Another change of plans

  The intentions were good, a day to tick off some references near to Helvellyn and also a good long walk out. Sadly, as happens the weather didnt play ball with low cloud litterally putting a dampener on things. As I left the Car Park at Swirls I was hopeful that the cloud cover would have lifted off Brown Cove Crags by the time I reached them. On route I had to visit the watefall in Helvellyn Gill (an awkward descent and re-ascent on steep, wet grassy slopes) and once that had been done we approached the crags as the rain came in. Huddling behind a rock for shelter I formed Plan B as I supped a hot drink. Plan B was put into action as I cant afford the time to wander across mist covered fells just for the sake of it.
 So a return to the car was called for from where I travelled to the Heaton Cooper Gallery in grasmere to pick up some art materials. By the time this was done there was a hint of clearing weather so we returned up to the summit of Dunmail Raise. From there we were able to take the second half of my original plan and ascend besides Raise Beck to then continue up to Seat Sandal.

Seat Sandal above Grasmere.

I have learnt over the past few years to be adaptable and today it payed off. Not every target was achieved but at least I had something to show for a poor start to the day. More photos and details of the day can de found on the website via the On Location Page http://www.theteesdalegallery.co.uk/

A dull Sunday in the Lakes

We were fooled by the fairly decent weather at home to take a drive over to the west. By the time we reached the Stainmore Pass we could see hardly a thing as the whole area was shrouded in a mist. A bit of plan change was called for, any days for me out on the fells require me to get references for the Wainwrights in Colour project and low cloud or mist doesn't help. After stopping off at Rheged for a coffe and a bit of retail inspiration we then drove down to Grasmere where I was able to replenish some painting stock at the Heaton Cooper Studio. Later we gave the dogs a bit of a leg stretch around the shore of Derwentwater, it was only a short stroll but with all the people and other dogs about it gave bailey a chance to socilaise a bit. I wonder what people think when they see such a skinny dog? (We are awaiting a call from the RSPCA!)

Derwentwater shore.

We then had the idea of heading into Keswick for afternoon tea but the traffic was dire, they are digging up part of the mian street which is probably something to do with the flood damage. So, not to be outdone a short drive saw us at the tearoom at Mirehouse Sawmill near Dodd. It's a small world, as we walked in there to greet us as Derek and Alison from the Wainwright Society- he didn't even offer to buy the tea for us! Next time perhaps.

This was not a wasted day as we were able to chat about ideas for the gallery etc some of which we plan to put into operation soon.