Molly's First Trip To The Seaside

Just for a change, Breeze has a bit of a paw injury. Nothing serious, but knocking it about on the fells won't make it heal and salt water will help, so we decide to venture to the coast for a change. Jay is coming too and decides that Molly is ready to experience the seaside............

The moment the lead was off, Molly was off too. Chasing Breeze about all over the place. Anyone who witnessed this would have thought it was great; a whippet chasing a spaniel at full speed. Anyone who knows Molly's story will think this is amazing. To see her running so free in a totally new environment was just brilliant.

I apologise that these pictures are all long distance, but (a) I forgot my camera so these are on my phone and (b), if I zoomed in, you wouldn't get the true picture of  how much Molly was running free enjoying herself

Spot the Whippet!

She even ventured into the sea for a quick paddle. She did draw the line at chasing Breeze who was nearly at the Isle of Man by now.

Back through the sand dunes to the car and it's lunchtime

Look what your missing James!

An Afternoon stroll

I happen to know that it normally rains on the 10th March. Today however, is different. Blue skies and sunshine.  I have an appointment with a racehorse first thing. Twice up the gallops on a day like this is a pretty good way to start the day. Then it's back home to change out of my breeches and into a pair of walking trousers, swap my riding boots for walking boots, get a few jobs done at home and grab a bite of lunch. Then we're off.................

We parked at Grainsgill bridge and basically followed our noses for the afternoon.  Breeze hasn't had much exercise for the last few days as she has been away with us down to visit Mum and Dad in Northamptonshire and has had to play second fiddle to other priorities. She's making the most of the opportunity to run around like a demented spaniel (oh yes, she is a demented spaniel)

A hidden gem

We're not really sure if this is an old mine shaft or not. The area is littered with them, but this one only goes in a few yards. Still it's providing a wonderful micro climate for a whole host of flora and fauna

Breeze smiles for the camera

Looking across Bowscale Fell to Blencathra

Skiddaw at the back with sunlight reflecting in the infant River Caldew

and again without the zoom. Blencathra is now visible on the left (Husband is doing his pointy stick bit for you)

Me and My Dad on Carrock Fell

A VERY rare occurance. Breeze was falling asleep sitting up. It must be something to do with not coming out till after lunch, she's normally all action all day!

The remains of an ancient fort on Carrock. We decided to drop down the southern side of Carrock from the car. You need to know the lie of the land round here to do this as there are no paths, and much of the southern side would not be a nice experience.

Posing on request, for once without a spaniel smile

Back down to the road and it's just a short walk back to the car. What an amazing afternoon.

We covered about 5.5 miles, most of it on sheep tracks rather than human paths. For us, this gives us just as much satisfaction as covering many more miles of well trodden tourist paths. We only saw two other people, and they were both on the top, on the well trodden path. And to think this is all in our back yard :-)

A Champion in the Making?

Finbar. Alison and Chris's Irish Terrier has just returned from Crufts, where he only went and won his class! He's only just over a year old, so will we see him back there next year? Watch this space!!! Well done Finbar, and well done Alison and Chris too!