Day 2 Ennerdale Bridge to Rosthwaite

Another full English breakfast with as much meat as I normally have for breakfast in a year, and we were off.  We decided not to do any heights because the clouds were very low and it would have been a waste of legs to make the climb.

Too cloudy to go high

We decided to take the route to the North of the lake.  Ennerdale Lake is a very pretty lake and is the largest lake of its size in the world!  Before we even got to the lake, Lois realized that she and Earl left their baseball caps in their room.  She called the Ghyll house and Chris made sure the hats went into Lois's suitcase for delivery by Sherpa Van.

I have decided to keep a tally of penalty points for items left behind.  So far the score is:

Chuck 0

Earl 1.5

Lois 1.5

Keith 1.5

a .5 penalty is assigned for losing an item before I did.

Ennerdale Lake

We crossed to the south side of the lake, as there was a diversion due to forestry work on the trail.  This meant that we would not walk Red Pike because going around the diversion would have added several miles to an already long day.

on the diversion

We stopped for lunch when we reached Black Sail Hostel (closed for construction)

Keith watching Earl and Lois trying to figure out what to eat since she left their lunch with the hats.  Penalty points? Keith and I had the Ghyll farm packed lunch

Right after lunch we reached Loft Beck.  This is a 1000 foot ascent in less than 1/2 mile.  It was tough (except for Keith).  I was passed by hikers I saw starting the climb when I was halfway up

Lois about 1/3 up Loft Beck.  we needed to get to the highest point you see towards the middle of the picture

Looking down Loft Beck.  The picture doesn't really show the steepness 

 We had a pretty steep descent and nice scenery the rest of the way to Rosthwaite.  We stopped for a rest at an iron mine/hostel.  We are staying at the Scafell Hotel which has really nice rooms and a nice setting on the river, and ate dinner outdoors at the Riverside Cafe.

Last look at the lake

Old bridge near Longthwaite

Mac's Adventures, who arranged our trip has plans for the Coast to Coast ranging from 12 to 16 days.  Because we chose 15 days, we will  be walking 9 miles to Grasmere tomorrow and 8 miles to Patterdale the next day, rather than 17 miles to Patterdale tomorrow.  Fine with me, I can use the break, especially since I see big climbs ahead on each of the next 2 days.  I met a guy in St. Bees who was attempting to do this hike in 10 days.

Fast learner department -I was able to purchase a "Friends Diet Coke" with embarrassing myself or my companions.