Smoking Is Good For My Health

We were up and on our way by 8.20am yesterday morning and headed to the shores of Ennerdale Water. This is described in the guide books as being very picturesque but I spent most of the 2 hours it took us to walk its length looking at the ground to meke sure I didn't trip over. After leaving the Lake we headed across some fields. At this point it is worth mentioning that Leonie gave up smoking at 8pm last night, a brave decision given that she was about to put her body and mind through 14 days of potential physical torture. As we headed across the fields, I became a bit unsure of the exact direction we needed to go in-surprise surprise! Leonie's patience was not in abundance and a few sharp words were exchanged about my navigational skills,resulting in us turning back on ourselves a bit and heading up to join a track. Both off of didn't talk much for a bit and I decided against pointing out the point at which my route would have brought us out on the track! A job in the diplomatic corps is still a possibility! The next hour was quite a haul up to Black Sail, a youth hostel that is supposed to be the most picturesque place to stay in The Lakes. I respectfully disagree,there wasn't a McDonalds for miles! As we started climbing up to the top of Loft Beck the weathe deteriorated and the next two or so hours were the most depressing I have ever spent walking. The wind and rain were ridiculous and by the time we reached Honister Slate Mine I had a sock change and the best mug of tea I have ever had. Whilst it would exaggerating to say I felt like giving up, I did spend a lot of time thinking how nice the Algarve would be at this time of the year! Spirits improved as did the weather as we headed down into Borrowdale,which is just beautiful. We arrived in Rosthwaite at 5pm and had a great 4 course meal at the hotel complete with cheese board. Just what the doctor orddered! Leonie started smoking again at 6pm. I don't know who was more relieved,her or me! I fell asleep about 9.30pm,looking forward to what I thought would be a shart easy day to Grasmere.