Sue and Martin in Mallorca 2019

Sue and Martin in Mallorca 2019
On the Archduke's Path in Mallorca

Sunday 17 April 2011

Sunday 17 April 2011 - A Lake District Backpack - Day 1 - Mary Mount to below Great Crag



Have you ever found yourself driving home from the Lakes on a lovely Sunday evening, wishing that you could stay in the hills rather than prepare for all that Monday morning entails? I have, many times. But today that wish has come true. Mike and I are camped just below Great Crag at NY 270 150, on a wonderful evening.

Today's images show us setting off from Mary Mount on our 6 km stroll to camp (also shown) where we relaxed in luxuriant sunshine before losing it at around 8 pm.

My day started with a short stroll up Castle Crag with Sue, before returning to Mary Mount for the principal business of the weekend, Nightbird's birthday party. Thirty or so of her many friends attended this auspicious occasion, some of them visiting the Lake District for the first time. Yesterday's high cloud had dissolved into bright sunshine by lunch time, and was followed by a perfect summery afternoon. A red squirrel even visited the hotel's bird feeder.

'Poor Michael' duly arrived, and after a major boot faff on my part (I decided to use the trusty old Scarpa Infinities rather than the brand new HI-TEC Rainers that still need a bit of breaking in) we set off soon after 4 pm.

From Derwent House my navigation let me down (I blame Nightbird's wine) and we found ourselves amongst climbers and quite some way from our first target, King's How.

It was entertainingly thrutchy, especially after the huge lunch and with a 16 kilo load. So we missed our first planned summit - a good start?... But Brund Fell, a fine Birkett with extensive views made up for that, and soon afterwards, despite mislaying the path again, we arrived at this excellent spot, where I feel a very long sleep coming on.

Goodnight.

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