Weather Diary: Post 21 Rainy days

Rain clouds over Fatlips

Green Barley fields

How about a post that doesn't mention the weather ?! I have to say I am thoroughly washed up complaining about it as I suspect everyone else is too. After several weeks of pretty wet weather we thought things couldn't get much worse but we've just had 4 days of solid rain give or take a few hours. Yesterday we took off to the Lakes for the day and actually saw some blue skies and felt some warm sunshine, incredible. The west of the country has been getting the better deal this year. Funny to think that Keswick on average is one of the wettest places in the country....it seems to be one of the sunnier places these past few weeks.

Anyway we had a nice experience at Castle Rock crag, apart from a great days climbing we had the pleasure of meeting Sir Chris Bonington ! What an inspiration, there he was at the grand age of 77 shimmying up a hard severe like a man half his age. Such a gracious, friendly and good humoured individual.

Needless to say my inscapes have been coming along. I've had a good spell of creative output. Cloudy skies, wet trails and plenty of studio time are resulting in a fairly interesting painting time for me. Thanks to the awful summer weather the fear that I wouldn't have much time to work has been unfounded. The value of one good day as opposed to days of ponderous nothingness in the studio is something I have to remind myself of when things aren't going so well. At least that hasn't been the problem this last while, although the one good hour rule still applies...if you are lacking inspiration,motivation or both get out no matter what the weather is doing.
In the meantime lets hope the jetstream gets back to where it usually is positioned this time of year, wishful thinking ? I hope not.