small beach and the fallen pines to let the dogs play.

The disadvantage of playing (in the water) is that they come out wet !

Homeward now through the reeds and rushes . . . along the boardwalk, well at least part of it.

More harebells as we reached the drier ground . . .	. . . which flank the walls with the 'stone' field on the other side.