29 September 2007

Fell Walking


To commemorate four years of being an item, and one year of marriage, Mac and I returned to the Lake District, the scene of our first encounter. The place is of a beauty best experienced in person, but I’ll give description a go.
It’s not just in the physical geography of the place itself that dazzles, as I am sure others would argue there are more beautiful places. But unlike other exceptionally good-looking places, there is nothing that spoils the Lake District. A day at the beach is ruined by mere clouds, but in the Lake District the rain and mist, the fog and wind compound the bewitching presence of the Fells. Warning: Walking in the Lake District may cause reflection on the fragility of the human race, it may cause you to think about your spirituality- definitive evidence of a god, or the opposite- evidence there is only time and the elements. More than likely it causes supreme satisfaction due to the purchase of an exceptional raincoat and Gore-tex boots. It is exhilarating that in the span of an hour or two you can go from feeling protected and comforted in the valley, to the top of a peak, keenly aware of your exposure and mercy to the wind and rain, should it choose to descend upon you.
After seven hours of climbing and contemplation, the descent into the valley below welcomes you back with poofy black sheep, hand laid dry stone fences and grass that is so green it looks as though someone plugged it in for a modern art installment. And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, the Old Dungeon Ghyll Walkers Pub has Old Peculiar on cask.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Hi Becky:
Your description of the Lake District is enchanting, it makes me want to experience it! You have a real talent for writing! I would particularly like to visit the old pub you mentioned, it sounds like it would be a delight.

Uncle, Darrell