And so it was, that at the start of the year, in order to celebrate my 40th birthday, I decided I would walk around, (or as close to 'around' as is legally possible,) as many lakes in the Lake District as I can.
So how does this fit in with a guest spot here? Well, the inimitable TabanyaRuu Kantri Usko came into my life just over 2 years ago. He is a bit, erm, 'special'. When we picked him up, at 8 weeks old , Liz told us he'd been nick-named 'Tigger' on account of his bouncy back legs. He has not out-grown the name, and has ably demonstrated this skill with fences and walls boinged over. He has *lots* of energy. So it seems fitting that he accompany me on my quest.
What could be more beautiful than a handsome husband, a stunning Finnish Lapphund, and the backdrop of serenity? (I'll admit I am biased on the first count, but anyone who argues with me on the latter two is obviously in need of an optician's visit.)
To date I have managed 3 walks, which are detailed on my blog: amandasambling.blogspot.co.uk
And you are more than welcome to peruse the many photos taken by popping over there. However, exclusively for TabanyaRuu readers(!!) I am condensing some of my words and pictures from those walks here on the guest blog spot. This means that you will see photos involving Usko in the stunning scenery, but don't have to endure too many photos of my human offspring: win-win ;-)
Our first walk was around Derwent Water on Sunday 8th February.
On this walk we saw four lakes, three of which we walked alongside, at varying heights. I had planned to go all the way around Loughrigg Tarn, but with the youngest boy only just recovered from a wailfest entitled "I want my Saaaanndddwwiiiiiiiccchh" I decided we had perhaps best just walk along one side instead.
The walk was about 7 miles (11km) in its entirety, and started and finished in Ambleside, which is where we were staying (with my wonderfully kind and slightly bonkers in-laws). We had lovely crisp sunshine, and only a few tiny drops of sleet when we arrived at Costa for our drinks and cake (which, yes, had been used as a bribe most of the way around Loughrigg).