So, as I was in-between jobs thought I’d go for Photography day part II.
This days chosen location, Wast Water and the surrounding area (Lake District). Not the easiest lake to get to as it’s not near the touristy lakes. Didn’t really plan anything other than drive to the lake, get out the map t
hen decide where to go. Nice uneventful journey from Brum, about 4.5 Hours in total. Slight disappointment when I got to the car park at Wast Water to find a ticket machine, which wanted £3.70 of my finest pounds to park for about 3 hours. Luck was on my side however as the machine didn’t except any coins (Parking is free for National Trust members).
So after arriving, I identify an area to visit. Just to the east of Wast Water is Burnmoor Tarn, now I like water up hills so it seemed a nice place to visit. It was quite a warm day for a walk, so of course I had forgotten my hat. So uphill I went, actually discovered that the lack of wind and the heat of the sun was very warm.
Eventually after about an hour of exhaustion I saw the tarn, like a mirage it drew me towards it. Now at this point it would have been sensible to stick to the path. But I saw water and had to go straight there. Walking along through the dry and bogged areas was fine up to a point where my leg disappeared into a bog/stream/weeds combination. Naturally as day follows night, the other leg followed. At this point I sunk to my waist. Realising I was stuck my thoughts immediately turned to ‘Peter Kay and Phoenix nights’, the episode when the stair lift broke and he came out with the quote ‘What would Thora Hird do?’. Yep that’s what I thought, followed fairly quickly by establishing that I couldn’t move my legs.
Whilst it was a warm day, the water was fairly cold. After seeing numerous TV programs about the body and how it doesn’t exactly react too well to cold conditions I thought it was best to attempt to move. Fortunately I managed to move my right leg up a bit, my left leg was stuck though. But with the leverage of the right leg I managed to get out buy crawling. A bit shaken, but a whole lot wetter. Being a hardy type and undeterred by this I nobly carried on to the tarn.
As it was quite deserted, I took off my trousers, boots and socks to give them a rinse in the Tarn. Quite an event to get there, but worth it. Next time I’ll stick to the bloody path. So time is up on me, and have to head back (plus the wind was getting up and me knackers where cold).
Shortly before taking this image my back went as well, so a nice fairly easy stroll back down the hill now took about 2 hours. That said it was nice to stop and admire the view. The 15mm Fisheye was used a fair bit as a super wide.
Eventually got to the car park for a refreshing cup of tea but first a change of trousers and footwear. On the journey back stopped at the waters edge for a few snaps of Wast Water (top pic), just as I was about to leave I heard the rumble of an aircraft. Fortunately the 5D had the 300mm +1.4ex already attached. I had to be quick, cos lets face it Tornados are fairly quick. Anyway, my first ever fly past shot.
Not too bad if I say so myself. After this packed up and got back in the car for the trip over Hardknott and Wrynose pass.
So that’s your lot for the Lakes. Pity I didn’t have enough time to walk round the tarn and investigate some water falls. Maybe next time.