Dave wanted to get to St Helens so bribed Sue and I, with a trip to the lakes first .. we had travelled up last night with the usual snarl's around the M25, and were now in the Langdale campsite
The clouds were around, it was damp and cold... so off for a walk around the Langdale pikes. We started off walking to the new DG, then up to Stickle tarn. We sat huddled behind a boulder like all the other parties trying to find a bit of shelter from the wind. We all agreed to continue .. around the tarn then up Jack's rake diagonally across the cliffs in front of Pavey Arc. On the way the rain got harder ... my overtrousers were at home .. in the cupboard - not good.
We popped out in to a gale on top, and quickly sheltered behind a wall to sort out. From here it is normally a gentle walk to Harrison's Stickle and Pike o'stickle.
Then down the scree to the valley, and back to the camp site, via the pub .. which had a large fire, it took 30 mins to get anywhere near it, but once there we did not give up the position for over an hour (and several coffee's later) .
Back at the campsite, the world collapsed .. where we had put up our tests was now awash .. water everywhere, the rest of the campsite was not much better. Dave was most unhappy and tried to phone Jane to come and get him - no dry clothes, this was the last straw .
After a short discussion we chose to retreat gracefully, threw all the wet gear into the back of the car, and off to St Helens and the Roughly tea ceremony. Then the long drive back home.
