Gone fishin'

I've never tried fishing. It has always seemed to me, to paraphrase Mark Twain's view of golf, a good paddle spoiled.
But when a couple of friends invited me to have a dangle in Derwentwater yesterday evening, I thought I'd give it a go.
The tranquility was overwhelming, and, combined with the incredible scenery, created a sense of being somewhere other than dear old England. It is not uncommon to feel that way in the Lake District.

Here's the view across Derwentwater, with the distinctive outline of Causey Pike to the left, and the pyramidal Grisedale Pke to the right.

Bleaberry Fell is the high-point on the skyline here, with Bleaberry cottage just down behind it

The view to the Newlands Valley features the sculpted curve of Robinson in the centre. (According to Wainwright, the name Robinson comes from a Richard Robinson who purchased estates in the Buttermere area many centuries ago. These included this unnamed hill which was then called "Robinson's Fell", later shortened to Robinson.)

If you've been round these parts, you may well recognise Catbells ... possibly the most popular 'first ascent' in the Lake District. Depending on the route you choose, it can involve use of your hands for balance, giving children a real sense of  'climbing a mountain'.

So, a mellow time was had by all ... fish included!

Well it isn't raining here!

Apparently Britain is under a deluge of heavy rain.
Not here in the Naddle, it isn't!
Gorgeous Spring morning.... here's sunrise over High Rigg, illuminating our willow plantation and ball-play paddock / picnic area

The view up to Steel Crag above Shoulthwaite Ghyll, with Brocklebeck cottage in the foreground

And this is Helvellyn, viewed from Brackenrigg

Finally (for now) Blencathra, through the Brackenrigg trees