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The snow was spectacular while it lasted but the Latrigg walk hinted as the start of a change in the weather.

The last few days have been really gone downhill, turning to wet and soggy for the day I escaped the valley once more, but this time in search of food.

Nowhere would be great this day so lets pick Ling Fell for a walk . . . conveniently close to Embleton.

A shorter dog walk to the lake and back . . . no camera just the old phone !

Still, that sky was worth a second photo.

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On Wednesday I had a "click and collect" food collection booked from Caterite in Embleton.

Perhaps a walk somewhere in that direction would be a good idea.

I drive over but the weather was damp . . . and even Sale Fell was difficult to spot in the mist.

Ling Fell likewise . . . but the dogs need a walk and they won't do it by themselves.

A hat, gloves, raincoat and boots for me, nothing for them.

Who's got the better weather protection system they seem to ask ?

We take the Ling Fell coffin route which gradually ascends the northern side of the fell.

It seems I forgot to wipe the lens !

The supposed coffin route goes straight on, heading for Highside Farm and presumably the nearby church.

My track heads off on a steeper climb . . .

Dougal wanted to climb the trig point but everywhere was wet and muddy, so to avoid problems I helped him up  and down !

The trig is rather tall, mounted as it is on a foot high base to begin with.

I didn't stay too long as it was wet and there was little to see.

The path back to the car is running with fell water.

[ Not too many photos on this walk as you probably gathered ]

After the three quarter of an hour's walk the dogs jumped back in the car, I made a more stately entrance by the driver's door

and then we headed down towards the Pheasant Inn turning and Embleton via Wythop Mill.

A quick stop at Station Cottages, Dubwath . . . to check out progress at "Bass Lake Station".

Okay it still looks disorganised, but despite all the covid problems this year the station buildings are now roofed and looking  good.

[ Maybe the guys from Cubby Engineering are working on the station now they've finished the Keswick Railway Path.]

Comparative photos for you from this time last year on the link at the bottom of the page.

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Web site photo from Caterite's Cash and Carry web page (on a sunny day).	After the walk I head off in search of food ! Well, to be fair I ordered it on-line and fixed a time to collect from Caterite in Embleton, a few miles outside of Cockermouth. Their normal customers, the pubs and restaurants are shut again, so they've made great efforts to open to and supply the public instead. A great service and one I'm happy to support.

- - - o o o - - -

Thursday 14th, next day and the overnight rain has fallen as snow on the tops.

The snow-melt water is roaring over the outfall and is just contained within the river banks.

The bridge access was clear so I crossed over and climbed Scale Hill to better appreciate the views of the overnight snow.

- - - o o o - - -

Back in the garden . . .

I was quietly minding my own business and looking out at the weather . . . and look who popped up !

- - - o o o - - -   Right in front of the window I was standing in, as bold as brass (or perhaps unaware of me due to an external reflection) the squirrel climbed on the back of the garden chair to enjoy his "elevenses with a view".   They often seem to perch on something elevated, perhaps to ensure they have a good view and not be caught out by surprise visitors.   He stayed long enough for me to change lens and zoom in. What a very pleasant surprise. - - - o o o - - -   Stop Press . . .