A Lakeland Training Swim

Joanna and I parked up at Skelwith Bridge in the Lake District in the pouring rain. We got changed in the steamed-up car and set off up the path to Elterwater. Joanna’s GPS was playing up so we stood for about 5 minutes whilst it got a signal and I peeled her black banana. It was only a matter of a minute or so and we had already become drowned rats. ‘Rain, rain, go away, come again another day!’

The run was low level as the visibility was zilch and the wind was getting up. The paths were running streams and what were dry rivers were now torrid rapids! In fact, the whole of the Lake District had become a huge lake in itself.

On we went, stopping to check the route on Joanna’s map. My God it was cold. Were shorts a wise choice and did I mention the rain?!? The old hands and feet were going numb and feeling distinctly like they belonged to somebody else.

Running past a forest we disturbed a big owl. (I think it was a tawny, but a big owl will do!) At least it wasn’t a teat owl, (get it?) It’s always exciting when you see an elusive creature in its natural surroundings methinks.

We got to about 6 miles near Tilberthwaite and the disused quarries and took a wrong turn ….well an alterative route! The rain got worse and our hands and feet got worse too, even after Joanna had generously donated her ‘dry’, spare pair of gloves that I couldn’t get on my hands! We came across a cottage and sheltered in its out-house and took a closer look at the map. (Well Joanna did. I was all for going wherever just to keep warm!) After a bit of shivering and deliberation, we headed back in the same direction and saw a sign for Skelwith Bridge, (phew!) We eventually found the main road and started the descent.

We’d just got back into our stride when we were startled by a bevy of three identical roe deer. They jumped over the wall, ran straight across the road in front of us and up into the forest. Their bobbing white tails were saying, “Catch us if you can!” It really made my day!

It was downhill all the way then and we arrived back at the car ten miles later and, ‘we’re singin’ in the rain!’ We peeled off our sodden kit and headed off for the Apple Pie bakery and café in Ambleside for some vittles. We parked up and the car park was that flooded that a gallant man offered to give us a lift through the car park to the café, a distance of about 200 metres! We took him up on the offer after getting our feet wet yet again!

We sat down on two sodden seats. It came to light afterwards that Joanna had already dried her posterior after sitting down once and didn’t realise it was from the seat and neither did I! Hey, why break the theme of the day!!!!!!. We ordered our food which was extremely welcomed. We devoured it and bought some pastries on the way out for when we got home.

The journey back was treacherous due to the rain and spray, but was accompanied by ‘Me and My Girl’ on the car cassette player. Just the ticket!

We thoroughly enjoyed the day and at the end of it our faces were far from looking like a wet weekend! On a sunnier note, the rain stopped as we approached Kirkham…….What was all the fuss about???

Written by: Michaela Dempsey

Submitted: 12^th December 2006

Edited by: Brenda J Earnshaw WRR Editor