Lake District 2012 (6 of 14)

Day six had arrived, Blue woke up this morning to a new day, and his morning walk would be a wet one. So far the rains that came had been very forgiving with both the their duration and intensity.

With a wet dawn walk, breakfast was a memory and we were ready to set off. Blue the intrepid explorer had conquered all the mountains placed in his way, perhaps he should be fitted out with a North Face outfit or such like, Berghaus collar would be quite fitting.

For today it was to be a low level walk, given the strenuous climbs of the previous days. Also the weather was not exactly promising, so with low level cloud and constant threat of rain  we settled for a circuit of Buttermere, which lay at the far end of Honister Pass.

Blue always goes out as nature had intended, no cloaks,capes or coats, mind you given his temperament perhaps his dislike for getting wet may have to be reconsidered one day.

Our journey in the car is less than 30 minutes, and in a free car park for National Trust members we parked up and began our walk. The rains had eased up to just a shower of occasional drizzle, well within Blues range of acceptable dampness levels.

As we walked along the country road, we were lucky no cars passed, Blue and cars do not get on well, and especially when damp or wet, and puddles are emptied by the passing wheels, a case of hold on tight and limit Blues intention to catch the passing culprits.

People standing patiently waiting at a bus stop were viewed with suspicion and a lengthy stare, we are sure at times Blue would start a fight in a phone box.

Safely away from traffic and people we all began to relax and enjoy the walk. The lanes / track we walked through was littered with significant puddles from the earlier rains. These do not count in Blues eyes, he walks through them as if they do not exist, no adrenalin rush here, he does not like the rain, but puddles are OK.

Surprise surprise as we entered a gate, the customary greeting from the local woollies. Blue gave them a cursery look, but then on we walked. Our journey was from the Western shore and would be anti-clockwise around the lake.

This walk was one which is second nature to Blue, plenty to sniff and the occasional encounter of both humans and fellow canines, despite the occasional shower was proving to be a relaxing walk, just what we all needed.

Like all dogs, there is the equivalent of a plimsoll line, an imaginary line where dirt does not extend beyond, Blues undercarriage was only partially cleaned as he drip dried on his journey.

As we reached the head of the lake, our expected route did not exist, it was to be a bit further along and away from the waters edge.

We had to cross Peggy's Bridge, but worse than that, once over the bridge we noticed that the path ahead would lead us to Gatesgarth Farm. We have always tried to avoid farms due to the close encounters with cattle and livestock in the past, compounded by our imagination. But as a trio we moved forward with a degree of apprehension, our thoughts being picked up by Blue making him more alert to impending danger. Then as we walking through the field up ahead, I saw a large brown bull relaxing by a wall. So I alerted my companions as I stopped us in our tracks. A large mound of straw was the object of my intentions, once pointed out by Sue, we all relaxed, another visit to Specsavers was required on my part, slightly embarrassed and amused we walked on much more relaxed than a moment ago.

As we arrived at the farm Blue was to face a monumental test, our exit through the farm was to be via a narrow pathway. On one side was a dry stone wall, but on our right was an open railed ranch style fence with hundreds of sheep tightly packed in. All that would separate Blue and the sheep was timber rails not much more than one inch thick with large gaps between. Sue ensured Blue was focused on her and walked the gauntlet. Blues behaviour was exceptional no reaction, despite the occasional bleating and barracking from across the fence as the sheep were more like sardines in  a tin. The length of this section was probably about a hundred feet or so, does not sound much, but given the circumstances plenty far enough.

We reached the gate with much relief, until the other side of the gate stood a horse, well it was a horse to me. Actually it was more like a Shetland pony, Sue said "You will have to go through and move it on". Me a Towny, now all of a sudden I am a cowboy moving on livestock. As I went through the gate this obliging pony merely moved away, phew, that was lucky. We could then make our way through to the safety and sanctuary of the road.

My little pony

 

Blue received plenty of praise and a few well deserved treats, his restrained behaviour had been exceptional, our journey up the road would be without incident, and soon we were back on the path on the side of the lake.

 

More sniffing and a few photographs later we came across a tunnel carved into the rocks, this would be new challenge for Blue, as we entered the tunnel it was pitch black. The tunnel was about 7feet high and five feet wide at a guess. If you held your hand out extended in front of you, it would not be visible. Blue was eager to enter but probably more eager to exit the other end. Thankfully no one entered from the opposite end, and we emerged into daylight, very relieved.

 



Tunnel of love !

Looking back at our exit.

 

 

Good advice for those over six foot!

 

 

As we passed the remainder of the lake we ended up where we had begun, back at the gate we had entered over two hours previous, making our way through the track / lane, along past the puddles we returned to the road a short distance from the car park.

 

 

Sue spotted a chicken across the road and as she was telling me, this squawking feathery image leaped out in front of Blue and Sue. I thought we were going to need a bigger poo bag.

 

The shear surprise of the encounter was probably the only reason for Blue not trying to catch the chicken either in flight or as it ran past, down the road and into an adjacent hedgerow.

 

Back at the car with more rain falling, Blue had his drying robe put on and dutifully leaped into the back of the car.

 

We returned to base for a well earned rest and a welcome change of clothes. Our intrepid adventure was done for the day, if you take a dog out for a walk, ask yourself this;

• Has your dog had enough exercise?
• Has anything happened that has caught his interest?
• Does he look happy?
• Is he ready for a rest?

If you can answer yes to all four, you have just given your dog exactly what he wants, a small price to pay for such a loyal and lovely companion. Water and food also may be required in various quantities.

 

Blue can now rest and dream about today, I wonder which fellow creature will be in most prominent in his thoughts, the Sheep in their hundreds, the huge pony that have never been seen before, or the lunacy of that squawking chicken, or even the darkness of the tunnel.

 

I suspect all of the above, and so much more, this is turning out to be a special holiday for Blue.

 

 

Rest well Blue,

 tomorrow we will seek further adventures for you to have.





Lake District 2012 (Day 4 of 14)

Keeping one eye open on the weather

 

 

Day four arrived, Blue was now well settled in his new home and enjoying our company 24hrs a day.

 

We have our own reasons for doing things the way we do, including our selection of holidays. We both work 5 days a week, Sue part time with me doing a full time job.For this reason our holidays are as much if not more about Blue than ourselves. While we are working Blue spends his days working from home, guarding and protecting the family home. He is yet to master the household chores, but does a mean impression of a Dyson hoover, if treats or food should fall to the floor, still yet to master the operation of white goods, but Rome wasn't built in a day.

 

The near dawn walk was now getting later, it is now nearer to 7.00am instead of the usual 5.30am this is a good sign that Blue is getting sufficient exercise and mental stimulation. This first walk could of been a problem. We were walking along the street content with the world and enjoying the peaceful morning when as we walked past a high hedge by an alley, we were greeted by lots of snarling teeth and barking from two chocolate Labrador's. Morning greetings were exchanged from Blue, but it quietened down as quick as it started, the lady owner told me they were heading for the woods, I explained our walk was nearing its end and we were going home. So we parted, with one of her dogs spending the parting with constantly looking back at Blue as they headed for the woods, where we had walked the other day.

 

When we got home we explained our side of events to Sue, with Blue wagging his tail constantly as we recalled the greeting as animated as we could. Breakfast was done eaten and digested over the thoughts of where to go today. The weather was showery on the forecast but outside it did look brighter than the weatherman was saying. Our minds were made up and we got ourselves ready to tackle England's third highest mountain, Helvellyn.

 

Following a fifteen minute car journey we arrived at Swirrels car park. Pay and display fee paid.

 

Blue was equipped with his halti lead, eager to assault the mountain they lay before him, not really knowing the challenge that lay ahead.

 

With one foot in front of the other we all set off with Blue's nose leading the way

 

 

It is hard to explain, but Blue does seem to know the direction we want to head off to. It may be that at times it is the only path forward, but today in the car park how did he know to head to a wooden footbridge in the corner which would be our route today. It may be his sense of smell following where others have recently trod. We are grateful because it means we move forward in the right direction together.

 

We had successfully navigated two wooden bridges across streams and were to begin the zigzag path that laid ahead, and as yesterday, who was there to watch our progress, Herdy, the Herdwick sheep that could only afford a cursory glance, grass was higher on his agenda, Blue gave the Herdy a glance, but had mountains to climb, woollies were for another day..

 

 

As has been said before, we do like to challenge Blue, but are keen to watch his body language, just in case it starts to take its toll on him. Today there was no stopping him, he was determined to get there, where ever there was.

 

Progress was good, until you looked ahead at this monster looming ahead of you, that is Helvellyn not Blue.

 

Few dogs of Blue's size are seen on our trips up and down the fells, collies, spaniels and terriers are by far the most popular canines we encounter. The views were good, it was a clear day but not sunny. Once again the reason we choose this time of the year, Blue like many dogs dos not enjoy walking in hot summer weather, so even a nice day in September is rarely a scorcher.

 

There is energy that can be channelled, Blues size determination and strength mean he is greater assist than any walking poles or sticks, there are times when all you need to do is relax hold on and enjoy the ride as he literally will drag you along. On more than one occasion he has took Sue off her feet and left her laying prone on the ground. That is the strength that Blue can muster.

 

With the occasional stop at a strategic boulder, hand picked, sorry paw picked by Blue, progress was taken us to greater heights. We had been recently used to metalled roads made of gravel and rock but this climb was different, it resembled a staircase with the boulders set in place as stepping stones.

 

As we reached an altitude of around 700m the climb took a bit of a twist, rather than stepping stones we had reached a craggy section, unlike the last 500m the climb was now a bit more technical than just a walk up or down. We needed to pick a route with a small amount of scrambling along a barely discernible route. Voice control was essential if Blue was to work with us and avoid any costly slips or falls. At all times Blue remains on a lead in the mountains and fells, to make sure he does not worry any sheep, humans or fellow canines.

 

"Wait" was the only word apart from "Good Boy" that Blue was to hear for the next twenty minutes. After which we had successfully navigated the challenge, time for a big treat and big cuddle for our big bundle of happiness called Blue.

 

Looking ahead the trig point of the summit was still a tidy walk away, but the route was now a nice clear path on a reasonably shallow ascent. We now had a different dilemma, we had put four hours on the pay and display meter, we had now been walking one hour and fifty minutes, we chose to walk on.

 

Surprisingly the weather changes at these altitudes, two of Blues dislikes paid a visit, wind and rain, but Blue tries to nestle between us or our legs for shelter, at times nearly knocking us off our feet in his attempt to secure shelter. But as quick as the rain comes it moves away, often leaving breathtaking views even more stunning.

 

Finally after a small detour not to disturb a pack of grazing sheep, we reached the summit of Helvellyn. Standing at an impressive 950m above sea level.

 

Blue the German Shepherd, who had his spinal operation at six months hold was proudly standing with his Mum on top of Helvellyn, today was special and meant so much to all of us. Finally time to take the camera from the rucksack and record this monumental achievement of Blue.

 

Blue and family on top of Helvellyn

 

 



Though the rain had stopped enough to take these pictures, the wind was relentless, and gusting too much for a prolonged stay, time to admire the views 360 degrees around us, and a unanimous vote to descend was taken.

While walking back we encountered a not very friendly brown and white collie, that chose to buzz and bait Blue, eventually his owners took control and off they went towards the summit that we had left five minutes previous.

Now we previously mentioned what Blue is like when climbing, descending is a challenge that pales that into insignificance. Footing is the biggest challenge when descending with Blue, he pulls equally hard descending as he does ascending, this added to the earths gravity means you have to plant your feet firmly down on terra-firma.

Due to the close control required, this means when Blue is wearing his halti there is only a short distance between his back legs and your feet. Not only do you have to concentrate on placing your feet on secure footholds but maintain balance, anchorage and momentum. Our greatest challenge arrived where we needed to do the short scramble on the ascent. Blue was a model dog, very restrained, in total control and focused on leading us gently down. Times further down the ascent I tried going at Blues pace, but the increase of speed started to get a bit hairy, so Blue obliged and returned to our controlled pace.

Amazingly with all this energy exerted he still finds the will to stare and intimidate passing walkers, but no one comes to any harm and it is normally explained and received in a humorous manner.

Our return to the car park was forty minutes over the four we had paid for, so what did that mean.

It meant that Blue had enjoyed a walk/scramble to England's third highest mountain at an impressive 950m above sea level. A walk of 290 minutes over mountainous landscape enjoying the open air of the Lake District. We were done.

All that remained was to head off back to our bungalow, enjoy the rest and reflect of this monumental achievement that Blue had done today. One look back from the car park with knowing satisfaction.

 

 

Now back at the bungalow

 

Normal service resumed

 

I wonder what Blue is dreaming of!

 

Walking photos and the Olympics, Blue style

As you can see from the body language of Blue pictured above he loves the opportunity to spend a little time off lead, though he does not protest if he remains on a lead.

Morning walks with Blue are a great way to start the day, he gets his exercise and it gets me up and out in the early morning fresh air. This morning was so picturesque with the sunrise after about ten minutes we returned home to collect the camera.

Our camera is a Nikon D90, so is not exactly a small compact camera, so this was going to be a further test for Blue, could he share his morning walk with a camera which was going to take my attention away from him. In fairness this is his walk so it had to be fine with Blue.

So we returned to the park, camera round my neck, Blue on a lead in my left hand, water bottle in my right, tennis ball, poop scoop,whistle treats etc filling my pockets. I am going to need to take either a Sherpa or rucksack if we take much more out on his walk.

Fortunately Blue had done his business on our first brief visit, so all we needed to do was enjoy the surroundings and our own company.

The reason that I had gone back for the camera was the sunrise looked really good, could Blue have the patience while I set the camera to the correct modes and take a photo.

Bingo, great result, no fuss no pulling barking or any other protestations, we had our shot of the sunrise.

No, this shot won't win any photographic awards, but it was very rewarding. Nature provided a scene worthy of capturing, Nikon provided the technology to capture and process it, what the camera does not show is the scene behind the camera. Blue on a short lead waiting patiently for me to finish.


After taking a few more pictures with different settings in manual mode, time to focus on Blue.

Once more out come the trusty tennis ball for some off lead play time. After several throws of the ball, it dawned on me to combine the two, taking photos of Blue playing fetch.

Before writing this Blog we put together a short clip of photos for you tube to share.

Play time lasted for about ten minutes, we both enjoyed these moments of sharing what we enjoy.

It is a great reward to have moments like today. They help you realise why the bond with man and dog is so strong. Having Blue as a companion epitomises the relationship together, we share so many emotions and experiences.

People have commented in the past what a lucky dog Blue is, well fate plays a huge part in luck as also does the phrase "you get out of life what you put in".

Blue has not had an easy life and meets all challenges head on, only now can you see all the hard work and caring for him has paid dividends.

So we had discovered a new side of Blue, patience and sharing, even at the age of 4 1/2, he is willing to learn.

For a brief time recently I had thought about doing some agility training, such as the weave poles, but after consulting a trainer who knows Blue's medical history, that idea has been put aside as not a good idea. However it was suggested obedience training, now that has interested us, we will see what it entails.

Part of morning walk requires us to cross a footbridge over the train line for the Reading to Waterloo Station in London, as we pawsed (excuse the pun) to take another photo opportunity, I thought how many people would pass this way today to travel by train to London to watch the final day and closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics, I hope their day is as memorable as ours has been.

 

Blue

is our

Gold

medal winner