Thirlmere

What a fantastic week! Went to "Thirlspot Farm" and camped for 4 days and generally had a brilliant little time. Me, Greeny, Tom & Boo and Leah & Emma went there. The first thing we did was climb Helvellyn. It made sense seen as we were camped at the bottom of it. We were pretty much up and down in time for lunch! Well, a bit past, but close. Disappointingly, no-one else wanted to do Striding Edge but content with the walk we landed back at the pub which was right next to the campsite (A good bit of serendipitous orchestration if you ask me!). That evening we spent hanging around camp, eating and chatting and being amazed at all the stars that came out. The second day the weather was very overcast and threatening.
We decided to go down to Keswick and get some ice-creams. Found ourselves in a second hand book faire, A climbing shop, a bait and tackle shop and 2 pubs! (not bad for 2 hours). At the pub, a man walked passed with a parrot. I jumped out to take a photo of it, and the parrot decided it liked me, jumped on my arm and perched on my shoulder! (Fully Awesome!!! - "HAPPY PARROT"!).

After picking up a climbing book, we shot over to a bouldering spot on the far side of Thirlmere, only to find out on arrival that is was under water! (there was some tiny writing in the guidebook at the bottom saying that this spot only gets uncovered when the water levels in the reservoir drop!) So after a brief splash about in the water, it was starting to look like rain so we headed back to the campsite.
By the time we arrived it had started to rain, and Tom had the bright idea of constructing a shelter out of the awnings of everyone's tents. Which we sat under and promptly got drunk (on a bottle of Lindersfarn Blackberry Wine, which I must say really is lovely stuff). Once the rain had past, the sky started to clear and began to do some very dramatic things. Everything that was green shone and glowed after the rain. Tom, Stev and I took our fishing stuff down by the lake, along with a large bottle of brandy and caught a few fish! (Yes that's right, I caught my first fish, WooHoo! Although I didn't quite manage to land the sucker, I didn't mind because I was told it was Roach or Perch and couldn't have eaten it anyway.)

The next day we took as a 'day of rest' and walked up to a waterfall that Boo had spotted from the road. It was so nice that we sat around there nearly all day, not really doing anything, just soaking up the sun and relaxing. We landed back at the pub late afternoon and I had Morecambe Bay Potted Shrimp, which was gorgeous! Terminally relaxed, we went back to the lake, but this time with everybody, where Tom caught his first fish! :) (again a Roach or Perch). That night we stayed by the lake till very late and watched the stars come out. The lake went so still that you could see the stars reflected on it. Stunning!

The last day, we packed our tents up and went to the other side of the valley and hiked up Ravens Crag (which was SO steep) but we got a well deserved view when we got to the top! We stayed there for quite a long time, still terminally relaxed from the day before. After that we popped into Keswick, got a sandwich for lunch and then drove up to Castlerigg to see the stone circle. There was a lot of debate, but I am convinced that the stones are supposed to be the surrounding mountains. I could tell instanstly, but apparently the National Trust haven't figured this out yet! (See Picture!)

After this, we drove back thought the lakes, past Winermere and down to Lindale to see my mum, where she fed us all wine and beer and gave everyone presents! The last leg took us home. One of the mose enjoyable weekend for a very very long time.

Thanks Guys! It was Perfect! :)