It’s been a frustrating year so far regarding suitable weather for photography, and this camping trip to Red Pike from Overbeck Bridge was another fine example. High fair-weather cloud passing over the park disrupted any plans for a route report for the website, but onwards I continued to Door Head. It was here that I changed my plan to continue over Red Pike and on to Scoat Fell, so I decided to search for a pitch on the rocky terraces above the col.
The north-easterly winds were strong, but pitching the Nallo was no bother at all, although a sheep peeking around an outcrop found the whole episode amusing!
The wind remained constant throughout the night and made my wish for any sleep hopeless. Then, at 6:30 in the morning, I peeked out of the tent door, only to find all the surrounding fells capped by dense cloud. With that in mind, and having no wish to do the full planned walk, I skipped breakfast and packed all my gear away. The winds were still strong at this point, but again, the Nallo made life easy, and I was soon on my way, leaving no trace that I had ever been there.
I was back at the car by 9am, and home by 10am.
What did I gain from this? Well, in future, I’m not going to let frustration get in the way of making sensible decisions. I benefited from being out amongst the wild crags of Lakeland, but there are many days left in me yet, and many more opportunities to come, so I must stay patient. Better days will come, and the fells are here to stay.
