Fells, tarns, and becks--oh, my!

Whilst sitting in our hotel in Glenridding spoilt for choice in deciding today's activities, we've decided to pop into town and search out a tea room for this afternoon since we have the day off from two strenuous hiking days.

Here is a short vocabulary lesson.

Fells: mountains or extremely high hills if you live in the Rockies or Himilayas
tarns: small lakes (the only other time I have encountered this word is in Poe's "Fall of the House of Usher")
Becks: brooks or rapid streams
Forces: water falls
cairns: rock formations on the fell ridges

When we arrived in Grasmere, home of Wordsworth, rather than tour the great poet's house, we all headed immediately to the famous gingerbread store. Hiking certainly alters one's priorities.

We did visit Wordsworth's grave and family plot before heading out on the hike the next day. Yesterday was brilliant and we climbed 3300 feet. We descended to Glenridding, which lies beside Ullswater Lake. We have three nights here in a lovely hotel.

Although the going has been challenging the last two days, we are very privileged to have been blessed with beautiful weather--cool and windy, but no rain. This is only the second time in five tries our guides have been able to lead a group on the high ridge rather than the valley. They had to choose the valley route three times because of downpours and dangerous conditions.

The views are breathtaking and although the photos don't do justice, I'll let them speak for themselves.

At the top after five hours of vertical hiking and some rock scrambling.

Ullswater Lake--one of the most beautiful views in the Lake District

Our first stop even before going to the hotel was the famous gingerbread shop in Grasmere. Does it live up to its reputation? You betcha!