Tuesday 12 September 2017

Day 2. Mosedale to Patterdale

Hello.
This morning I peeped out of the window to a lovely sunrise, and saw the farmer dashing about on his quad bike with his two collie dogs following. They were in and out of the fields with food for the sheep, who came running when they caught sight of him. In one field the dogs had to round the sheep up and herd them towards their breakfast because they hadn't noticed where he put it. When that job had been done he went into the chicken field and let them out of their house, and dropped food for them as well. Two dozen chickens rushed out of the little door and started pecking the ground.

Breakfast was good, hot and freshly cooked, with home baked bread. I was a bit apprehensive about today, not sure how it was going to turn out because I couldn't see any footpaths going in the direction I wanted to go. I knew there was going to have to be some off road walking. Now I am normally used to this, but here in the Lake District I am not very confident at venturing onto the fells where the path is not marked. To be honest, all those big hills look the same to me. But I had to bite the bullet and try my best to find the way.

I wanted to get to Patterdale and identified a path across the other side of the A66, but it did mean a trek across Threlkeld Common. The only other way would have been to go miles out of my way on minor roads.

I set off in trepidation, and found that the ground was very boggy, clumps of long grass, heathers which sank under my weight, and reeds waist high. I plodded on and aimed for the corner of a wood, hoping that the exit over the brow of the hill would be obvious. This was supposed to be a bridle way. There was a sign at the gate saying when wet it wasn't suitable for horses. It should have said it wasn't suitable for humans either. I really needed to go south to pick up a cycle track, but after an hour or so, there was no sign of it. I was completely disorientated. Going in a straight line without a compass and no landmarks to focus on I find quite difficult.

After stumbling for what seemed ages, I decided to get the hell off there and go back to the road I came from. I was up to my ankles in water, so it was a bit uncomfortable with squelchy boots, but there was nothing I could do about it but keep walking.

So after some backtracking I decided to take to the road. I picked up some supplies from Gleridding, and made it to Patterdale at 6pm, thoroughly tired out. I am in the Youth Hostel tonight, £33 for B & B, a private room. My boots are in the drying room, they should be alright for the morning, and my socks are on the radiator. I have spares for tomorrow.

I have a bit of bad news. I charged all three batteries last night, but alas I tried them in the camera and each one was flat. I don't know if they have come to the end of their life, or the charger is not charging properly. If I find a camera shop I will see if they can help me, but I won't hold my breath, they are not the run of the mill round batteries that are quite common, they are flat and square.

So, I've checked the mileage, I've walked 18 miles today. Everyone has gone to bed, I am the only one left in the dining room, so I will sign off now because they will want to put the lights out.

Who knows what tomorrow will bring. I have to check the maps yet, but once I get out of the Lake District I should have a lot more choice of routes.

Thanks for popping in, we'll catch up soon.
Toodle pip

22 comments:

  1. It's all very exciting Ilona and adventurous.My top dog originates from Patterdale he is a wild one even at 13.Freedom and fun-how wonderful x

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  2. Good grief, what a two day adventure! Thanks for posting after such a long day. Good luck tomorrow. Here in Arizona it was 108 today so I loved your photos of all the water and greenery...everything here is dust and baked to a crisp.

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  3. I hope your boots dry out OK. Please be careful Ilona. Even low level walking in the Lakes can have its difficulties due to the terrain and the weather. X

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  4. That must have been a bit worrying being somewhere and not too sure where to aim for...also having wet feet and knowing youve got to keep walking...What stamina you have got!!.I hope youve had a good nights sleep and ready for another day.Please keep warm and dry,as you know its going to be windy today.Maybe stay to the minor roads?...Oh im starting to sound like i think im your mother now,lol.Stay safe!!,Debi,x

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    1. I don't worry, Debi, I just get annoyed with myself for having a poor sense of direction. It's happened before, I always find a road eventually.

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  5. Hope you got a good nights sleep Ilona After your busy day. Sorry to read about your camera and do hope it gets sorted for I know how you love to take photos and of course we all like to see where you are going.
    Enjoy today wherever you are going. Hazel c uk

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  6. Good morning from Patterdale Youth Hostel. Having my breakfast, it's looking pretty grim outside, some protection from the weather is required. I am not going to repeat my bog experience and will walk on the road wherever it is possible. Don't want another day with wet feet.

    I have just noticed that there is grass growing on parts of the roof at this hostel, very green.

    They have free Sky WIFI here, my computer recognizes it as I have used it before. Very easy to log on. It even welcomes me back and I don't have to input any more information.

    Must go, eaten cereals, now for the cooked breakfast. Catch you later, hopefully.

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  7. Hi Ilona. Get hold of an Alfred Wainwright book for your area or even a full set (7). All bookshops will have them. A good guide to the fells.

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    1. I don't buy books, the library has them free to borrow.

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  8. What an adventure. It must have been a bit disconcerting being unsure of the way and being in boggy terrain. Well done for making it to the hostel. Shame about the camera, I can imagine your frustration. I am lost without my camera as for blogging it's such an important bit of kit. It's good to read your adventure though even if it's without the photos. Hope you have a better day today.

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  9. Hope by the time you read this, you've enjoyed the cooked breakfast, boots are nice and dry and you're ready for and enjoying a much better day.Hope you get your camera fixed as I think we all love seeing yoir travel pictures. Take care. Rae x

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  10. Hope you have a better day Ilona. We went to Patterdale and Glenridding years ago before we were married. It's a beautiful part of the country and I probably would not have thought of it again if you hadn't visited and shared your adventures with us. I must say it is even more beautiful if you get some good weather. We are having a very miserable September so far - hope the rest of the week is better for you so that you can enjoy your walking and take in some wonderful scenery.

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  11. Ouch! Hope today was much better. Sounds like your charger is giving up the ghost so to speak. Keep those feet dry!

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  12. My husband wants to know how do you manage your blog when travelling? Do you carry a laptop or is it on a smartphone.

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    1. Hi. I carry a Samsung Netbook, like a small laptop. I have removed the battery so It isn't so heavy, I have to plug it into the mains.

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  13. Love reading about your walks, but please stay safe, I do worry if you get in trouble while you walk alone, do you ever get scared? Love Jo.xx

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    1. Hi. No I don't get scared, what is there to be scared of? What sort of trouble would I get into?

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  14. If you are moving from place to place Ilona I expect to can tell your friend and cat sitter your route that you are hoping to walk each day and if there was a little mishap at least she would know your whereabouts if you didn't contact her later in the day.Sorry to nosey into your business but a lot of us care for you .But yet again you may not move from your own garden and a that can be a worry too.I have had 3 cars hurl into my front garden ,luckily I was indoors.Also 3 cars at least explode.Think its sometimes more risky staying home.You're out there loving life to the full Ilona x

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    1. Hi, I can't tell Janet my route, because I don't know it until I actually walk it.

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    2. You have lots of experience and common sense though Ilona.I think I would get in a pickle and walk off in the wrong direction x

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    3. Hi, yes that's me too!! I have absolutely no sense of direction and get lost driving to the same place I've been too loads of times!!! I didn't mean to offend about being scared I just worry about a lady walking on her own, of course Ilona is a very capable lady,and I do love reading about her walks,love Jo. Xx

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    4. I can even get lost Jo, in a shopping precinct or get anxious looking for a bus stop x

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