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The bright sunshine encouraged me to fire up the hot tub in the garden, a great relaxation for busy young executives

. . . and grey haired old fell walkers like myself.

On the second morning the water was the right temperature, the coffee was made, the tray prepared for an aquatic breakfast . . .

But it was not to be . . .

Just as my body immersed in the relaxing warmth of a Lake District morning,

anticipating a few minutes quiet relaxation with the views of the valley all around me . . . the pager went off  !

Up, dressed, emergency bag loaded in the car, dogs in safely in the house . . . I found myself in Gatesgarth in just over twenty minutes.

I volunteer my services as a "Valley First Responder" in association with the Ambulance Service in order to help out on local calls.

The ambulance 'eight minute response' target is impossible here in the valley

as it takes 10 to 15 minutes just for me to get from home to Buttermere on a quiet traffic day.

 

A walker had fitted, then fallen and banged his head on the ground soon after the start of his walk.

There's no phone signal here but another walker with a Garmin Inreach Gps put out a satellite emergency call which was paged to the ambulance

and the rescue services were on the way . . . modern technology saving valuable time today.

As I was leaving home I also managed to grab the camera which was close to the front door,

so was able to appreciate the morning as I drove quietly back home after the callout. 

This was Gatesgarth Farm in the morning sunshine.

The Buttermere Pines at something like 9.30 am.

The High Stile Ridge in all its beauty, from just a little closer to Hassness.

St James's Church and the village of Buttermere, even now is starting to receive visitors,

the weather such a difference from our cafe-to-cafe walk just two days ago.

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Another day, the fine weather was calling out for another, more adventurous dog walk.

I drove the valley road once more, but only at a more gentle pace this time.

Parking at Hause Point, the dogs and I set off to climb Rannerdale Knotts.

Visibility was superb and the sky cloud-free as we look across to Mellbreak, Low Fell and Grasmoor.

Up above the hause and a first view of Great Gable and Kirk Fell,

now standing clear of Haystacks at the head of the valley.

Looking down on Rannerdale Farm.

Dylan stops to enjoy what I now call "Ann's View" from the top of Rannerdale.

This steep descent brought me down on the car park side of the bluebell field and so it was just a short distance back to the car.

	- - - o o o - - -     It was driving back from Lamplugh one evening that I glanced down at the new wildlife ponds to the left of the road below Fangs Brow.   The sunshine on the bracken was colourful but it was something else that caught my eye.   The camera was handy again so one quick photo, then a change of lens gave me these two photos of this lovely Roe Deer.   - - - o o o - - -

	- - - o o o - - -   The weather remained fine and dry for the week and despite cooler conditions, shopping and all the day-to-day jobs to do, the dogs still need a walk.   Mellbreak is always a favourite and a quick trip up and back (2 hours including a stop at Harry's Pool) included this view at Wainwright's 'Peep round the Corner'.   Too cold for a swim today ! - - - o o o - - -

Looking down on Loweswater from the ascent of the northern face of Mellbreak.

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One last wildlife sighting from a few days back.

Not so much wildlife as rather upset domestic life, when a sheep escaped from one of the local fields.

Hope you've had a good week.

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