April

Michelle

Pooley Bridge – ferry to Glenridding- then to Patterdale and along the east shore of Ullswater via Sandwick and Howtown (6.5 miles) to Pooley Bridge (10.8 miles)

Bright sunshine, better than summer.

Michelle, Michael, Ron, Evelyn and George B

Bernie - Watch the Toon in the Championship before they start losing in the Premier League

Carol - preparing to go to Barcelona

Ashley - hot and sweating in Thailand

Sandy - Picking up Beth at airport on her return from a ski holiday in the US

Comments

April lived up to its reputation for good weather. Everyone got up early to catch the 0945 ferry from Pooley Bridge (with 10% discount), although Michael missed out on his promised bacon sandwich. The boat trip was a bit chilly. A dragon raft crew stood up and waved at us.

A busy walk, with lots of dogs and people with 35mm cameras. Too many mountain bikers, including one with a slit tyre, on an unsuitable route – the path was very rocky in places. Lots of very new lambs, both black and white.

There were spectacular views in all directions, especially at the lunch spot which had good seats as well. Lots of activity on the lake: canoes of various shapes and colours, yachts, including three with gaff-rigged red sails (possible a Drascombe Peterboat).

George met his friend John at Sandwick. Bill and Ben had gone missing (see July 2002). Had refreshments in the beer garden of Howtown Inn – nice loos and a friendly fluffy ginger cat. Michael and Evelyn took the ferry back to Pooley Bridge to save leg/knee, while the remaining three returned on foot via Sharrow Bay and the campsite.

Wildlife/Flora/Animals:

Birds: house martins, robin, blue tits, coal tits, chaffinches, warblers, wrens, swans, mallards, geese, lots of wagtails, grebe, buzzard seen from the ferry.

Butterflies/insects: bumble bees, red spider, peacock butterflies.

Mammals/others: rabbits, miserable horse, placid horse.

Flora: lots of daffodils, conjoined trees, tree grown around metal sign, rhododendrons, very old coin tree, gorse in flower, harebells.

Originally planned for the recently re-opened Carts Bog, but the plan had to be changed due to Carts Bog being booked by the Allendale Challenge. Instead we had a return visit to the Queens Head in Tirril. Another great meal in a pleasant atmosphere.

April walkers

Weathervane at Pooley Bridge

Ferry landing

Boathouse at Ullswater

Farts on Ferry

Ullswater reflections

More reflections

Warm work

Ron and George

Back to the lake

Red sails

Motor and sail

Lunch

Pressing on

The way back

Lady of the Lake

Howtown landing

Lambs

The ferry returns