Rescue

There is still some snow in the Lakes. High up on Mickledore near Broad Stand at the stretcher box there is snow still lying in places. Annoyingly more so was the fact that Lords Rake is also still full of snow. With a recce of the Rake needed, sadly it meant that this was not possible.
It was a glorious day in the Lake District and I managed to take some pictures but my camera doesnt have a big enough lense to do the scenery justice.
Whilst running back up to Scafell Pike the rescue helicopter flew over and hovered a while. I tried my best to grab the camera from my bumbag and snap the chopper. I did my best but it wouldnt stay still.




The emergency stretcher box at Mickledore. Broad Stand is just a few yards away. The dilema that has fellrunners on the Bob Graham round agonising about the choice of do I or dont I go over it on the big day.

Hovering above Scafell, the rescue helicopter which forms a vital part of the mountain rescue emergency service.

Not easy to snap when the damm thing wont keep still for a moment

You can still see a good bit of snow lying on the ground justbelow Scafell Pike summit cairn.

The ring

One of my favorite places in the whole of Lakeland. I don't get to visit it too often now. The dilemma of which way off Blencathara has always fascinated me. As I arrive from the common at the back of the summit its always a hard choice which way to go off. The views are amazing.
Its ages since Ive actually climbed UP Halls Fell or Doddick as when Im either recceing or helping on a BG round its always been clockwise on this leg.

Mermaids Pool

Yep, Ive been asked a few times by runners who I know. Where is mermaids pool ?
Well I just reply its in a special place near Kinder.
I took this photo a while back after the person who Id set the task of finding it had just orienteered there way smack bang to it from about 4 miles away. Its a lovely spot and one or two of Pennine Fellrunners finest have been known to have a skinny dip in it in summer from time to time.

One man and his dog

A nice run around Kinder and its break time. With inspiration from Ron Fawcett's new book Rock Athlete I decided to have a little climb. Ive not done this for years and with all the running I do I now have no upper body strength which is definatley a bonus.
After a few minutes with Badger I just started to climb up a few rocks and soon it all started coming back to me.
By no means an expert and really not that elegant I managed to shuffle myself up the climb much to the delight of a party of kids that seemed more impressed with badger than my climbing.


A nice spot for a break. Just above Swines Back

Starting the climb with badger thinking whats the crackpot up to now

Halfway up and its time to get up the last bit. No problem, dont look down

The rock formations on Kinder are amazing and there are numerous climbs that are easy enough to have a go at. Some easy ones and some not so easy.

Typical of the photographer to take a picture of my bum !!!!!!!

What about that for technique. Shuffle up, drag yourself onto the top and lie there.

A quick look down and its back to the recce and the run. I dont think Badger was too impressed with the little stoppage. He ran flat out all the way back to the van from here.

See he is looking up thinking OMG does he think he is 17 again

Ink

Okay by popular demand from one or two people. Here is my tattoo of the Moot Hall. Ive had a few comments by people saying that they would like to see it.
It took about 5 hrs and wasn't quite as painfull as doing the actual BG round.

Its not yet quite finished as I really need to add the moon on it, some fellrunning folk, a completer with a pint of Jennings beer in hand and a few drunks shouting well done.

Derwent Dam

A recent outing saw Badger and myself having a run around Derwent Dam. Id heard a rumour that the water was flowing over the top and I just needed to get a picture or two of the Dam. An amazing structure. Badger didnt seem to be to bothered by it all and just ran off into the distance.
Its a lovely spot and very easy to access. There is a nice little shop selling maps and books etc and also a kiosk that you can get a coffee from.

You dont normally get chance to see water flowing over. What a backdrop

Badger showing heaps of interest

Rodney's Pillar

Today Badger and myself visited Criggion Quarry just inside the Welsh border. Ive been going there for years and have probably ran up to Rodneys Pillar that stands above the quarry several dozen times. A quick inspection of the large mining bucket thats in the picture and then it was straight into the car park, change into my fell shoes and off up to the summit.
Badger as usual reached the top way before I did and I have to say my legs were aching after doing the Skyline race on Sunday.
I took some pictures on the top and met two guys who were taking some disabled children on a walk to the summit. They all took it in turns to pat badger and I think the two adults were amazed that someone could actually run all the way to the Pillar from the car park.
I told them that the job they was doing with the children was more amazing than me just simply running up a hill.

The worn bucket, nothing that cant be fixed.

Badger at the trig, which stands just to the side of Rodneys Pillar. He has that smug look on his face that says. Yes Ive beaten you to the top again Darren.

The Pillar from the road

Badger is miles in front as I just manage to snap him on camera before he reaches the top.

So if your ever that way and near Criggion I can recommend a quick run to the top. There is a fell race that goes to the Pillar but Ive never done it. Maybe one day.