It doesn't take long for the holiday feeling to dissipate, does it?
We've been back from the Lake District for a week and already the memories seem a world away. Was that fell stream REALLY that cold? Were the stones on the beach REALLY that uncomfortable to walk on? Did Glumdog REALLY wee up BOTH my legs?
Mr Fink, Nelly and i managed to take in a few more lakes than last time, checking out Thirlmere, Rydal, Buttermere, Crummock Water, Grasmere, Eskthwaite and Ullswater. I think that just leaves Bassenthwaite, Loweswater and Ennerdale Water left to visit.
My favourites? I think Buttermere and the Honnister Pass, such dramatic powerful landscapes and also Eskthwaite, a hidden gem of a private lake, offering Osprey Safaris.
I swam in the fell river (it was so cold my body went from shock to frozen to shivering to stingingly cold) for the first time in about 30 years. I swam in the sea too, most refreshing. I went on a photography ramble through the nature reserve with Bambi, organised by the local branch of the RSPB.
Mr Fink was labelled a hero when we visited Aira Force (a 65ft waterfall close to Ullswater) a young boy was playing in the river with his family and he lost both his shoes to the fast flowing water. (I can't believe noone shouted, "Watch out! Crocs in the river!") He was so distraught that Mr Fink waded down the river, negotiating the slippery rocks and currents and managed to find the shoes and return them to the little boy. His parents were grateful but the little boy just pointed at Mr Fink, laughed and said, "You're all wet!"
My mental batteries are fully recharged in a way that only the clear air and water of the lakes and fells can achieve, it's like sanatogen for the soul.
