Trying Again on The Dodds

Today we were due to meet Joan (from www.crummockwatercottages.co.uk). The plan was to meet up and do a walk, and then head back here for supper. Jay was to join us and James (who doesn't do walking) was joining us for supper. So, a handy place to meet was at the start of our pervious walk up Great Dodd. This time we decided to walk round via Glencoyne Head for the lovely view across Ullswater. Not the clearest of visibilty, but lovely all the same.

Then we headed up, onto Whitestones, just as the cloud came down, and then onto Stybarrow Dodd, Watsons Dodd, Great Dodd, randerside and down Matterdale Common. After this picture we saw nothing but cloud and rain. It would seem that this is becoming a habit!
However, much catching up was done and after nine miles and wet through, four hungry folk and two wet dogs made our way back for a thoroughly sociable evening!!

Flying Visit

After years of badgering, we finally gave in and headed off to Southern France to visit friends. First stop was with Roger and Lois (and Buddy) in Arrens Marsous, in the foot hills of the Pyrenees.

In three days we had saw masses of amazing scenery. The camera cannot capture the scale, but this was the view form our bedroom for the next 3 nights

 We went up to the Pic du Midi by cable car. An awesome experience. Standing up there it feels as though you are on the top of everest

And this was our cable car being worked on, immediately prior to us going back down - thankfully without incident!

 We did lots of walking and saw a huge amount of wildlife. Vultures galore - Lammergeiers, various eagles, egyptian vultures to name just a few. Many lizards and marmots. And these ponies (no doubt destined for tesco burgers) grazing on the Col du Solour.

Then we moved on to Paddy and Dennis, who have spent the last 20 odd years renovating a delapidated wreck of an old farmhouse, into a beautiful home, set in about 5 acres of the rural Lot valley. It is so private, without detailed directions no-one could possibly know it was there.

 Once again we had picnics, this time by the river rather than in the mountains

 Walked through some wonderfully unspoilt French villages

 Did a tour of the local medieval town - Lauzerte

 and did some picturesque riverside walks

 And once again we saw a bit of wildlife