Today's walk is no ordinary walk for I am walking in memory of my Dad who sadly passed away last Tuesday. Dad's health had declined after suffering a major stroke back in 2018 causing Dad's mobility to suffer severely. Dad started to slowly recover helped by specialists, myself and two brothers who all held full time jobs. Dad being Dad refused the help of carers informing his doctors he had son's to help which we did without question which was both mentally and physically exhausting after working a ten hour shift but we all mucked in and helped Dad as much as we could. During September 2019 Dad suffered a second stroke which completly took away Dad's mobility. After Dad's second stroke Dad required around the clock care meaning he had to go into a care home so we made the difficult decision and moved Dad into a home at which point he had to give up his house and even his beloved dog which we re-homed to a loving family. Dad never moaned, even if he had to force a smile he just got on with his recovery the best he could.

During February 2020 Covid hit and Dad's nursing home lost nine souls but Dad the 'bullet dodger' as I liked to call him persevered but it was only a matter of time before Dad's health was on the decline more so during Covid because carers, nurses, and even Dad's physio were either needed elsewhere or simply banned from entering the nursing home. I want to make it absolutely clear that we are not blaming the NHS for Dad's decline there was simply nothing anyone could do as Covid affected us all. Dad's health continued to decline until it reached the point when we were told to prepare for the worst "how long we asked?" "two to three days" Dad's doctor replied. Dad passed away peacefully at 9pm that evening.

Today was going to be one of those special days.

The cloud was still down over the Scafells but nevertheless this is one of the most inconic views found in Lakeland. I de-shoulder and take long gulps from a 1.5ltr bottle I had stuffed into the side pocket of my pack.

There was no need for my hefty 4ltr bladder pack given todays mileage and options to refill my bottle at Over Beck should I run low.

I left the couple on the bank of Over Beck and shadowed by the sound of cascading water I made the short journey back to the car park whilst peaking through the trees back up the south ridge or across the valley towards the Scafells which were cloud free as was Great Gable.

If you ever wondered why my reports usually start of with me moaning about the forecast it's because after Mum's death back in 2012 I suffered from years of depression which I refused to get help for "I got myself into it I'll get myself out" was my attitude. I soon learned that being outside helped me mentally which was useful as I enjoy walking the Lakeland fells. Being in direct sunlight also helped, you may often have heard me use the term "soaking up the sunlight like a solar panel" it's true sunlight is my medicine but there's certain times when not all the sunlight in the solar system wishes I could spend one last day with my Dad before he took ill. Today amid the glorious views Dad was right there by my side every step of the way.