I still had a bit of a pawly paw, so after our early morning strolls around Goldrill Beck and Side Farm, we relaxed for a while before we all got in the car to go somewhere I had never been before. We drove alongside Ullswater and then took a fast road to a place called Portinscale, which is near Keswick. Mum and Dad decided that we could take a walk through the woods and paths near the quieter side of Derwentwater. We went through the woods and along streams and trails toward a hill called Catbells. I couldn’t see any cats, and I certainly couldn’t hear any bells. I wonder who gives the hills their names?
We didn’t climb the hill as I was getting quite a few scents and was pulling on the lead and harnesses. I have two bungee leads and a harness so I can sniff and wander around somewhat. We skirted round the edges of Catbells for a while and then strolled back along the road toward Keswick. It was at this point that I became quite agitated. It was only when mum & dad saw all the grouse in the fields and road that they realised why my behaviour changed so quickly.
Once we got back to Portinscale, the grouse were a distant memory and I was back to walking somewhat nicely. We walked past a hill called Skiddaw, it looked really high. I wasn’t allowed to go and have a closer inspection.
When we arrived in Keswick, it was market day. There were so many people there, that M&D were worried that it might be a bit much for me. There were an awful lot of furs there, but I was a really good boy and many people complimented me on my good behaviour. I kept on looking in all the push chairs or strollers for Raffa, but she wasn’t there. I was disappointed as I wanted to walk with her again. I even accidentally nose bumped a small human child who was in a stroller that looked just like Raffa’s. I think they enjoyed it!
Whilst we were in Keswick we went to the Dog Shop which sells plenty of things for us furry friends. We didn’t buy anything, as apparently I have everything I could want. However mum managed to step in some ice cream on the pavement. She wasn’t very happy. Keswick is great as nearly every shop is dog friendly. I didn’t stop wagging my tail, it was very exciting.
When we got back to the house we recuperated and then went to the White Lion for our last evening in the pub. We had our normal table so I could survey everyone coming and going. Not that it mattered much as I spent 99% of my time sleeping like a good boy. Sometimes when the door opened I looked up expecting Raffa to wander in with her mum. She didn’t. I had sad ears as I was beginning to realise that this was my last night in the Lakes and Raffa had gone home.
I managed to get one last tickle and kiss off the nice lady who was also going home the next day. And, of course, a gravy bone was duly provided and scoffed with glee. My last night in lovely Patterdale was great, we really enjoyed it all. I wanted to stay.
The next morning we had to go home. So we packed all of our things into the car and headed south, down the motorway and back home to my house in posh Bucks. I have been on a wonderful holiday to a beautiful place and met a great new pal. I am a very lucky Beagle Harrier.
Dexter 