The Voice of "Raven".

One of the most enjoyable things about my excursions to the Lake District is ending a walk with a journey on one of the 'Ullswater Steamers' back to my campsite at Pooley Bridge.

In fact the main reason I base myself at the wrong end of Ullswater rather than in Patterdale is so that I can enjoy the lake. Taking the first bus of the day along side the lake and returning on a 'steamer' (now actually diesel!)

At the end of a hard walk it is wonderful to sit back on the upper deck with a pint and watch the mountains go by - it is magical.

Back in the early 1990s when I first discovered this form of transport even the public safety announcement was wonderful. As soon as "Raven" set off an automated recording would be activated. "Welcome aboard the motor yacht 'Raven'." Sadly this has been replaced by the gruff sound of the captain, but back then it was a female voice with a mid-atlantic accent who spoke in such a mellifluous way - never has "float free buoyancy apparatus" and "self inflating life rafts" sounded so appealing!

For me, her voice will always be associated with "Raven"!

Lake District Adventure.

Most years I try to get away to do some walking in the English Lake District. I usually camp and do a series of walks over a week long period. This year I based myself at "Hillcroft" camp site near Pooley Bridge and used this as my base to do the following walks.

On Sunday 6th September I walked the length of Lake Ullswater from Pooley Bridge to Patterdale and around the south of the lake to Glenridding; I took in Hallin Fell (388m) en route. Ullswater is England's 2nd largest lake at 14.5km.

On Monday 7th I climbed "High Street" (828m) via Pasture Bottom and returned by way of Angle Tarn.

Wednesday 9th I went up "Fairfield" (873m) via St Sunday Crag and returned via Dovedale.

Thursday 10th I climbed up "Helvellyn" (950m/3,117ft) via 'Striding Edge' from Glenridding and returned by way of Nethermost Pike and Dollywaggon Pike and Grisedale.

"Striding Edge" in the English Lake District is a narrow ridge on one of the approaches to Helvellyn (950m/3,117ft), it is a tricky traverse and over the years several people have fallen to their deaths.

One noted instance is that of Charles Gough who was killed there in 1805 made famous by the fidelity of his dog which guarded his body until the skeleton was found some months later. The romantic poets wrote that the dog was sustained by "love sublime"............................. are you thinking what I'm thinking?

Gym Update.

Ran 2.63Km in 15 minutes on the treadmill. I'm trying to get reasonably fit for my Lake District walking trip in September.