The Lakes and felds and becks and terns

Here in the Lake District, they have their own vocabulary for the nature around them. I have yet to put the definitions to all the words but I believe a beck is a brook and a tern is a small lake. I thought the felds were falls but I think they are actually hills but one cannot be sure.

This "walk" has been a tough slog. It is not a nice "Jane Austen" stroll in the park like Elizabeth Bennett took to Mr. Bingley's house. No, it is a mountain hike and scramble that we were not properly prepared for.

The first day from Ulverston to Coniston was sunny and hot. I was lazy and did not put adequate sunscreen on my body. Three days later, I am still suffering. It was also a long day - 14 to 16 miles (we are not quite sure) which equaled 9 hours of walking. It was a relief to arrive at our B&B.

A pastoral scene from the first day

The second day from Coniston to Great Langdale poured rain. We were drenched to our skin by the time we arrived at the B&B. When people say it rains in the Lake District, they mean it truly pours. We were trying to figure out why mom wanted to walk in the Lake District versus a stroll on a Caribbean beach to celebrate her retirement. This 12 mile day in the rain just about did us in.

The four of us in the rain

Great Langdale after the rain

The third day from Great Langdale to Stonethwaite was up a mountain and down the other side. Going down was so hard especially on mom. We persevered. The weather was cloudy and cool with the odd shower but manageable. The rains came just as we arrived at a charming B&B in Stonethwaite. The relief was indescribable.

The fourth day was a pleasant 8 mile walk from Stonethwaite to Keswick. With the cool, cloudy weather, it was the best day of the "walk". Keswick is a quaint town. We are taking a rest day today and exploring the town. This afternoon we are travelling by bus to Caldbech rather than walking 17.5 miles up and down various mountains.

I am looking forward to the end of the hike although time with the sisters and mom is great. It definitely is not the walk in the park I had assumed it would be. But you know what assumptions do...