Hamilton Park

It's not often we go racing, and even more rare that I take any photos, but we had a trip up to Hamilton Park today to watch one of Jame's horses run. It was a beautiful day and it's a beautiful course, so I felt compelled to get my phone out!

Our friend and Trainer Barry had a runner in an earlier race, Richie leads up in the paddock. You might guess he spotted me with the camera by the big cheesy grin!

And their off

Barry's horse ran to a very creditable third

Barry and Richie in the winners enclosure

Now it's  Rosie's turn. Bred by James, ridden by me (on many occasions but definitely not today!!). Rosie is still learning the ropes so is here for the experience today

Ridden by Fergal Lynch today

If you fancy experiencing flat racing, we can highly recommend Hamilton Park. Excellent Owner's and Trainer's lunch and facilities and a really lovely spot. Just a shame it's so close to Glasgow!

Borrowdale Shepherd's Meet

We haven't got to many local shows this year so we decide to get over to Borrowdale Shepherd's Meet today for an hour or two. It's held at Yew Tree Farm in Rosthwaite - the area where it all started for me - all our family holidays were here. When I say it all started here, I mean the love of Cumbria, not farming. That was a bit closer to home!

Judging the Aged Herdwick Tups

We came across quite a few real nice working bred Springers today. One pair in particular were very similar to Breeze

Breeze on the left (as you look at it) and Fern on the right. Breeze and Fern had an identical trick of squirming round to sit on your feet leaning on your legs. You'd think they were sisters

Breeze spent an awful lot of the time getting attention fro passers by - having such a pretty spaniel is a great way of meeting people. When she wasn't getting a tickle, she was taking it all in. She's got quite used to shows now.

Chewing the Cud

Not a bad setting is it?

The reward for being a good girl - a dip in Derwent water on the way home - where we met another spaniel admirer - Lee a fireman from the North East who splits his time between there and a caravan at Threlkeld. He is just about to get a Springer pup (it's just been born) and he had lots of questions! Hopefully he will call in with the pup when he gets it in a couple of months time. We'll have to wait and see!

High Pike with Ed and Gerda

Ed and Gerda are here on their annual visit from Holland. They wanted to join us for a walk, but not surprisingly they are a not over keen on doing a lot of uphill. Last year we did a 6.5 mile walk so we know they are ok for that distance, so we decide to up the anti and do a little bit of climbing. We planned to do a route behind High Pike, taking in one of our favourite spots, Roughton Gill.

Breeze is joined by two of Ed and Gerda's four working collies. Donna Summer (in the middle) and Abbygail. Donna was bred here, Ed and Gerda picked her up as a pup when they were here two years ago

It's a beautiful day and there is plenty of chatting as we make our way up the slopes of Low Pike

We hadn't planned to go to the summit, but Ed and Gerda were coping very well and it was such a lovely day. We suggested that they might like to go to the top of their first mountain - they thought they would!

Just below the summit we call in at the shelter for our lunch

Breeze has a power nap

Abbygail didn't want her picture taken, so she stuck her tongue out at me!

Pretty girl. Donna Summer poses for the camera

Ed and Gerda on High Pike Summit

I know pictures like this are normally few and far between, but I have been trying to find a good picture of the three of us to print off for Dad. As I can't find one,Gerda has the job of taking a few today.You have been warned! 

Heading West towards Birk Moss

I think they are enjoying themselves!

The dogs are all having a great time. Donna and Breeze always in front - Abbygail loyaly stayed with Ed

Coming down is as unfamiliar as going up when you live in Holland!

A family portrait at Roughton Gill

Heading home

Crossing Dale Beck as we make our way back to Fellside

6.5 miles. A real achievement for Ed and Gerda and a lovely day for us all. with luck we might get them up another mountain before they go home.

Little Fell with Cracking Views

Breeze has been a bit short on exercise this week. Trying to catch up at home as well as entertaining visitors has meant that she hasn't had a blow out all week. It was such a beautiful morning we had to take the camera, no matter how short a walk it would be. We headed over to Little Mell Fell for a change. Breeze wasn't complaining!

 

Husband keeps his excitement a bit better hidden!

At the summit. Yes he was enjoying himself, honestly!

Smile

Heading back to the car

All those views and we only walked about 1.5 miles. Breeze probably managed about 15 miles in that time, oh and to land in a bog just before the car!

Acrobatic Visitor

Squirrel visits have been very rare in gardens across Cumbria for most of the last two years. Thankfully this is not a reflection on numbers - they have been doing really well. but a reflection on the huge amount of wild food that has been available to them. They haven't needed to raid gardens. This afternoon we had a visit from an inquisitive youngster. One of this years kittens.

Apologies for the quality of the pictures, but there wasn't time to clean the window and I was on the phone at the same time as taking the pictures!