A Lakeland cruise...

Last year was unusual for me. I can only remember visiting the Lakes once, on a very, very wet day by Derwent Water. I also only paddled on a handful of occasions. So with the recent improvement in the weather, I decided to put both things right in one hit!
I faffed about with gear the night before. So on a gorgeous bright morning soon had things loaded and smoothly heading North. In fact it took only an hour and twenty to get to the South end of Windermere...to Fell Foot Country Park, whose gates were locked! Passing locals assured me the gates should be unlocked very soon. So not wanting to waste time, what better thing to do than have a second breakfast! I even managed to get changed just as the gates swung open...
Without much trouble I soon had the boat down by the water, on a little bit of gravel shore in between two slips. Now suddenly I felt the warmth of the sun, reflected, by the gentle lap of the clear water. Looked like I had the lake to myself...unbelievable...my own lake.
Mind you I'd set myself quite a task. I intended paddling from end to end, return. A distance of twenty miles, which I'd set six hours aside for. I was very aware not to go too fast, but the boat was gliding effortlessly on smooth water and the World seemed right and I felt great. The scenery is beatiful and becomes more dramatic the further North up the Lake.
I'd been passed by "The Swan" on it's way up to the same place I was headed...Waterhead by Ambleside. For a brief moment I thought of "The African Queen" sinking the German Navy boat in some film! So easy was the paddling that I let my mind wander...
Belle Island looks like the end of the lake from the approach. But the map showed there to be another third of the lake beyond. By now there were a few yachts out and about and with them came the wind! So I took some nice little surf waves across to Ambleside and landed two and a half hours after setting off.
By now the sun was toasty warm. Too early for lunch...so had the most delicious whippy ice cream. In fact really the best I've ever had, from the little tea room right on the promenade by the lake. Was totally immersed in my own world..shared with passing ducks, swans and geese when the RAF did a low pass and I nearly fell in the water!
This somehow seemed to break the spell. The wind was against me all the way back, right in my face, or more annoyingly just off the quarter. I put my head down and put some effort in. Didn't look at the pretty landscape. My right thumb was blistered and my tennis elbow was serving a whole new ball game in pain! But I won through, actually arriving back to Fell Foot in two hours twenty. Where once off the water I realised the day was a scorcher and not all wind and waves!

Caught in the act...

Resourceful, bold and inquisitive...Heather is a thief and at last caught on camera!! Out of a field of other horses and ponies, she's the only one to brazenly put her head in the back of the hay store and stand there for hours. She seems to have no "full" switch inside and I'm sure one day she'll burst!
I had to use all my cunning and the zoom on the camera, to sneak up and papparrazzi style snap the money shot! Despite my best efforts she caught wind of me, literally and with a swish of her tail the greedy mare turned and spotted me!
Next came the sweet and innocent "look how lovely I am, such a good horsey" face as she approached, asking for treats!! No fooling me. Secretly I'm proud she's a bit of a rogue. Tough girl, she knows how to look after herself. I've known her for nearly two years now. The more I learn the more I wish I knew her past life. I know she's seen a lot...I've the feeling she's not had things easy, but she's a fighter for sure.
I've had fun bringing her in from the field. She's a habit of having a "lie-in" of a morning. Gave me quite a shock first time. All the others stood grazing...Heather lying motionless in the corner of the field. Eventually a twitch of an ear and reluctant roll...she's not a pretty sight in the morning. With the increased daylight, I'm guessing that she's up and active very early and takes this morning nap once the sun is high and warm enough...but before the flies are active.
I let her approach me...then I turn and run away, towards the gate. Usually with a little whinny, she plods into a gentle trot and catches me by the gate. I get a chance to see her moving. Though she's improved so much in the past weeks. She is still lame on the injured leg. She seems to have plateaued in her progress. So again it's hoping and waiting. In the mean time I'm enjoying looking after her and watching her get up to the things that horses do, when left to themselves..

1st BBQ of the Year..!!

Saturday was such a lovely warm day. Came home via the shops for something or other. Think I was looking for inspiration for eating later on. The thought of food is rarely far from my mind, but for some reason it was in the green grocers that I thought "BBQ tonight!" Quickly calculated up that I had nearly everything somewhere or other, including food. Which is what I was in the greengrocers for, salad, of course!
Sent a couple of texts and left a message here or there. Rattled around in the back of the garage and found the barbie looking rusty, but ready. Shoke out the spiders and woodlice. Found some briquettes, from two years ago..last Summer was so wet, I hadn't even opened the bag I bought then! Firelighters and dry-ish wood. Soon had it all stoked up and a lovely little fire crackling away by my feet as I savoured a cool beer...ahh!
Ended up being just me Jim and Jos. Could have been more and a good party, but even if it was just me it would not have mattered. There's something so basic and earthy about having food cooked outside, after a cold wet Winter! Last years re-frozen burgers got eaten as did plenty of German and Polish sausage. Downed with more of any sort of beer and even some Normandy cider. Jos grabbed the camera and caught a true to life snap of the brothers...towards the end of getting stuffed. Have to add Jim had just returned from a week of kayaking his way round Northumberlands coastal pubs!!
What better way to end off an evening like this. Throw a few twigs on the embers and enjoy a few tales by the fire. I'm looking forward to plenty more impromtu BBQ's this year. There seems no point in organising them in advance, the weather usually wins. I'll just make sure the fridge is stocked and the wood is dry...

Springtime Walk....

At last the North winds have gone. Hopefully not to return soon. The week has mellowed into April like sunshine and showers. The temperature has risen to dizzy heights for the year and it really feels like Spring!
I've had this in mind for a short while now...but waiting for the right opportunity. Take Heather for a walk! The accute days of her injury seem to be melting fast with the warming weather. I'm now looking at her rehabilitation back to work, with a bit of luck.
Anyway that was the idea from the comfort of home. In reality taking a horse for a walk is not to be taken lightly, as I know from past experience! It's strange how time dulls the memory and we willingly undertake things we vowed never to do again. Or is that just me? By the time I got to the yard some sensible arguments were popping up in my mind. The wind had picked up and things were blowing about...she'll be spooking at everything as she's not been out of the field for so long. With the warm weather and it being a Sunday, there'll be lots of cyclists, walkers and dogs down the lane. There's bound to be trouble! Isn't she getting enough exercise in the field anyway? Yes all true. But I'm now putting her bridle on for the first time in a while...so I'll have some control. She might be perfectly fine and the grass on the riverbanks is so long and lush..!!
So kitted in my riding hat, body protector, boots and gloves off we went. She's a horse not a lion and I had a whip to keep her in check and a pocket full of carrots and polos...what could possibly go wrong. Out down the lane she was fine though very wary. Once at the river it took all my effort to keep her where I wanted, her head was stuck in that long tasty grass. Stuffing so much in her mouth she couldn't cope! Noticed too that she was seeking out dandelions to eat, of which there are plenty..
She coped well with loose dogs around her legs, other horses being ridden by, a tractor and numerous cyclists. Wasn't till halfway back along the lane when some other horses turned out decided to run that I got trouble. In an instant she grew tall. I've seen this before and it's quite scary. It's as though I'm no longer there...she's a horse and there's a reason to run....and she tried! If she wasn't wearing the bridle I probably wouldn't have been able to keep her. After probably two hundred yards of blowing...pulling, snatching and spinning I finally managed to make her realise that she was safe with me! Walked back onto the yard looking like nothing had happened....I turned her out without a rug...naked for the first time in ages. Hope this warm weather continues.

Unlikely Friends..

There are three permanent residents in the field. Heather and the two ponies, Cookie and Ouzo. During the week most of the school ponies are turned out with them, plus some of the other horses. So it's interesting to see who gets on with who. Heather is without doubt an Alpha mare and probably considers herself top of the pecking order. She remains very standoff-ish from most of the herd...or else they just keep out of her way! She monopolises the best food source and sees off any not worthy to eat with her. Quick to move others on with an evil face or a warning salvo of hind hooves!
So it's puzzling that her shadow in the field is the smallest pony...Ouzo! They do look a very odd pair around together. I'm wondering if Heather thinks Ouzo is a long lost foal? Or more likely doesn't see her as a threat to her status. Ouzo definately benefits from a degree of protection, but is no pushover herself. I have seen them come to blows, well Heather lunges and bites at Ouzo, but often gets a rain of pony kicks in return, which she just seems to accept.
Ouzo also has learned that I feed Heather. That I also might have a spare carrot or two. So the other evening when I went to call H in...wasn't surprised to see Ouzo heading for me from across the far left of the field. No sign of Heather at first..perhaps slightly out of earshot. She eventually came into sight from round the corner, well behind Ouzo. She pricked her ears, whinnied whilst throwing two big bucks and a bronc and burst into canter. She soon caught up with Ouzo, baring teeth as she went and accelerated into a very unbalanced gallop...now closing in on the gate....! All the others in the field were in the far right corner...till now. Every one of them now heading full speed at the gate too. So the inevitable crazy crash happened and a big fight broke out....but was all over just as quickly. I was just relieved that they all stopped. But so good to see her move like that and not to get a bad reaction following.
In fact since, I've trotted her up a couple of times...just slow and short steps, but she almost looks sound. I'm so pleased because for a while she didn't seem to be improving much. It's now over ten weeks since she was kicked and crippled. So with the recent progress I'm thinking my guess-timate of rideable in June is still possible. So I feel confident enough now to show some pics I took on our last ride, the day before her injury.
We'd crossed the green bridge and turned left along the river to Kickety Brook, where we had a nice leisurely trot. I was still slightly sore from my fall and the ground was not good either. If I'd known what was to happen the next day, I'd have stayed out longer with her. As it was on our way home the way was blocked by a digger loading a lorry noisily with earth. We stood off and she waited patiently. Even when we were hemmed in by a dumper truck, chugging away behind!
So I'm looking forward to riding her again sometime, hopefully in the next couple of months, when perhaps the weather might turn warmer. I'm waiting for Spring to break into blossom. It seems every tree and bush is just waiting to burst into life...just waiting for a warm day!!

Thought she'd won the Lottery...

The weather forecast proved spot on. A quick reminder of Winter, with snow showers and hail..strong Northerly winds and relentless rain. Many times I've thought of Heather out in the dark..in the mud, with no shelter . As I've lay warm and safe tucked up with a hot drink! Just glad I'm not a horse. Well no, that's not true. Sometimes I envy her simple life. Biggest decision of the day is who to be friends with and is that a hosepipe or a snake?
The Swallows that arrived last week have taken to sitting on the wire and looking very fed up and unimpressed. Though on days like today, when it finally stopped raining, the flies came out with a vengeance. Swallows suddenly into action deftly swooping and diving. They have most of Europe to migrate to, so I'm wondering why some come here and obviously return. The yard is somewhat untidy, with its mix of buildings and stables...and of course, horses. So no shortage of flies in reality. Also with all the hay and feed which inevitably gets spilled, another of our resident birds are House Sparrows. Theyre demise has been attributed to modern farming methods, where everything is clean and nothing left or overlooked. So the yard is a haven for more than just horses and all the better for it. Though we could do without the rats...
Meanwhile I've been getting used to having no stable to base myself from. Really it's been more of an adjustment for me than for her. I've realised that despite all the nasty weather and the poor ground and lack of grass. Heather is really quite happy to be out. Even at it's coldest and windiest, I've put a hand under the rug and at worst she's not exactly been toasty warm but certainly not cold. I've constantly now got a smell of carrots and apples in the car. Some people buy air fresheners!
Her leg this week is about the same. She can walk perfectly well..virtually no sign. I can tell, by listening to her footfalls on concrete, when her near fore strikes in walk. But to look at her there is no sign. In trot, a different matter. Still very obviously lame. So I realise that from now on progress might be slow. However I did take her for a good walk around the indoor the other day. It's been a while since we were in here. So I was pleased to see her not stumble in the loose sand as she previously had here.
During the week a bale of haylage was found to be rotten. It found its way into the field for the outdoor underclass to sift through. Heather and co thought they'd won the lottery!!! The feeding frenzy was short lived, as they soon ate the good bits leaving lots to soak up the mud...

Homeless Horse..

At last Spring seems to have arrived. Helped along by the clocks being put forward last weekend. The extra hour of light in the evening makes the gloomiest of days brighter. Although today the wind has turned and is blowing from the North, there is talk of snow showers. Generally the weather has been warmer, with a definate smell of Spring. Indeed during the week at dusk bats were out and the first swallows arrived at the yard yesterday. They looked tired perched on a wire, it still constantly amazes me how far such frail birds migrate.
Heather no longer has a stable! This is the latest challenge which has been put upon me.. Someone bought a pony and so with Heather out most of the time...we've lost our stable, it was the only one available. I do feel that we've been evicted and I got just a few hours notice. I've been told it will only be a temporary measure till a better stable can be found for the new pony. With that in mind I've left my metal cupboard, as moving it may prove too much for its rusty bottom. Obviously the big problem is that I've had to move its contents into the car..or bring it home. Most of it has just been dumped in buckets for now. I need to put some shelves up in the garage really. As usual, not enough time. I have washed her stable rugs and fleeces, plus her lightweight turnout, in my washing machine at home. Something of a risk probably, and I'll be finding horse hair in all my laundry for a while, I'm sure.
As for looking after Heather...hopefully the worst weather is behind us. It has been good to bring her in on stormy nights and to let her have a full haynet to herself once in a while. There is still little growth in the grass, but at least she can keep herself amused nibbling at what's there. My feeding regime seems to be going okay. Combined with the one haynet that I spread out in the field feeder each evening, she so far hasn't lost much weight. It is quite amusing entering the field with a full haynet. I put it over my left shoulder and have a doubled up lead rope for protection in my right. I call Heather over and enter under her protection! I walk along the boundary with the golf course on my left and H on my right. She sees off any horses or ponies eager to get a snatch at the hay. Then I make a dash across to the feeder, she slots in behind me and keeps then away till I can climb up and ditch the load. Like circling sharks they come...!! She has a very good strategy and parks herself broadside on to one side, whilst the others have to argue for places on the other. However, she obviously doesn't get anywhere near a full net to herself. I have found her once or twice hanging suspiciously around the hay lorry.
Her injury still seems to be improving. I've seen her cantering and trotting with the others, though still quite lame. She walks quite well now and for the first time the warmth in her injured knee seems to have all but gone. With this in mind, I encourage her to trot, to and from the field at feeding time.
The downside to the warmer weather is an increase in flies. There are plenty of the little annoying black flies around. I hurriedly had to find some fly spray..lurking at the back of the cupboard since the Summer. I even found one horsefly stupidly trying to pierce through her rug! All in all I feel there is progress and I'm sure she prefers living out. Now that I have knowhere to store anything, it's just making sure I bring what I need each day. If she continues to make progress at the same rate, I'm guessing she might be sound by June. Hopefully...