The Lakes Meet -
After months of planning, the weeknd of the Lakes meet finally dawned. The days leading up to had been torrential rain and strong winds.. I had a few sleepless nights I can tell you!!
Thankfully, as planned, the sun shone and we had a wonderful few days - here's my quick look back at it, I'm sure there will be other versions which will fill in a few of the gaps..
After meeting in the coffee shop, we headed to the rear of Ambleside for a short walk up Stockghyll waterfalls. Uncle Steve heads up hill with Elizabeth and margaret.
There is a series of smaller falls lower down, a quick view of what we were heading towards.
It was brilliant to watch folk dashing about the riverbank snapping away, Jim gets close up to the weir.
A low down, hand held at 1/3 sec view of the falls. After the recent rains we had plenty of water to play with.
Kev (Spaarky) uses a more reliable method of shooting low light waterfall shots - darn these professionals!!
Dave Coppen shooting back down the path making good use of the dappled sunlight through the fresh spring leaves.
Jim Miller and Nigel (Archie) discuss tacticts as they look towards the higher of the waterfalls. Folk were chatting away like we'd known each other for ages - time for a big sigh of relief, I think it was going to be a good weekend!
We crossed the bridge at the top and made our way back down via the opposite bank. A glance back at the falls.
We headed back to a local bar for nibbles and a drink. Some folk appeared reluctant to have their picture taken...
A case of being quick on the draw as candid opportunites were grabbed :-)
Goodnight Ambleside at the end of day 1...
We split into a few groups on saturday morning. Glynis & Ian Wilson went cruising (on a boat!!!) Uncle Steve went shopping... and some headed to Loughrigg Fell for a wander. After much debate, I 'allowed' Mrs A to take the group picture.... good job I set the camera up for her :-D
The path starts off through the woods, and it was lovely to see the bluebells out as the group head out below.
Loughrigg fell below a carpet of bluebells.
If we'd have spent as much time walking as we did talking, we'd have been up and down in no time.. ;-)
Some big skies and impressive landscapes as we made our way along the terrace.
First stop off was Rydal caves. Lesley admires from the banking whilst Sue, Jim and Jan look on from the fence.
Kev proving once and for all that size does matter when getting the birds.... Nigel and Jan keep a safe distance.
The group divided here as Chris, Jan and Dave headed back towards Grasmere for the low level path as our intrepid group of explorers headed upwards. Stunning views down over Grasmere from the climb.
Nearly there guys, just over this hill ;-)
Jim tops out on his 1st Wainwright. His comments of wow!! reached the top made it all worth while.
A cuddle on the top for Jim from Sheryl.
Sue at the top showing she's not Past it... pardon the pun...
Happy?? I think so :-) Summed the day up perfectly..
The conquering heroes, but hang on.. who's missing??
Ah....
Awwwwwwww xx
Time to head down, and a wonderful view onto Grasmere and through Dunmail Raise in the distance - chocolate box lakes, wonderful!
One without the peeps. A word for Lesley who managed to descend this without falling on her backside.. well done love, you made me sooo proud ;-)
Back at the shore of Grasmere, and kev uses the fence as a lead in line on his landscape shot. It was great to chat about ideas and techniques as well as finding out about each other.
A shot along the weir on Grasmere.
Nigel doing his version.
Kev and Chrissy making there way along the banks of the river. It was a lovely afternoon now.
After heading back to Ambleside, we met up at 4pm with Viv and the others for a tea time jaunt to Tarn Hows near Coniston. Monty gets a special mention here as he'd driven all the way from Cambridge for this 20 min walk...
Gotcha.. Uncle Steve enjoying the view from the top of the tarns.
ok, you have to allow me one arty shot...
The paths around the lake are excellent and perfect for Viv and her scooter. A few of us headed along the top path for some stunnings views over the tarn.
..and again looking back down towards the Ambleside in the far distance
Wonderful..
oh heck, in trouble for dawdling and keeping folk waiting...
I/we had underestimated how busy Saturday night was in Ambleside, and we struggled to find a table for 26... but we still had a good night. Sunday morning was a cooler day, and a quick look at our lodgings. Lesley has left the dormer window open.. too many beans love ;-)
All packed up early, so we had a quick walk down to Waterhead and a choppy Windermere... more of those black headed ducks ;-)
The ferry heading out for its first trip of the day.
I had a lovely picturesque image lined up of the ticket hut, when this silly woman parked right in front of it..
The final leg of the weeked was a whistle stop tour of a few of the lakes beauty spots. Our convoy as we stopped for a view into the Langdale valley.
I managed to blag us a half hrs free parking whilst we let the fujians loose on the slopes of Stickle Ghyl.
Glynis and Jacquie (southern girl) do a snap me, snap you session..
Viv, with the aid of her lovely family,managed to get a hundred yards up the path for views of the waterfalls, brilliant.
After an interesting drive up to Blea Tarn - new pants for a few I think! We arrived a Blea Tarn, and Viv was in her element now as she bombed around the side of the lake escorted by her entourage..
Nigel wandering along the shore line with Side Pike looming large above him.
My model demonstrating leading lines and composition, what a treasure she is.
Viv tackles the narrow bridge with confidence. Notice the lack of helpers now looking to catch her if she falls off.. we were all stood with cameras waiting to capture it instead :-)
A classic, if somewhat cloudy view of the Langdale Pikes over Blea Tarn. Time for a coffee...
We headed for Skelwith bridge and Chesters for coffee and a cake. A tranquil spot which was very busy today, and if my lottery numbers come in, where I will be living..
Chimney pots and Loughrigg Fell from our table at Chesters. The end of a wonderful weekend.
Well, there's my version. Hopefully others will post theirs, and I'm sure there will be more pics of the folk who attended on them. I tried to take a 'stood back' view of the weekend, and was happy and delighted watching folk discover this magical place for themselves.
A massive thanks to everyone who came and made it such an enjoyable weekend, the words 'friends for life' come to mind when looking back at the weekend, and I can't say more than that.
Ian & Lesley
Link to pics in picasa for a larger view
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Sorry but i peeked!!! Couldnt help myself, im just sooo nosey....now hurry up and get the rest of it done Ian, im loving what i see so far!!!
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Hi Ian I am sorry but I just had to have a peek and they look stunning those pictures. I only hope that the South Wales Blogs come up to these standereds. I must say you all looked to have had a brilliant time and thats what it"s all about. Ian a great blog many thanks for sharing best wishes BoB.
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Shame on you two....
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Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant Ian....What a wonderful time you all had. Thanks for doing the blog so quickly for the nosey ones hehee.
Glad to see Viv got around ok too, and go stand in the corner for not helping her over the bridge!!!!! Poor love.
The senery is stunning and im just so sorry i missed out, but at least i will have plenty of blogs to look through......Well done Ian xxxx
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Cracking blog Ian, puts mine to shame
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Wonderful blog, looks like a good time was had by all. Am very envious.
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wow that a monster blog with stunning scenery. loved the waterfalls. looks like you had a great time
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I love the lakes. Glad the weather held for you. smashing set of piccies.
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I've been looking forward to these blogs! Wonderful. It's like little cut-out figures of our friends on here, stuck on to your now familiar landscape shots! Thoroughly enjoyed - what a super job you did Ian.
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Monster blog Ian. Great to see so many happy faces, looks like you all had a great time. I'm looking forward to seeing all the other blogs now. Well done on a great success.
Christine
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Totally wonderful.
Jen xx
Don't run faster than your guardian angel can fly!
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Great blog Ian. Did you have an icecream cone dipped in melted chocolate opposite the ticket hut?
Mike
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A great set of shots Ian.
Loved the larger skies on the walks and to see just how camera shy Steve is
Good to see Viv get around as much as she did too.
Hope it was ok on it's batteries .
Was it cold up top or were the coats just a sensible precaution ?
Liked your night Ambleside shot a lot.
Great narative Ian and a well planned meeting .
Thanks for sharing .
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I'm proud to say I (we) was there !!!!!!
Did everything and enjoyed every single minute and made some (real) lifelong friends (I hope) as well.
Ian & Lesley worked like clockwork to make things run smooth and all everybody else had to do was enjoy themselves and they did !!!
This blog sums it up exactley as I would have (except his photos are better than mine...damn it)...so I'll have to find an alternative perspective. It might be a day or two so please be patient.
Glynnis needs a special mention for shuffling us about..................you should have seen her face 'en route' to Blea Tarn. .....she probably needs new underwear now...lol
Thanks Glynnis you were magic.
What more can we say?
Great Blog of a Great weekend organised by a Great couple for Great folks who just happen to own Fuji cameras..................................GREAT
Jim
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What a handsome bunch of people. The scenery is impressive too.Sorry we couldn't be there.Thanks for sharing your weekend.
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Brilliant blog Ian, you captured us all perfectly and the scenery was stunning. I really hope we have another next year!!!
Jim you and Sheryl are super people and I thoroughly enjoyed taking you around. thank you both xxx
Its going to be interesting to see the different viewpoints everyone has
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Just great Ian.
Sums up the weekend perfectly. Great pictures, great blog, great people, great time.
Thank you,
Monty.
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Brilliant blog Ian with some wonerful scenery and nice people to share it with
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Smashing blog Ian and some more of your stunning landscapes, thanks also Ian for the tips and local knowledge you shared, i just hope i have managed to put some of it into practice in my pictures.
Thanks to everyone who attended this supeer weekend meet.
Regards Kevin
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Excellent blog Ian as per usual a massive thank you to yourself and Lesley for making everything run smoothly it was truly a magical weekend. It was great meeting everyone and seeing the master behind the lake blogs. Once again thank you I will definately be returning to the lakes as this was my 1st time and what a time it was. And I see what you mean now when you was telling me and Kevin about using things to lead into the hills etc.
P.S that 'was my take of taking a shot of the weir' I was trying to grab 5 minutes lol.
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Well done! A massive success by all accounts. I am so pleased you all had the weather for it.
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Great blog Ian. I'm really envious - couldn't make it unfortunately.
So where's the GPS data ?
Only four more years before I retire...
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Hiyah Ian
A super account of the weekend. Great shots and I think that first one of me indicates that I am some sort of "chairman"!!
Brilliant shots of course, a great meet and I think there are some more real friendships found there. Steph and I intend to return to the lakes, perhaps instead of going abroad. You have shown us what a wonderful country we live in. Living in Snowdonia, as we do, we see a different sort of landscape, Snowdonia is much more harsh and rugged and we both just loved the "softness" of the lakes.
Thank you both Lesley and yourself for a super super weekend. I am preparing a photoblog myself and all being well, will be this week sometime.
Thanks again..........Steph & Steve (Uncle) XX
Steve
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A wonderful account of what looks to have been a smashing time, accompanied by fantastic shots. Glad the weather behaved too!
Jim
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Wow....what a stunning blog!! So sorry I wasn't able to make this one......guess you'll just have to do it all again for those of us who couldn't come and are now sssooo jealous
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Great stuff, Ian - it looks like a fab time was had by all!
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Looks like you guys had a blast, and got some great photos ta boot. Wish I could have been there, but work commitments killed my plans
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good blog, great scenery. looks like you had a geat time
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Well... after all those long months of planning the weekend Ian it finally arrived for you all and it looked like it went according to your expectations and perhaps even more so. Great friendships are formed on these kind of meets. I enjoyed the Fuji Wales Meet last October and to meet the real people behind the Fuji avatar profile photos is great. I'm so glad the weather was fine for you all, as usually it tends to rain on the 13th May (my birthday) LOL!! You were able to meet all your 'virtual' friends now 'lifelong' friends and a wonderful weekend was had by all sharing passions for photography and walking. What a wonderful photoblog you presented Ian, portraying the special time you spent in the Lakes with Fuji friends. Say hi to Lesley. Thank you for compiling and sharing. (Love the one of Viv on her scooter riding across the bridge) Thank you Ian for your lovely kind messages. I am taking one day at a time recovering from my life threatening emergency. Two steps forward and one back at the moment. It will be three weeks to recover apparently so I won't be running(not that I can) before I can walk (which is not often) The Cruise ship is in Helsinki, Finland today and Russia tomorrow and Thursday. I'm glad we missed the boat. The airlift helicopter ride would have been something though..LOL!! Anyway, true to style, we're busy scouring brochures to go somewhere in lieu of this in August and have plenty of other holidays lined up ready. Thanks again. Alison
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Ian, this is how I had hoped my 'blog' would turn out. Fat chance, what! I am really hoping that we will meet up again, sooner , rather than later.
Jan.
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Brilliant blog Ian and it is quite clear that your organising skills are second to none. Clear because everyone had such a wonderful time - top marks all round I think
For he's a jolly good fellow.............!!!!
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.....................and so say all of us !!!! (& Lesley)
Jim
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Brilliant blog and I now want to go the Lake
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Brilliant blog. Brilliant weekend. Brilliant company.
Dave.
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Absoutely fantastic blog Ian with brilliant landscape shots.
It's a complete snapshot of the weekend. I will keep it in my favourites so that I can relive it whenever I want.
The highlight for me was climbing Loughrigg Fell - going over the top and down the other side. Wow ! Something I've always wanted to do but never had the chance till now.
Thank you for making that happen for me.
You are right everyone at the meet was such brilliant company which made it so very special.
A big thank you again from me. I loved it all.
Chrissy.
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Well Ian its all be said, all thats left for me to say is I'll be making every effort to get to the next one.
Thank you for sharing what looks to have been a fantastic weekend, cannot believe I missed out on a trip to Tarn Hows
regards
Anne
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Hi Ian, I haven't been on here as often as I would like as you probably know? Fortunately Steve alerted me to your meet and I'm so glad he did. I thoroughly enjoyed all the blogs relating to this meet including yours of course. Being "down under" means I am unable to meet any of you, however I have to say seeing all these blogs has made me feel part of the weekend and for that I thank you all.
You have some amazing shots here - thanks so much for posting. Chris
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From the accolade you have received Ian, your weekend meet was a great success, as it shows in your photoblog and the others that I have seen, well done Ian, I wished that I could have made it,............Superb blog,with Brilliant Lakeland landscape shots,
Thank you for sharing with us.
Colin
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Wow! I'm stuck somewhere between envy and gratitude--envious of those who were able to participate; and grateful just to be part of the Fuji community. I'm so glad you had decent weather.
judypw
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"Follow that!!" as they say, not sure whether I can now!!
Brilliant images as ever, Ian, just hope I can produce some half as good as these. What a super weekend we all had, getting on so well together too, like we've all been friends for years.
I keep saying thanks but really just can't thank you enough for the brilliant time and the wonderful places you took us to. It's great looking at all the wonderful images of the places you went to before we arrived, including the falls just up from our cottage; now I know where folk were going as they passed through the trees whilst I was sat on the balcony listening to the water rushing beneath my feet and the birds singing. The youngsters walked up on the day they 'missed' you, but the weather was too bad to attempt it again with little old me, never mind there's plenty of other times, next year did someone say!!
Super duper blog, with super duper images, you swine!! hehe That'll teach you for waiting till I toppled off yon bridge.
Thanks for uploading and sharing and thanks again for a brilliant meet.
Viv xx
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Excellent blog and striking photos. I'm so glad you all had a great time.
Karen.
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