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Model Tonya
My wife ask me to photograph her co-workers in costume at Halloween. Tonya was dressed as an "Urkel" type nerd. Each time I pointed the camera at her she somehow transformed in that nerd-like persona. I thought she would make a good model. What do you think?
Strobist info: AB 1600 in large Octabox on camera left. Pocket Wizards.
December 29, 2009. Day 024.
Returned to the FGR theme for today. Guest starring my wonderful girlfriend of almost 11 months, Chloe.
This thing gave me editing fits. I wish I owned Photoshop or something, but I use the program that came with my old point and shoot camera. I can't decide if I like the editing or not. Probably not.
FGR: Bubble Thoughts
For many living on this Earth today in 2014 they still live the lives of Slaves
Domestic Slaves being controlled & being beaten......
Company Slaves exploited by their Employers working for peanuts while the Management get rich from the toils of others
The Sex Industry......trading in human beings against their will.....stealing & buying children & teenagers...getting them addicted to drugs so they'll do their bidding...
Thanks for looking.....best bigger....hope you have a great day
Its sad, when you put so much effort to please someone and in the end you realize that they never appreciate any of what you do to them.
Thought I'd share the Spacecave story I'm doing for the Antler Boy book. These aren't final. The finished colored pages will be available in the book.
Morning misty rains pull an inner strength to surface .Gray skies neutralize autumns blazing colors . Eastward breezes create gentle ripples on the lakes surface . Seasonal chrysanthemums have popped up everywhere . Corn stalks and pumpkins appear from fields to door steps . Soon youngsters in costume will be knocking on doors for candy treats . The season to celebrate and give thanks is upon us !
I've been waiting all year to finally use my 35mm Macro on a pink dogwood leaf. I've got more, but I thought I'd share this one.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A view of the pyramids at Giza from the plateau to the south of the complex. From left to right, the three largest are: the Pyramid of Menkaure, the Pyramid of Khafre and the Great Pyramid of Khufu. The three smaller pyramids in the foreground are subsidiary structures associated with Menkaure's pyramid.
U23 G17
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Unicode:
Pyramid
in hieroglyphs
A view of the Pyramid of Khafre from the Sphinx.
The Egyptian pyramids are ancient pyramid-shaped masonry structures located in Egypt.
As of November 2008, sources cite either 118 or 138 as the number of identified Egyptian pyramids.[1][2] Most were built as tombs for the country's pharaohs and their consorts during the Old and Middle Kingdom periods.[3][4][5]
The earliest known Egyptian pyramids are found at Saqqara, northwest of Memphis. The earliest among these is the Pyramid of Djoser (constructed 2630 BC–2611 BC) which was built during the third dynasty. This pyramid and its surrounding complex were designed by the architect Imhotep, and are generally considered to be the world's oldest monumental structures constructed of dressed masonry.[6]
The most famous Egyptian pyramids are those found at Giza, on the outskirts of Cairo. Several of the Giza pyramids are counted among the largest structures ever built.[7] The Pyramid of Khufu at Giza is the largest Egyptian pyramid. It is the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still in existence.
Contents
1 Historical development
2 Pyramid symbolism
3 Number and location of pyramids
3.1 Abu Rawash
3.2 Giza
3.3 Zawyet el-Aryan
3.4 Abu Sir
3.5 Saqqara
3.6 Dahshur
3.7 Mazghuna
3.8 Lisht
3.9 Meidum
3.10 Hawara
3.11 el-Lahun
3.12 El-Kurru
3.13 Nuri
3.14 Construction dates
4 Construction techniques
5 See also
6 References
7 Bibliography
8 External links
Historical development
The Mastabat al-Fir’aun at Saqqara
By the time of the Early Dynastic Period, those with sufficient means were buried in bench-like structures known as mastabas.[8][9]
The second historically-documented Egyptian pyramid is attributed to the architect Imhotep, who planned what Egyptologists believe to be a tomb for the pharaoh Djoser. Imhotep is credited with being the first to conceive the notion of stacking mastabas on top of each other, creating an edifice composed of a number of "steps" that decreased in size towards its apex. The result was the Pyramid of Djoser, which was designed to serve as a gigantic stairway by which the soul of the deceased pharaoh could ascend to the heavens. Such was the importance of Imhotep's achievement that he was deified by later Egyptians.[10]
The most prolific pyramid-building phase coincided with the greatest degree of absolutist rule. It was during this time that the most famous pyramids, the Giza pyramid complex, were built. Over time, as authority became less centralized, the ability and willingness to harness the resources required for construction on a massive scale decreased, and later pyramids were smaller, less well-built and often hastily constructed.
Long after the end of Egypt's own pyramid-building period, a burst of pyramid-building occurred in what is present-day Sudan, after much of Egypt came under the rule of the kings of Napata. While Napatan rule was brief, ending in 661 BC, Egyptian culture made an indelible impression, and during the later Kingdom of Meroë (approximately in the period between 300 BCE – 300 CE), this flowered into a full-blown pyramid-building revival, which saw more than two hundred Egyptian-inspired indigenous royal pyramid-tombs constructed in the vicinity of the kingdom's capital cities.
Al-Aziz Uthman (1171–1198) tried to destroy the Giza pyramid complex. He gave up after damaging the Pyramid of Menkaure because the task proved too huge.[11]
Pyramid symbolism
Diagram of the interior structures of the Great Pyramid. The inner line indicates the pyramid's present profile, the outer line indicates the original profile.
The shape of Egyptian pyramids is thought to represent the primordial mound from which the Egyptians believed the earth was created. The shape of a pyramid is thought to be representative of the descending rays of the sun, and most pyramids were faced with polished, highly reflective white limestone, in order to give them a brilliant appearance when viewed from a distance. Pyramids were often also named in ways that referred to solar luminescence. For example, the formal name of the Bent Pyramid at Dahshur was The Southern Shining Pyramid, and that of Senwosret at el-Lahun was Senwosret is Shining.
While it is generally agreed that pyramids were burial monuments, there is continued disagreement on the particular theological principles that might have given rise to them. One suggestion is that they were designed as a type of "resurrection machine."[12]
The Egyptians believed the dark area of the night sky around which the stars appear to revolve was the physical gateway into the heavens. One of the narrow shafts that extend from the main burial chamber through the entire body of the Great Pyramid points directly towards the center of this part of the sky. This suggests the pyramid may have been designed to serve as a means to magically launch the deceased pharaoh's soul directly into the abode of the gods.[12]
All Egyptian pyramids were built on the west bank of the Nile, which, as the site of the setting sun, was associated with the realm of the dead in Egyptian mythology.[13]
Number and location of pyramids
In 1842, Karl Richard Lepsius produced the first modern list of pyramids – see Lepsius list of pyramids – in which he counted 67. A great many more have since been discovered. As of November 2008, 118 Egyptian pyramids have been identified.[3]
The location of Pyramid 29, which Lepsius called the "Headless Pyramid", was lost for a second time when the structure was buried by desert sands subsequent to Lepsius' survey. It was found again only during an archaeological dig conducted in 2008.[14]
Many pyramids are in a poor state of preservation or buried by desert sands. If visible at all, they may appear as little more than mounds of rubble. As a consequence, archaeologists are continuing to identify and study previously unknown pyramid structures.
The most recent pyramid to be discovered was that of Sesheshet at Saqqara, mother of the Sixth Dynasty pharaoh Teti. The discovery was announced by Zahi Hawass, Secretary General of the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities, on 11 November 2008.[4][15]
All of Egypt's pyramids, except the small Third Dynasty pyramid of Zawyet el-Amwat (or Zawyet el-Mayitin), are sited on the west bank of the Nile, and most are grouped together in a number of pyramid fields. The most important of these are listed geographically, from north to south, below.
Abu Rawash
Main article: Abu Rawash
The largely destroyed Pyramid of Djedefre
Abu Rawash is the site of Egypt's most northerly pyramid (other than the ruins of Lepsius pyramid number one)[5]— the mostly ruined Pyramid of Djedefre, son and successor of Khufu. Originally it was thought that this pyramid had never been completed, but the current archaeological consensus is that not only was it completed, but that it was originally about the same size as the Pyramid of Menkaure, which would have placed it among the half-dozen or so largest pyramids in Egypt.
Its location adjacent to a major crossroads made it an easy source of stone. Quarrying – which began in Roman times – has left little apart from about 15 courses of stone superimposed upon the natural hillock that formed part of the pyramid's core. A small adjacent satellite pyramid is in a better state of preservation.
Giza
Main article: Giza pyramid complex
Map of Giza pyramid complex.
Aerial view of Giza pyramid complex
Giza is the location of the Pyramid of Khufu (also known as the "Great Pyramid" and the "Pyramid of Cheops"); the somewhat smaller Pyramid of Khafre (or Kephren); the relatively modest-sized Pyramid of Menkaure (or Mykerinus), along with a number of smaller satellite edifices known as "Queen's pyramids"; and the Great Sphinx of Giza.
Of the three, only Khafre's pyramid retains part of its original polished limestone casing, near its apex. This pyramid appears larger than the adjacent Khufu pyramid by virtue of its more elevated location, and the steeper angle of inclination of its construction – it is, in fact, smaller in both height and volume.
The Giza pyramid complex has been a popular tourist destination since antiquity, and was popularized in Hellenistic times when the Great Pyramid was listed by Antipater of Sidon as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Today it is the only one of those wonders still in existence.
Zawyet el-Aryan
See also: Zawyet el'Aryan
This site, halfway between Giza and Abu Sir, is the location for two unfinished Old Kingdom pyramids. The northern structure's owner is believed to be pharaoh Nebka, while the southern structure, known as the Layer Pyramid, may be attributable to the Third Dynasty pharaoh Khaba, a close successor of Sekhemkhet. If this attribution is correct, Khaba's short reign could explain the seemingly unfinished state of this step pyramid. Today it stands around 17 m (56 ft) high; had it been completed, it is likely to have exceeded 40 m (130 ft).
Abu Sir
Main article: Abusir
The Pyramid of Sahure at Abu Sir, viewed from the pyramid's causeway.
There are a total of fourteen pyramids at this site, which served as the main royal necropolis during the Fifth Dynasty. The quality of construction of the Abu Sir pyramids is inferior to those of the Fourth Dynasty – perhaps signaling a decrease in royal power or a less vibrant economy. They are smaller than their predecessors, and are built of low-quality local limestone.
The three major pyramids are those of Niuserre, which is also the best preserved, Neferirkare Kakai and Sahure. The site is also home to the incomplete Pyramid of Neferefre. Most of the major pyramids at Abu Sir were built similar construction techniques, comprising a rubble core surrounded by steps of mud bricks with a limestone outer casing. The largest of these 5th-Dynasty pyramids, the Pyramid of Neferirkare Kakai, is believed to have been built originally as a step pyramid some 70 m (230 ft) high and then later transformed into a "true" pyramid by having its steps filled in with loose masonry.
Saqqara
Main article: Saqqara
The Pyramid of Djoser
Major pyramids located here include the Pyramid of Djoser – generally identified as the world's oldest substantial monumental structure to be built of dressed stone – the Pyramid of Userkaf, the Pyramid of Teti and the Pyramid of Merikare, dating to the First Intermediate Period of Egypt. Also at Saqqara is the Pyramid of Unas, which retains a pyramid causeway that is one of the best-preserved in Egypt. Together with the pyramid of Userkaf, this pyramid was the subject of one of the earliest known restoration attempts, conducted by Khaemweset, a son of Ramesses II.[16] Saqqara is also the location of the incomplete step pyramid of Djoser's successor Sekhemkhet known as the Buried Pyramid. Archaeologists believe that had this pyramid been completed, it would have been larger than Djoser's.
South of the main pyramid field at Saqqara is a second collection of later, smaller pyramids, including those of Pepi I, Isesi, Merenre, Pepi II and Ibi. Most of these are in a poor state of preservation.
The Fourth Dynasty pharaoh Shepseskaf either did not share an interest in, or have the capacity to undertake pyramid construction like his predecessors. His tomb, which is also sited at south Saqqara, was instead built as an unusually large mastaba and offering temple complex. It is commonly known as the Mastabat al-Fir’aun.[17]
A previously unknown pyramid was discovered at north Saqqara in late 2008. Believed to be the tomb of Teti's mother, it currently stands approximately 5 m (16 ft) high, although the original height was closer to 14 m (46 ft).
Dahshur
Main article: Dahshur
Sneferu's Red Pyramid
This area is arguably the most important pyramid field in Egypt outside Giza and Saqqara, although until 1996 the site was inaccessible due to its location within a military base, and was relatively unknown outside archaeological circles.
The southern Pyramid of Sneferu, commonly known as the Bent Pyramid, is believed to be the first Egyptian pyramid intended by its builders to be a "true" smooth-sided pyramid from the outset; the earlier pyramid at Meidum had smooth sides in its finished state – but it was conceived and built as a step pyramid, before having its steps filled in and concealed beneath a smooth outer casing of dressed stone.
As a true smooth-sided structure, the Bent Pyramid was only a partial success – albeit a unique, visually imposing one; it is also the only major Egyptian pyramid to retain a significant proportion of its original smooth outer limestone casing intact. As such it serves as the best contemporary example of how the ancient Egyptians intended their pyramids to look.
Several kilometeres to the north of the Bent Pyramid is the last – and most successful – of the three pyramids constructed during the reign of Sneferu; the Red Pyramid is the world's first successfully completed smooth-sided pyramid. The structure is also the third largest pyramid in Egypt – after the pyramids of Khufu and Khafra at Giza.
Also at Dahshur is the pyramid known as the Pyramid of Amenemhat III, as well as a number of small, mostly ruined subsidiary pyramids.
Mazghuna
Main article: Mazghuna
Located to the south of Dahshur, several mudbrick pyramids were built in this area in the late Middle Kingdom, perhaps for Amenemhat IV and Sobekneferu.
Lisht
Main article: el-Lisht
The pyramid of Amenemhet I at Lisht
Two major pyramids are known to have been built at Lisht – those of Amenemhat I and his son, Senusret I. The latter is surrounded by the ruins of ten smaller subsidiary pyramids. One of these subsidiary pyramids is known to be that of Amenemhat's cousin, Khaba II.[18] The site which is in the vicinity of the oasis of the Faiyum, midway between Dahshur and Meidum, and about 100 kilometres south of Cairo, is believed to be in the vicinity of the ancient city of Itjtawy (the precise location of which remains unknown), which served as the capital of Egypt during the Twelfth Dynasty.
Meidum
Main article: Meidum
The pyramid at Meidum
The pyramid at Meidum is one of three constructed during the reign of Sneferu, and is believed by some to have been started by that pharaoh's father and predecessor, Huni. However, that attribution is uncertain, as no record of Huni's name has been found at the site.
It was constructed as a step pyramid, and then later converted into the first "true" smooth-sided pyramid when the steps were filled in, and an outer casing added.
The pyramid suffered several catastrophic collapses in ancient and medieval times; medieval Arab writers described it as having seven steps – although today only the three uppermost of these remain, giving the structure its odd, tower-like appearance. The hill on which the pyramid is situated is not a natural landscape feature – it is the small mountain of debris created when the lower courses and outer casing of the pyramid gave way.
Hawara
Main article: Hawara
The Pyramid of Amenemhet III at Hawarra
Amenemhat III was the last powerful ruler of the Twelfth Dynasty, and the pyramid he built at Hawarra, near the Faiyum, is believed to post-date the so-called "Black Pyramid" built by the same ruler at Dahshur. It is the Hawarra pyramid that is believed to have been Amenemhet's final resting place.
el-Lahun
Main article: el-Lahun
The Pyramid of Senusret II. The pyramid's natural limestone core is clearly visible as the yellow stratum at its base.
The pyramid of Senusret II at el-Lahun is the southernmost royal-tomb pyramid structure in Egypt. Its builders reduced the amount of work necessary to construct it by ingeniously using as its foundation and core a 12-meter-high natural limestone hill.
El-Kurru
Main article: El-Kurru
Pharaoh Piye's pyramid at El-Kurru
Piye, the first ruler of the Egyptian 25th dynasty, built a pyramid at El-Kurru. He was the first Egyptian pharaoh to be buried in a pyramid in centuries.
Nuri
Main article: Nuri
Egyptian Pharaoh Taharqa's pyramid at Nuri
Taharqa, a legitimate ruler and Pharaoh of Egypt, built his pyramid at Nuri. It was the largest in the area (North Sudan).
Construction dates
Drawing showing transportation of a colossus. The water poured in the path of the sledge, long dismissed by Egyptologists as ritual, but now confirmed as feasible, served to increase the stiffness of the sand, and likely reduced by 50% the force needed to move the statue.[19]
The following table lays out the chronology of the construction of most of the major pyramids mentioned here. Each pyramid is identified through the pharaoh who ordered it built, his approximate reign, and its location.
Pyramid / Pharaoh Reign Field
Djoser c. 2670 BC Saqqara
Sneferu c. 2612–2589 BC Dashur
Sneferu c. 2612–2589 BC Meidum
Khufu c. 2589–2566 BC Giza
Djedefre c. 2566–2558 BC Abu Rawash
Khafre c. 2558–2532 BC Giza
Menkaure c. 2532–2504 BC Giza
Userkaf c. 2494–2487 BC Saqqara
Sahure c. 2487–2477 BC Abu Sir
Neferirkare Kakai c. 2477–2467 BC Abu Sir
Nyuserre Ini c. 2416–2392 BC Abu Sir
Amenemhat I c. 1991–1962 BC Lisht
Senusret I c. 1971–1926 BC Lisht
Senusret II c. 1897–1878 BC el-Lahun
Amenemhat III c. 1860–1814 BC Hawara
Khendjer c. 1764–1759 BC Saqqara
Piye c. 721 BC El-Kurru
Taharqa c. 664 BC Nuri
Construction techniques
Main article: Egyptian pyramid construction techniques
Constructing the pyramids involved moving huge quantities of stone. The quarried blocks were likely transported to the construction site by wooden sleds, with sand in front of the sled wetted to reduce friction. Droplets of water created bridges between the grains of sand, helping them stick together.[20]
Thoughts of the first trip to Grand Central “Madison” Feb 3, 2023
This was an event I had been looking forward to for quite some time, only to be delayed by the now famous ventilation problem at the new station. I finally had the opportunity to go this past Friday, and of course it was to be an extremely cold and windy day (temperatures dropping into the single numbers later in the day). But I’d be inside, so what the heck!
I purchased my tickets at the Mineola TVM, and noticed that instead of three machines there were now two. And as my tickets came out, along with two $1.00 coins, they were printed as going to “Grand Central” without the Madison. Arrived on track 1 at Jamaica and the “shuttle” train to Grand Central was waiting on track 5. A train of 8 M7’s, and it was to be an express train. Ridership was very light, only 4-5 passengers on the car I was on. All verbal announcements were to “Grand Central”.
Trip through the East River tunnel was very quick and smooth, and as we arrived near GCM we were held for an outbound train for about 1”.
We arrived on track 304 on the lower level of the new Grand Central (Madison) terminal, and all I can say is “Magnificent!” To summarize several hours of wandering around the facility, and purposely trying to get lost, it is a trip well worth the effort! As I stated before, ridership was very light, and now is a great time to visit, as the facility is very empty and you can roam around at leisure, and do whatever photographic work you want without people in the way. It is also perhaps the safest place to be in New York City, as there are uniformed MTA police in abundance, in fact you will never be out of sight of one. Also there are numerous MTA/LIRR employees and “Ambassadors” around to ask for assistance.
Architecturally the facility is both simple and modern, yet is highly functional, and contains some very colorful and pleasant art work. Even though you are way below ground (some 150’ from street level) there is no feeling of claustrophobia as the areas are spacious and well lite throughout. Also there are excellent views of arriving and departing trains at the train rooms. Along the upper corridors are many empty vendor locations, which in my opinion will most likely remain empty for quite some time to come, as I simply do not think there will be a demand for anything more than a place to pick up a few cans of beer for the trip home. Also the logistics of bringing product into the station will be difficult at best.
About the only criticism I might have is with the very long escalators from the Madison Ave corridor to the track levels. They are long, very, very, long! And when you look down (which you really don’t want to do), it’s a bit unnerving (182’ long and 90’ in depth, the ride takes almost two minutes). If you have a tendency towards Acrophobia & Vertigo, beware! To make matters worse the rubber hand rail belt moves slightly faster than the stairs (not uncommon) and as you hold on for dear life you will find your upper body being pulled forward and down. You’ll need to release your “death” grasp of the railing and move your hand back several times. Perhaps this will be less of a problem when the escalators are more crowded in the future, as sight distances will be less.
The upper Madison Ave corridor also contains state of the art ticket, & police areas, and there is plenty of signage to direct you into GCT. It can be said that the new facility does not in any way detract from the magnificence of Grand Central as we all knew it. It is separate and apart from the terminal, but certainly does provide a wonderful and weatherproof connection between the LIRR and MNRR. It really makes going to JFK airport simple for the MNRR rider, while providing the rider from Long Island an access to the East Side.
In retrospect it seems as though the “soft start” to the Grand Central service was a wise decision so that operational bugs could be sorted out before regular operations begins. This is an unusual luxury, as this is a service of “addition” rather than a replacement.
The return trip was with a train of 8 M9 cars, and the electronic signage was functional. I changed trains at Jamaica, and had considerable time to explore Jamaica station for the first in a long time.
I'm standing here in the middle of the room under the white arch, feeling great and looking fine in my cute vintage cocktail dress. All excellent, yet I wonder if I haven't forgotten something very important. I can't remember having checked my hold-up stocking tops since I got downstairs and now I'm a bit worried that they may have slid down my legs a little. I guess I'd better check just to make sure...
love muse, was first hooked with plug in baby, thought how it would be great if you could plug in. then took it a step further with pluging in wirelessly to download your thoughts, or upload.
technology will be there one day... to boldy go where no one has gone before!
"Mischievous Thoughts"
Settings: 50mm and 1/3200 at f/1.8 (ISO 400)
Featuring: Jen Gewin (MM #2834134)
This is the first close up that I'm posting from my photo shoot with Jen Gewin in St. Louis' Forest Park. I like how you don't quite know what she's thinking, but it's almost definitely going to cause trouble.
Post processing work is fairly straight forward to keep the natural feel of the piece. My challenge came in the white/color balance and giving the right amount of warmth versus causing her skin to look too yellow. Finally landed on a balance when I slightly lowered saturation while increasing vibrance to keep the image from looking dull. A medium vignette was added (a bit stronger than I normally use) to fully force visual attention to her face in the center of the image.
••• Hair ~ Doux, jLOW
••Head ~ Genus Classic
•Body ~ Legacy
•• Nails ~ Ascendant Viper 05
••• Glasses ~ Moncada Paris, Panthere Rounded
••Necklace ~ Rossi, Libra
•Bracelet ~ Rossi, Dior Diamond Bangle
••• Purse ~ WorldWide, Wallace Bag “Rose”
•• Pants ~ Moxy, Lapearla Trousers
•Shirt ~ Seniha, Sabinna Top
We were in The Lake District for the August Bank Holiday, great weather for walking but very busy – unlike the last Bank Holiday - were we had Great Gable to ourselves after a bad forecast kept people away. It was grim back home but we walked in shorts and Tee shirts.
Saturday and we were in the Old Dungeon Ghyll car park and away in good time. What a beautiful morning, we headed up Redacre Gill onto Pike of Blisco. The first climb of the day is always tough until the blood gets flowing. I didn’t really have a plan but it wasn’t what we did that’s for sure. I’d thought that we would walk until early afternoon and then head down, probably from Rossett Pike – But! Jayne made a call to her Mum from Pike of Blisco and she asked if we would be going over the Langdale Pikes – Jayne said yes! I looked at her and said “will we?” I was a bit surprised as it is a pretty full on walk – what we call a two Banana walk – and we only had one. She couldn’t believe that I was letting her off without doing the whole circuit of Langdale. We have done this walk before but usually in the opposite direction. There is a lot of slow and tough ground, ten tops ( depending on where exactly you go in the Langdales) over 15 miles and over 6000ft of ascent – a decent walk.
We walked from Pike Of Blisco across Red Tarn to Cold Pike onto Crinkle Crags – Including the bad step. On Crinkle Crags we met a very Fit 65 year old from London, wiry and experienced, we crossed paths and walked with this guy for quite a while, it slowed us all down a bit but it didn’t matter. Bow Fell for sandwiches and our one banana. We picked our way down Hanging Knotts, the direct route to Rossett Pike. When there isn’t a well-worn path on the direct route there is always a reason – because it’s hard usually! This was the start of the second half of the walk but the afternoon was ticking by, if we were doing it I wasn’t prepared to cut corners and miss any tops so were committed to the whole thing.
We had a long slog over Rossett Pike, It’s a long fell, across Stake Pass and Martcrag Moor. After the dry summer and a wet August the fells were noticeably wetter underfoot and Martcrag was very boggy. Onto Pike of Stickle and Loft Crag. By mid-afternoon the Langdales were very busy with large family groups, every top had a small crowd on it, we took a photo and enjoyed the view and moved on – briskly! My old knee and ankle injuries were starting to tell a story by now but there wasn’t much I could do about it. Across to Harrison Stickle and I decided to include Thunacar Knott as it’s a short easy diversion on the way to Pavey Ark. Stood at the top of Pavey Ark looking over Stickle Tarn I knew that it was going to be a long painful descent – and it was. The mile or so from the New to the Old Dungeon Ghyll wasn’t so bad as there is a path through the fields which was nice and gentle on my aching joints. Eight hours wasn’t bad as we never hammered it, just wanting to enjoy our first big day on the tops for quite a long time. The golden Rule in Ambleside was calling – after a shower.
On Sunday we had another beautiful start although there was a fair bit of cloud later. We drove over Kirkstone Pass and down to Hartsop, there’s a little car park up the dead-end road through the village, it’s only small and you need to be there early, it was already filling as we got there. We had a tough first climb up the nose of Hartsop Dodd, steep but fantastic views. I’d thought long and hard about how to make the most of the fine forecast for today and views from the first climb proved that it was worth it. The day took us over 17 miles and fourteen tops, the ground was easier than yesterday so we finished an hour sooner but it was still a tough day.
Caudale Moor, Stoneycove Pike, down to Threshthwaite Cove, an out and back to Gray Crag and a quick early sandwich on Thornthwaite Crag. High Street, were most walkers never go near the summit but bypass it on the main path – something that’s true of a lot of tops and a lot of walkers – each to their own. Rampsgill Head out and back to High Raise and Kidsty Pike, back to Rampsgill Head and onto The Knott, Rest Dodd. We normally do an out and back to The Nab on this walk but not today, it might have caused some friction wi’ our Jaynie. Across Satura Crag to Brock Crags, we only had the twin tops of Angletarn Pikes to go and we were done with the tops. I usually find Angletarn Pikes hard work at the end of a long walk but we used a different path this time and they didn’t’ seem so bad. The problem with this walk is that you think it’s all over now but it’s a long fast yomp back to the car- around three miles with a little bit of climbing as well, it certainly magnifies the aches and pains.
Monday was forecast to be wet, very wet the further south you went so we headed north. It rained over breakfast and we feared the worst, gale force wind were also forecast and sure enough the trees outside the dining room were straining at the leash. I t might have to be a short leg stretcher. We headed for Keswick and parked below Dodd. We were the only ones there, gales and rain and it was the day of the Keswick show ( Grasmere Games and traffic gridlock yesterday) The rain stopped but it was a dark and grey day. We creaked our way up Dodd with aching legs, I don’t think Jayne was impressed but we plodded up Carl Side, battered by the wind. Once on Carl Side we were wind propelled along Long Side and over Ullock Pike. There was a bit of blue in the sky to the north and a bit of sun but not much. We descended via The Edge and back along Longside Wood. Nearly seven miles and 2000 ft of ascent.
Over two and a half days we climbed almost half the height of Everest, stood on 28 tops and walked 40 miles ( we clocked a couple of evening miles) we used to do eight day weeks in the Lakes with every day a full on day but over the last few years we haven’t made the effort to travel up there, we need to get our act together – and some new knees!