After just over a week of sunny but chilly days the temperatures started to increase in the few days leading up to Good Friday and I left home at 8am on a sunny morning which was already fairly warm even though it was still early. Setting off reasonably early meant that the traffic was still fairly light so my journey up the M6 and across the A66 was an easy one with no hold-ups, and as I got further north and west the scenery just got better and better. Driving along the west side of Bassenthwaite Lake I was met by a 'wow' view several times but unfortunately there was nowhere on my side of the road where I could safely pull in, so any photos would have to wait until my journey back.
I couldn't get onto my pitch at the camp site until 1pm so I'd previously arranged with my blogging friend Jayne to call and see her while I was en route, and I pulled into her driveway at 10.30am. After corresponding via our respective blogs and email it was great to finally meet her; I was provided with coffee and hot cross buns for elevenses, Sophie and Poppie were given some duck strip treats to chew on, we had a short dog walk round a very pleasant block and a tour of her large and very wonderful garden, which is an absolute credit to all the hard work she and her husband have put into it over the years.
Eventually though it was time for me to leave and after saying our goodbyes I headed off for the camp site, though I did make a brief stop along the way to photograph a view of the River Derwent which I thought was worth a shot. A sheep and twin lambs with cute little faces were grazing nearby so I snapped those as well then continued on my way to the camp site.
The site is part of a working farm so after booking in at the farmhouse I went to find my pitch - no. 11 - and once I'd decided which way round to park the van and put the tent I made a start on setting up our home for the next four nights, although we would actually be sleeping in the van. With everything finally sorted I took the dogs for a walk round to familiarise myself with the site and the farm and came across three pygmy goats enjoying the sunshine in a small enclosure.
Back at the tent I fed Sophie and Poppie, made myself a sandwich and a brew then sat for a while just taking in the views and enjoying the peace and tranquility. With fields all round, Skiddaw and other fells in the distance, and no noise other than the birds, sheep and resident chickens I had a feeling I was going to like this little site.
