I woke up with a pawly paw. So it was decided that we would take it a bit easier after 30 odd miles pretty much uphill and down dale over the last few days. We chilled out at the cottage and then went for a short stroll around Goldrill Beck. This was great as I could let my paws recover a little from their recent exertions. After a while we decided it would be fun to go to the most northerly part of Ullswater, a place called Pooley Bridge. This was where the bridge washed away in the terrible floods earlier in 2016 and there is now a temporary bridge in place. When we got there, we parked and were soon off down the path to the lakeside to explore the area.
There are some great views from the waters edge, but there were also billions of little midge things that were attacking everyone. We walked down by the water and it was great to see many people on sailing boats, yachts and kayaks all enjoying themselves. There is even the Ullswater Steamer which takes people (and sometimes furs!) from Glenridding to Howtown and Pooley Bridge, and back. We didn’t get to go on the Steamer, but maybe next time.
In the evening we went to the pub, as we were all hungry and thirsty. They had some dinner and were sitting there just relaxing and enjoying the views from the windows over the Fells. I was asleep, thanks to my days on the Fells. When M&D were taking to some ladies from the USA and Canada who were undertaking the Coast to Coast Walk, I woke up. This walk is 192 miles and is a long way even for a fit and healthy Beagle Harrier. We were all very impressed as it was interesting to hear about their tribulations so far.
M&D didn’t know that I had arranged to meet Raffa Beagle and her M, who had come up for the following day and were planning on doing some zooms with us. When Raffa and her M arrived I was still sleeping but was awoken by a wet nose sticking through the balustrade. This was Raffa’s nose, in case you’re wondering.
She is very nice and we woofed for a while. The nice White Lion pub landlady gave me a gravy bone, and offered the same to Raffa. She can’t have gravy bones as she has a special diet. Sadly I didn’t get her gravy bone. It got better as Raffa’s M gave me loads of tickles and belly rubs, so I was very happy to see them both. Having said that I did go back to sleep after the humans had been talking for quite a while. Raffa fell asleep too. All the humans were very impressed with us being so calm and being able to sleep.
We parted late in the evening and I walked back to the cottage with excited ears, having arranged to meet on the following morning. I had met a new pal, she’s really nice and friendly and I hoped we would have a good day for walking in the hills.
Dexter 