September mists and whalebacks

September, and morning mists gather under clear skies over the lower lying ground seen from the top of the Knott.  After sunrise, and before the sun climbed above the small patches of thin low cloud, the mist was still rolling up the valley to envelop Arnside Tower and distant Ingleborough faded from view on the horizon.

It was the first morning in months that I have managed to leave the house early enough to climb the Knott with Gus and enjoy the early post dawn light, the quiet of the woods, and the delicious cool of the air. It marks the end of the treatment phase for leukaemia, and the early signs of returning energy. The last infusion was yesterday, the weekly blood tests show the expected collateral damage to my immune system, but otherwise there are encouraging signs that suggest normal bone marrow activity is resuming.  The next few weeks will be critical.

Meanwhile, Reggie has slowed down as the days have cooled, and he seems to have stopped eating.  Now I have to keep a close eye on him to be sure I know where he has burrowed for his long hibernation.  Last year, he disappeared early, I didn't see him after 12 September.