Friday 23 July 2010

Haystacks & Saddlebacks

The saddlebacks enjoyed a trip to The Lakes last weekend in the shape of sausages and chops. Camping without having to carry all your kit allows for a bigger tent and a few more luxuries - canned veg. I remember the Lockwoods brand (which may still be around) but these canned new potatoes have that same stale, musty-sweet taste that reassures the traveller. The chops were fantastic and the regular fat porker that we have settled on never fails to work. The more attentive of you will have noticed the lack of precipitation evident in the scene - let me assure you that this fine spell broke very soon after supper on day one ! The Diplo expedition was camped on the East shore of Buttermere and upon arrival we were greeted by fine views of High Cragg and Haystacks to tempt us into our boots and breeches. Within two hours these views had become memories as the heavens opened and rain set in for the next 72. Now - I've seen rain (James Taylor) but this was something else, visibility was reduced to yards and the noise of rushing water was soon deafening. Not to be deterred we did mount a sortie to Haystacks and beyond the next morning. Fully loaded with rations and emergency supplies to cover any eventuality the troop was soon wet through. Enjoying a brief rest in the tricky blind scramble approaching the summit at Haystacks I really did feel as though I was standing in a swimming pool. I'm told the views from Haystacks are stunning but as we were fumbling around, establishing the summit cairn by feel, we were unable to enjoy them and the camera was in no fit state to record the event. Not to be put off, the Diplo team is determined to re-visit "The North" in the hope of finding some better weather. Bar-side instructions on the removal of the sparkler for pouring a decent pint were not always well received or understood. MORE DRYING OUT !

5 comments:

Mick P said...

Has to be one of the most appetising pics I've seen in a long time. Looking forward to reading back on your pig rearing. And have to agree about burning down loads of good wood to create your own embers rather than relying on charcoal. That's the way I prefer whenever possible, and reminds me of when we lived in a place with only open fires - no other heating - and we'd always have a good stock of split ash to hand for the summer barbeques.

Peter Ashley said...

Brilliant evocation of how it is oop nurth Diplo. And that sign. Well. It reminds me of one on the gated road to Debdale Wharf in Leicestershire: Cattle Shut Gate.

Thud said...

I may be having better weather here in California but your food looks unbeatable.

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BlackCountryBiker said...

Fantastic post marra. I went up to Wasdale in the lakes back in June 1994 for my 30th birthday... 16 years later and I'm still here. Now with a wife and two kids and a view down Ennerdale from my front door. We all take off for days out camping now, either by bike, motorbike or even walking... it's right on our doorstep. Love the sign there's another one near Ullswater that says "Ducks On't Road!!"