A day out for Gus

We had an expedition into the Lake District today.  We were heading for lunch at Skelwith Bridge. I'd forgotten how that part of the National Park fills up on fine Saturdays (or is it all Saturdays now?). It took us 1.5 hours to get there, and then there was nowhere to park.

So instead we headed south to Coniston, down the east side of the lake to Brantwood, where there was ample parking, it was mild enough to sit outside with views over the lake to the Old Man, and the food was delicious. Next time we'll go straight there. We also met an artist who was scouting Brantwood for inspiration for a Ruskin-themed exhibition to be held there in 2020. Gus took a particular liking to her. 

We went for a walk through the woods afterwards, and Gus picked up a scent that was clearly irresistible. For the first time ever I had to chase after him and put him on the lead for fear he might get lost in unfamiliar territory. Wifie and I are both crocked up in our different ways, but it was a good day out for all three of us.

ps I completely forgot to mention when I first posted this, but Reg has emerged from his 6 month subterranean slumber, looking earthy and bleary-eyed. That means I no longer have to worry about a) whether he is still in the garden, since I wasn't sure where he was; and b) he's survived another winter, albeit a generally mild one. Now I have to worry again about how to contain his escape attempts once he's full warmed up. Who would have imagined that a tortoise would be the pet that caused most worry in your life?