3 comments/ 1879 views/ 1 favorites The Sound of Muesli By: HunterShambles The rain slanted down in a fine mist and made vision almost impossible. I had taken my glasses off because within seconds my vision was reduced to a fractured vista of small magnified and distorted images, the raindrops coated the lens'. My companion was about a foot away but almost totally invisible in the cloud we had walked into. We had set out in the dry hours earlier... The English Lake District is notorious for its sudden shifts in weather, but even so it was early July and we had hoped for a better forecast. As we were given our co-ordinates for today, a weather warning had been broadcast, making us all stop talking and listen intently. Even the 'Newbies' stopped and listened quietly. Ray our Course Director, asked the leaders to report to him before we left. As we split into our two person groups, I saw Anna looking edgy. I touched her arm briefly and smiled, she nodded. "You OK?" "Yeah, just got a bad feeling about today, don't worry, it'll pass." In the Briefing Room, Ray insisted that if any of our charges were to back out, that was perfectly OK. The Company had a twenty five year unblemished record, they'd like to keep it that way. We all nodded and he asked for us to check again when we left the briefing. He reminded us that along the route there would be waypoints, where a team member would check us over and agree to us continuing. We all smiled, feeling it was unnecessary but comforting. None of us thought we needed it. As Team Leaders we were all experienced walkers with a minimum of at least five to seven twenty mile walks in the area under our belts that year. Another stipulation was that you couldn't repeat a walk within two years of doing it, it keeps the mind active finding new routes. Aged from late twenties to Mac at sixty, we were the seasoned veterans of the hill walking fraternity. Did we did believe we were brothers and sisters in arms, walking warriors, an elite? I think we did, which is a dangerous thing, pride coming before a fall as they say. We would be setting a good pace to give our charges for a tough, but not exhausting walk in the hills. Anna and I checked our radio's, agreed callsigns had been given to us earlier in the season. We checked the batteries and that we each had at least two sets of spares, wrapped in waterproof carriers, stowed in our packs. We went through the litany of items in our kitbags. Laughing at the need to check each other. Anna and I had met on the hills many times over the last few years, but had only teamed up for a few walks this season. At ten thirty we all assembled outside on the tarmac square in front of the Portacabins where the company was based. After Mac gave us our initial co-ordinates we huddled in our group, eight of us all kitted out in waterproofs and hats. Anna and I would be the head and tail of the column. The six others, Dawn, Dennis, Mike, Pete, Amy and Jo, who were from the Finance Department of a well known retail store, stood together, apprehensive, all joking and banter ceasing as they realised that this was it. I waited as Anna, voice strong and forceful laid out the ground rules again, just so no one was in any doubt about what we were doing and more importantly where we were going. Talk over we herded our charges into the Landy, watching as they sat three each side on the rough bench seats, facing each other in the open back. They looked tired already, some had maybe had a few too many last night in the bar of the local pub. Now however they would be out in the open all day, exposed to the weather and the glory of the Fells and hillsides along the way. Anna made a final check, and reminded everyone they had about eight minutes for any last minute trip to the only civilised sanitary ware for the next eight hours. The women laughed quietly, the guys raucously. OK time to go, Climbing into the cabin, I waited for the knock on the roof. Anna was sat feet out over the lowered tailboard, braced in the rear of the Landy. We bumped away, Anna's legs swinging with the force. Three miles down the road we pulled over and Anna helped everyone out. We checked again, backpacks secure, no loose gear, everyone looked apprehensive. And so it begins. We crossed the road, over a stile into the small copse at the start of the journey. I watched each one over, then climbed up and over last. Thumping down onto the soft soil the other side I walked at the rear of the column. We came out of the wooded grove in a few minutes and stared at the view. Ahead the land rolled away in a gentle curve down towards a valley about ninety feet below us. To our right the path rose on the contour, disappearing about five hundred yards away into a small rock massif. Anna grinned and turned to the assembly , bringing her right arm round and pointing ahead. Ten minutes later at the rock face, they could see it was about twenty feet in height, we passed into it through a narrow cleft and began the scramble up. At the top the path moved over the higher ground at a forty five degree angle to our right. snaking upwards slowly. A gentle pull for about a mile, heartened by the ease of our entry the group broke into smiles moving off after Anna at pace. I noticed one figure steadily passed by the others, until she was level with me. I recognised Dawn, the oldest of our group. She was about forty five I guessed, carrying a few pounds extra. She puffed as she walked, I grinned at her. "OK?" She raised her thumb, but didn't talk, saving her breath for the climb. We walked on as I spaced myself about two feet to her right, keeping pace as the others opened a gap of about twenty feet. Anna, ahead, looked back and adjusted her pace slightly, we ambled on and the gap closed a little. The others were chatting and laughing, enjoying the great outdoors. I smiled at Dawn and she grinned back. Twenty minutes later as we topped the rise, the view opened before us, about a hundred and fifty feet below us the ground ran for two or three miles across a low wide valley, criss crossed with the lines of dry stone walls. In larger fields a few sheep were dotted about. Where we stood was grassy ground, ten feet away it dropped in a series of sharp jagged rocks towards the valley below. Camera's clicked as the sun lit up the valley, showing the various shades of green in the fields. Anna found me and we held a whispered conversation. I watched her green eyes flick over our charges, taking stock, evaluating them. Agreed on the way forward, we faced the group, Anna once again leading the way forward. We walked along the line of the edge until we began a slow descent down into the valley below. it was steep and the rocks were loose under foot. Not like the usual scree on mountains, this was a muddy, rock strewn path down the hillside. Anna picked a careful way down and shouted exhortations to those behind her to walk slowly, with small steps. If a large stone or rock came away the more experienced would yell 'below' as a warning. Finally we reached level ground in a field, climbing the stile we joined a metaled track and passed through a farmyard. Anna and I waved to Malcom the farmer as he appeared from the tractor shed. He waved back and called Mindy, his collie to heel. Out of the farm over a cattle grid, (always a chance for a blunder and a broken ankle) we moved into the fields and tromped for about two hours, crossing stiles, a small beck with two flat stones in it, to the opposite side of the valley. Anna halted and we had a drink break, Dennis and Pete walking behind trees to sniggers from the rest. Refreshed, Anna took us over a stile, looking briefly at her map and then up a track following a long shallow rise on the hillside. As we crested the top, a wave of cold air hit us. The rise out of the sparsely wooded hillside into the face of a strong wind was enough to silence the group again. During the climb I hung back with Dawn who was taking it slowly, conserving her energy. Reaching the top we also felt the blast of the colder air hit us. Anna waited then turned the group through ninety degrees and set off briskly directly into the wind. I heard the zip of jackets being closed up as the colder air bit. Dawn hunched down into her shoulders and trudged on. Thirty minutes later a heavy squal caught us on the open hillside and hoods came up and over, swiftly tied or tagged tight. It passed and we unbuttoned. Anna halted and explained we were now at a critical point, just ahead was the first waypoint, if anyone wanted out, they could wait there with the checker and they would be taken back by Landy to the centre. There were nods, but I knew this was too early, even Dawn wouldn't back out here. Sure enough fifteen minutes later we saw the small bivouac and Dave waiting, he sat inside the flap, radio and teamsheets to hand. He checked us in and radioed base. OK'ed us to go on and sat back with a flask and a crossword puzzle book. From the waypoint we crossed a metaled road and across a fast flowing beck via a small wooden bridge. A wall ran across our path, but to our right a section had collapsed, so we piled through. Anna followed the curve of the wall to our left, which kept some of the wind off us. After about a mile, she came to a stile and we all went over, back into the teeth of the wind. The ground dipped slightly and a further wall opposite us shadowed the path of the one we left. This created a green road between the two walls, rising slightly and curving left. We trudged on in silence. Anna stopped after fifteen minutes, explaining that on the right the wall had broken down and we used the place as a loo. For preference, the ladies went first, then the boys. She, Dawn, Amy and Jo went into the gap. There were calls and giggles and the guys milled around. Presently Anna, Dawn, Jo and Amy reappeared and we changed places. Behind the wall we stood in line unzipped and hosed the wall. Rejoining the ladies and grinning for no good reason, we readied to move on. We followed the green road for another two miles steadily rising until the wall on our left curved away to the left and the one on our right did a sharp right, A strand of small shrubs ahead hid the view. Anna walked on heading into the trees, however within sixty feet we emerged into a broad panorama of a hillside rising above us. Anna and I agreed this would be a longer rest break, we had a small outcrop to hunker down on, "Guys, twenty minutes OK? We move off in twenty minutes. Sit down, relax, have a small drink, eat something if you need too. The next stage is a constant uphill climb. The flank of the hill you're looking at, rises some six hundred feet, to a smaller rise of about two hundred and fifty feet. After that there's a hundred foot scramble, so take it slowly, no prizes for the first to the top, which will be me, by the way." They all nodded grinning. Dawn and the other two girls sat chatting, sharing a bar of Kendall Mint Cake, a solid bar of of sugar with an infusion of mint. Famous in the area as a quick means to a sugar boost. One variety even had a chocolate coating. However in harsh conditions it could be a lifesaver. I shrugged off my sack and sat next to Anna, pulling out my thermos we shared a cup of tea. Anna blew across the rim of the lid/cup and sipped slowly. "What do you think?" She asked. "OK so far, Dawn is going to be the one to struggle, couple of the guys, Mike and Pete, may not be as fit as they think." "Yeah, Dennis is a bit of a lad, but I think he'll pull through. Still overall not a bad group to be out with." "True, you OK?" "Absolutely, maybe I was wrong earlier. How about you?" "I'm still good thanks, I like the pace you've set, it works pretty well for this group. OK, we should start to get them rounded up." I looked round, the group had split into two sections, the lads standing and joshing each other, the girls had sat down, packs off chatting. We got them together and checked everyone was OK, then Anna started up the fell side. We trudged single file behind her. I heard one or two comments sneak back on the wind, concerning the tightness of Anna's leggings and the snug way they fitted her bottom. Fine use it as a distraction boys, but she could out run, out climb, out walk, hell! Out practically anything they could do. I'd seen her fix a broken down Landy once, Stood on the bumper, head in the bonnet, shouting instructions as she tinkered with the engine. Backing out she'd looked triumphant as the engine roared into life. Anna was, well just Anna, her own woman, never seen her with a companion, just a woman with a zest for life and adventure. She did these days out to pay for her outdoor lifestyle. She was a competent fell runner, a triathlete and she was honed to perfection, all this in a five foot six package. Her upper body strength was phenomenal, she's benched 210 lb's before and held it easily according to the rumours at the Centre. Her marathon record is just over two and a half hours, I know she finished just behind me on the Mountain Run. Wiry, slim with a washboard flat stomach, Anna's a total bundle of dynamite. Oh and with a legendary temper too, never ever cross Anna, she doesn't take prisoners. Many a man has attempted to best her, I'd not seen one do it in the seven years we'd worked together on and off. I never tried too, from the off she made it clear, she was the boss and I am happy to accommodate that, I accepted her leadership. Which doesn't mean she was autocratic, far from it, we'd spend a lot of time looking at routes, then scoping them out, it was a team effort, however, Anna made the final decisions based on our discussions. I always enjoyed our rambles to find new routes, so did she, she spent a lot of time smiling. That is until we encountered a snag, then she would stop smiling, bite her lip and look and think and we'd discuss the options. I thought we worked well together and made a good team. Despite her reputation I found she was easy to talk to and discuss the routes, working and perfecting ways to show the teams just how good they were. Great days! We moved off as the the weather moving from sunny, to cloudy, to rain. We walked up the steep slope following her tiny figure in fluorescent orange. As we breasted the grass slope, the real hillside showed itself, a long steep rock strewn shoulder, a few scree slopes to avoid, unless you wanted to finished lower than you started. We moved off with the cloud lowering down, until we found ourselves with no reference points, apart from the vague shape climbing just above us. We slowly moved up until we reached the next point. Anna counted us in and touched everyone's arm in a 'well done' gesture, we hi- fived and Anna turned to move on up. The rockface was now slippery with the rain/mist and we made sure everyone gave each other space, but still stayed in blurry contact. The next stage was the crown of the fell, but no views today. It was a short hundred foot climb over loose rock and shale, unpleasant in fine weather, treacherous in bad. Anna and I held a brief confab. It was a given we had to go on as going back was now equally dangerous. We called the group together on the edge of the climb. Anna asked that we go slow and steadily, watch for loose scree and larger rocks moving. Footfall was key, a careless step could mean a twisted ankle or worse. A loose rock falling below could be a head wound or far worse. Everyone nodded. The cold and damp had seeped into their bones. They wanted this done, but not at any cost. Anna moved off, the first two Dennis and Pete then followed her, Mike paused, then started as the shapes above began to merge into the mist. Jo and Amy worked their way up side by side, leaving Dawn. I let her move off and then began the climb behind her. I heard a shout of 'Below' and a rock crashed off nearby. I heard Anna's 'Steady' echo over the fell side. There must have been a pause, because we saw the shapes appearing ahead and above. Then the steady stamp of people walking up the loose rock echoed around. Twenty minutes later, the top appeared, as two shapes stood by the edge and helped the others up the last few feet. I heard Dawn sob above me as Mike and Pete hauled her up and over the top. In daylight and fine weather you would then see a flattish area about two hundred yards long, strewn with rock outcrops and muddy puddles. Across the far side the fell dropped away with a long scree strewn slope down to a lake or tarn as they call them locally. Then your eyes would be drawn to another scree slope opposite, rising up several hundred feet higher than we were, ending in a massive uplift towards a pointed cone of bleak bare rock. Today however you could barely see the centre of the plateau we stood on. Nearby was a cairn and stone shelter, which we gladly moved into, out of the wind and drizzle. The shelter was large consisting of four stone walls radiating out, on top of them was a slate roofed cover. Dividing roughly into four sections it was designed so at least one area would be out of the rain or wind. Sheltering in the low roofed section facing away from the wind, we huddled together, Anna calling lunch break. I saw packs opened and sandwiches and pasties and pies being devoured. They had obviously worked off breakfast as I watched them wolf done their meal. I grinned and squeezed in next to Anna. "Worse than we anticipated," Anna looked at me. "Well we can go down Sour Milk Ghyll or across to the Flatstone and down to Forest End?" "Yes good points, I'll check in with base." Anna took her radio out and maneuvered herself out into the open. I saw her talking, sweeping a hand through her long hair, tied in the standard ponytail. She talked for a while, then clicked off, beckoning me to come outside. I slalomed out between backpacks and legs. Outside I stood, at six three I was one of the taller guys and the shelter, whilst cozy, was a test of endurance, since, inside I was practically doubled over in order to fit. Welcoming the chance to stretch, I walked to Anna. She faced away from the shelter, I leaned in and listened to her report. "OK, well it's ten tenths cloud down below, squally up her and most of the other teams are now committing to getting down ASAP. There's a fresh low moving in and the outlook is heavy rain and stronger winds. Seems the meteorology report has changed rapidly. We need to get these guys down safely now, so let's finish lunch, then as you suggest, we'll go down via the Flatstone route. It's longer, but less work than down the Ghyll route, which will get steadily worse with the weather." I nodded, it was going to be a long afternoon. Anna was already back and hunkered down explaining the situation. Surprisingly no one seemed phased by this, accepting the change and nodding in agreement. No fear, no tears, or protestations. Seems everyone was up for a warm bath and a cup of hot chocolate in the late afternoon. At that point a flash and low rumble echoed across the landscape. Fuck, thunder and lightening. Anna looked at me. "We stay put for now, no one outside the shelter, keep inside and wait this out." I pushed myself in and sat on the floor between the legs and packs. Another flash and rumble, I heard a squawk and saw Dawn put an arm round Amy. One of the guys, Mike, had turned distinctly white and I could see his eyes darting about. I flicked an eye at Anna and swiveled them to where Mike sat. She followed and an imperceptible nod showed she had him. With slow movements she managed to slip in next to him, placing her hand in his and squeezing. He looked and smiled gripping her hand. Pete put an arm round him and grinned. I saw from the corner of my eye Dennis put an arm round the Jo, who moved into the crook of his arm. Dennis was nearest the outside, looking eagerly about awaiting the next flash and boom. It takes all sorts I reasoned. The Sound of Muesli Ch. 02 Anna, pushed me in the back with her hand, an oddly clumsy push. her hand twisted over, because it was bent back where she'd managed to crook her arm round me, I suppose it was more of a flap than a push. I grunted, she moved her arm off and clenched her fist, driving it into my side. "Alarm, dummy!" She managed, then with a twist she lay on her side, facing away from me. Her feet now banged against my shin. I made noises and reached for the alarm. With a flat hand I squashed the top and the loud electronic whine stopped. I sighed and snuggled down. Anna rolled over and her arm can round and over my chest. She then proceeded to pull, none to gently on my chest-rug. "Tea...tea...tea...tea..." I grunted and sat up, hearing her wince at the in-rush of cold air. I grinned and ruffled her hair, rewarded by a tongue poking through it and a groan. I moved off the bed, flipping the cover back over her. Her hand emerged and waved a thank you. Climbing into last nights boxers I padded downstairs to make the tea. In the kitchen I found the tea bags and clean cups as the kettle boiled. Opening the fridge I pulled the milk out, opened the top and smelled the contents. Hmm OK, I thought, just one day out of date, I saw as I read the 'use by' date on the side. I scribbled on the shopping list 'Milk?' and poured the boiled water over the tea bags. After a lifetime of practise I knew four minutes was the exact amount of time to leave a tea bag in the water. Spooning them out, I added the milk, satisfied I took the tea upstairs. I winced at the creaking stairs, but I saw Anna sitting up when I walked in, she was just pulling a cardigan round her, grinning. I passed the tea and sat on the bed beside her. She leaned forward and we kissed. This was a free weekend and we had planned a walk over the fells, just us, well us and several hundred other walkers. There were very few walks in the Lake District where you wouldn't see another soul,. certainly during Spring and Summer. Somedays certain peaks were like Picadilly Circus. We wanted to cover an old favourite, it was our second anniversary, a celebration seemed appropriate. Anna grinned, I looked at her and smiled. "What?" "God you're gorgeous Anna!" "Thanks, not so bad yourself." "Shall I shower first?" "Yes please, then I can enjoy this lovely cup of tea." "What about me?" "You don't mind it cold, I hate it." "Fair enough, we up for this walk then?" "Of course, now hurry up and we can get started." "Slave driver," "You love it!" "Actually, yes I do, I still think I'm dreaming." "Get in the shower!" "Yes Mistress." "Out." I left her sitting in bed drinking her tea, a smile on that beautiful face. In the bathroom, I did what I had to and went to the shower. Actually it was a shower head in the bath, attached to the small mixer tap, which was set back so at a push you could actually lie down at that end. With the taps on, you flipped a lever to direct the water from the bath to the shower head. It went up through a chrome ringed plastic pipe anchored to the wall at three points. I pulled the shower curtain across and started the water. As it reached the right temperature coming out the taps, I switched the lever. I winced as the first few seconds was the head of cold water left in the pipe before the fresh warm stuff arrived. As I lathered up, the shower curtain billowed and I heard the toilet lid lift. Anna was in the bathroom, I smiled and rinsed, then stopped the shower. The curtain pulled back a little and a naked smiling Anna appeared. "I got your towel, come on slow coach." I stepped past her onto the mat, wrapping the large blue fluffy towel round me. Anna skipped round me, but not before I managed a quick flap to swat her rear. I heard her giggle, as the taps came on again. I fought the urge to turn the hot tap on in the basin, redirecting the flow and leaving her with a cold shower. There were limits to her good natured temprement, cold showers being one of them. I dried and as I heard her switch the water off, grabbed her towel, a lurid red fluffy monster which buried her. Anna emerged and gratefully allowed me to wrap the towel round her. We kissed, I put my towel on the drier and went to dress. Anna was singing under her breath, I loved that sound. I thought she must have a brilliant voice, but in our two years together, she had never sung out loud. A favourite song would have her singing quietly under her breath, but never a full throated out loud voice. One day perhaps. "Oi sexy, fancy an egg for breakfast?" I heard her shout then she appeared following her voice a heartbeat later. "Hmmm, good idea, then we can fart our way to the top." "Eggs don't make me fart, anyway I'm a lady." "That you are, OK, eggs it will be, how would you like them?" "Scrambled with toast." "Mushrooms?" "Have we got any?" "I don't know, I'll look and if there are any, I'll do them." "Fine," She dropped her towel on the bed and padded to the dressing table, I admired her straight back, firm bum and slim but athletic legs. "Stop it and go make breakfast." "Just going," "No your not, your leering and imagining." "How do you know?" "You're a bloke and I'm a girl with no clothes on." "Got me there, on my way." I bounded downstairs and checked the fridge, there at the back, six largish mushrooms. Job done. I hauled them out, the oil and a frying pan. I sprinkled the oil in, salt and pepper then lit the gas. I moved it to low, then went to chunk up the mushrooms. Adding these to the pan, I placed an old saucepan lid over it and left it to cook. Finding a bowl I cracked in four eggs, a bit of butter, a splash of milk, salt and pepper then headed for the microwave. Setting it on high for four minutes I placed the bowl inside, but left the door open. Bread in the toaster, plates in the warmer. Door to microwave shut. I checked the mushrooms, holding the lid on and giving the pan a good shake, then opened the microwave door. I gave the eggs a twist and shut the door again. The toaster 'popped, but I left the toast in it for now. Microwave door open, another twist. Shake frying pan. I knew to only let the microwave cook for twenty seconds then I'd need to open it and give the eggs another twist. Four minutes later, Anna appeared as I dished up. Pulling an apple juice carton out the fridge I poured us two healthy glasses. Sitting at the table we ate quickly. Anna wolfing hers down. I looked in admiration. "What?" "You have a healthy appetite." "I'm a healthy girl. Come on I want to get started." She grinned, finished her juice and plonked the glass down. Standing she ruffled my hair and went to finish getting ready. I cleared away and boiled the kettle. Finding our Thermos flasks I filled each, then found the small plastic tubs we used for tea and coffee. Topping these up, I squared everything away. Then I assembled lunch and snacks. Fruit, energy bars, two bars of Kendal Mint Cake and a packet of crackers. I found an OK piece of cheese and stored that in a plastic container with four small tomatoes. Anna had a lethal knife she carried on our walks, so slicing and cutting were no problem. I packed our rucksacks and went to clean my teeth. Having both pee'd we were set. We checked each others pack and confirmed the contents. This was a practice we'd become used to on our guided walks. With suitable coats and jumpers we set off. We took my knackered old 'Landy' to get to the start point. After a twenty minute drive we pulled over by Old Uzzacar Farm on the old road, finding a suitable place for parking just off the metal of the road. about thirty yards ahead was the stile and sign showing the start of our walk. We kitted up, locked the 'Landy' and strode off together. We talked non stop as we walked, covering every topic, we were still finding out stuff about each other. After forty minutes climbing steadily over short stumpy grass, we stopped by a dry stone wall that crossed our path. The grass was dry, but the walk saps at your ankles, I was glad to stop. Anna checked the map, although we'd done this walk a dozen times it was a habit now. We still checked everything with monotony, much to the amusement of our colleagues. On walks we sometimes drove our charges crazy with our constant checking. But, and it's a very big but, we'd never got lost and we'd never lost anyone. "My sister wants to come and stay for a few days," Anna said as she checked our position. Matter of fact, deadpan, no emotion. "Your sister, I didn't know you had a sister? You kept that quiet." I said in puzzlement "We barely get on, but she insists on coming and meeting you." "Thanks!" "Jim, I'm sorry, it's not like that, it's just that, I don't want you to have to put up with her." "Why?" "Because she's a spoilt little brat and she makes me angry." "I don't want to see you when you're angry." She laughed and slapped my arm, we moved off, Anna showing me the direction and pointing the way. We walked on over rising ground, the grass becoming sparser, broken at times by patches of earth and ground down rock, it worsened as we climbed. We concentrated on the walk, enjoying the feeling of being out and about. We looked in appreciation at the opening view and the conversation was slightly muted as the awesome vista grew before us. We crested a small rise and stopped to look around at the view of the valley below. "Look Anna, I have no problems with you letting you sister stay. If you like, when she comes I'll take off for a few days to give the pair of you space." "Sod that, if I have to suffer her, so do you." She looked at me I laughed, she grinned, then broke into laughter. "I mean, I'm sure it will be fine and you'll love her like I do." She broke up and we walked on laughing ourselves hoarse. We made another forty minutes then broke for a drink and a rest. "So, what's her name, your sister I mean?" "Elizabeth, but most people call her Betty around the family, me however, I've always called her Liza." "Why?" "Because she calls me Aggie, it's just something that we hit on years ago and it stuck. And no you cannot call me Aggie, because if you do there will be swift and righteous retribution." "Point taken. OK, so when does the Ice Queen want to come?" "Soonest, she says it's urgent." "Urgent?" "Yup, which means she's in trouble and I will need to bail her out...again." "Oh Dear! Best tell Jim everything." For the rest of the walk to our destination a fell called Wandope, Anna told me all about Betty/Liza. She certainly seemed quite a character and the chalk to Anna's cheese. They only contacted each other perfunctorily, neither arranging to visit their parents simultaneously. It's how they were. Finally Anna told me the reason for their antipathy towards each other. Anna had met a man, someone she thought would be an ideal, friend, father and soulmate. You guessed it Betty / Liza stole him away, then dumped him six months later. From that moment Anna became her own mistress, no one had got into her armour, until me. I was flattered. "Still can't get over my luck," "It's not luck it's sheer animal magnetism." I looked at her and the smirk on her face. She burst out laughing and we walked on. I saw her look at me a couple of times. "Don't try and analyse it Jim, but let's just say, you work for me, I hope I work for you." "In spades, Anna, you are the best thing, ever, I repeat, ever to happen to me. Thank you for sharing your life with me." "That's sweet, just you be careful around my sister though, I still don't trust her." We were nearing the top now and we paused to look around and soak up the scenery, row upon row of Fells lining the distance and the clear water of Buttermere below and in front. "This is just so beautiful, I love being out here." Anna drew in a deep breathe, blowing it out slowly. I had to agree it was pretty awesome. We sat down and had lunch. Tidying up we began walking on the path back. Three hours later we were climbing the stile and once down held hands walking to the 'Landy'. It was about three in the afternoon. We went through the couples weekend routine, shopping, cleaning, tidying until we sat on the sofa, each with a small bottle of well known lager and put our stockinged feet on the coffee table. We had the Hi Fi on and the music of Ralph Vaughn Williams "Fantasia on a theme by Thomas Thallis" filled the room. Anna had her head on my shoulder and her elbow rested on my stomach. "so, we're OK with Liza coming then?" "Anna, I've said it's okay, this is your house as much as mine, any of your friends or family are welcome." "Right I suppose I better let her know where I am." She said flatly. "She doesn't know about me or your living here?" "We only text, I don't text that often. I find it keeps me sane." "Nice, Okay, well go on text Liza and give her our address." Anna harrumphed and pulled her mobile out. The keys chattered as she thumbed in the information, with a final flourish she held the phone out and we brought our heads together for a selfie. "Right she can pick the bones out of that." Before she could even put the phone down it chirruped and a response from Liza appeared. "Bitch! She's already near here, she's in Keswick and will be here in twenty minutes. Oh and she's bringing a friend with her." "Great I'll put the kettle on and make up a plate of biscuits." Anna grabbed me and pulled me into a frenzied kiss, I pulled her to me, she had always been a passionate lover, but never so demonstrative. Breaking away she looked at me breathlessly, "Promise me you will not fall for that bitch and her wiles." "Anna, stop it, I love you, I will never stop loving you. Don't worry, as a babe magnet I have great experience in warding of Bunny Boilers." "Please don't joke Jim, please, be very careful around her." Anna looked... Frightened, no! Nothing frightens Anna, but she was definitely on edge. I pulled her to me again and just held her. She finally began to prise me off. She kissed me gently and I kissed her back. The door bell rang and Anna blanched. I rubbed her shoulder and we stood. I let her go to the door, I heard it open. No screams and sounds of reunion, just a dull few words exchanged , the sound echoed down the hall. Anna came back in followed by her perfect double, I looked in awe. Following her came a tall willowy blond girl, looking apprehensive. Anna looked at me in a troubled way. "Jim this is Liza, Elizabeth I mean, err Betty, whatever. Jim this is my twin sister, Liza this is Jim." "Hi Jim, call me Liza, it will save a lot of trouble, glad to meet you. Aggie's been a little reticent about you and I can see why, you're pretty hunky." "Thanks, I love Anna very much and I'm really pleased to meet you." Liza turned to the girl by the door, "Aggie, Jim, this is Morag, she and I are... well, she's a very special person to me. You might want to sit down Aggie." Liza was hopping from foot to foot, "Morag and I are getting married. I am so excited." She screeched and hugged Morag. Morag grinned hugely as she and Liza hugged and kissed, Anna looked at me with her mouth open. I grinned, well this was certainly unexpected. Liza looked back at Anna and laughed. Morag grinning went and hugged Anna, Liza came and hugged me. I wrapped my arms round her and kissed her cheek. "Congratulations, this is all so sudden, where are you marrying?" "At home, I made Mum and Dad promise not to say anything until I'd seen Aggie." She gripped me in a vice like hold, just like Anna. Anna now whirled round out of Morag's hold and dragged Liza off me, folding her arms round her neck. I went to hug Morag. We met and hugged, she held me lightly unlike her girlfriend. By now Anna and Liza were wrapped up in each other, crying and stroking each others hair. I pulled away from Morag, but still held her hand, I made for the kitchen. With Morag's help we made tea and stacked a plate with biscuits. Anna and Liza were now sitting side by side and holding hands, talking over each other, grinning, tears still streaming down their faces. I set the mugs out and Morag put the plate in the centre of the coffee table. Looking at the two sisters I realised that at present Morag and I were superfluous. I dragged Morag out, found my coat and hers. Helping her into it, I shouted as we left. "Going down the pub with Morag, see you later." I did get a few stares as I dragged Morag into the Ship Aground, with me. We found a bench seat at a table in the corner. I took Morag's coat and dumped it with mine at the end of the bench. "What's your poison?" "May I have a Bacardi and Coke please, only a little ice?" "Coming right up." Dennis the convivial 'Mein Host' looked at me grinning, "No Anna tonight?" "She'll be alone later with her sister, or not, they've a lot of catching up to do, that's Morag, her sisters mate." "Gotcha, quite a stunner though." "Easy tiger, she's attached, and you're not her type. Now could I have the usual and a Bacardi and Coke with only a little ice." "Coming right up." I glanced back at Morag, who sat with a shy but amused grin on her face. I paid and wandered back with the drinks. "Nice place, do you come here often." "That's a rubbish chat up line," She grinned and poured the Coke in the Bacardi and ice. "You should be so lucky," "Looking at you, yes I would, but I'm taken as you know." She winked and wrinkled her nose, "Me too!" I roared as her laughter tinkled across the bar. We sat and talked and a few drinks later the door opened and Anna and Liza came in holding hands, I stood and beckoned them over, we kissed in passing as I moved to the bar. I saw Anna kiss a now standing Morag, as did Liza. I got the drinks and came back, the three girls chatting animatedly. I passed the drinks to Anna and Liza, and pointed to Morag's empty glass, she nodded and I went to get refills. I placed Morag's drink in front of her and sat, her hand squeezed my leg as she nodded a thanks. I raised my pint in salute and felt Anna's hand on my other leg. I leaned sideways and kissed her cheek. Morag now had her hand on Liza's leg, having instantly released mine after the squeeze. "So, when's the happy day," I asked. "Next month, the twenty first," they both said together, then kissed a quick lip smack. "Next month," Anna looked shocked, "It's OK, I'm not pregnant!" shot back Morag. After we'd all stopped laughing, Liza went on to explain that they had wanted to do it sooner, rather than later, as they just wanted to formalise the way they were. They were so happy and wanted to declare that to the world. I asked how long they had been together and was surprised to find it was also just about two years. They had met at a party and just clicked. Both had had their fair share of disastrous relationships and were not in a rush to start another. They had jokingly decided to form an exclusive club with only them as members. After a few meetings they had discovered that the other was exactly what they needed. Surprised because they had never had any serious female relationships before, so they took it very slowly at first. Morag then laughed as she explained how suddenly it had blossomed from a flirtation to a full blown, full on relationship. They realised they had each found someone they could relate to, the proverbial soulmate. Liza was looking adoringly at Morag, nodding avidly as she spoke. "I love her, it's as simple as that," Liza said, gazing at Morag. "I'm glad for the pair of you, I really, really am, I'm sorry we have such a piss poor relationship." Anna began to tear up, decidedly not normal for her in public. The Sound of Muesli Ch. 02 "I'm sorry to, for being such a bitch, oh come in, you know what I mean, sorry Jim, but I mean Geoff." "It doesn't matter, I have Jim and he's more than I could ever wish for, I'm lucky too you see," Anna grinned and squeezed my knee. We ambled back to the house, insisting that Liza and Morag have our bed, whilst we would settle for the smaller bed in the second bedroom. We had a coffee's and chatted on, until a yawning Liza said she wanted to go to bed. Morag smiled and Anna pushed Liza ahead of her up the narrow stairs, with much giggling. Morag followed as I locked up and switched the lights off. I went into our bedroom without thinking and was greeted by a naked Morag. I yelped and retreated to her laughter, shouting apologies through the closing door. Liza emerged from the bathroom, grinning, "Oi, what are you doing with my intended." "I am so embarrassed, I'm sorry, I completely forgot.." "Jim, it was an accident, don't worry, goodnight." Liza kissed me and gave me a hug. I went into the second bedroom, Anna , naked, grinned as she pulled the duvet down and climbed in. "What?" "Jim, your face, it's a picture." "I am so sorry, I really just forgot, God what an idiot." I stripped to my boxers and went to brush my teeth. I opened the bathroom door and saw Morag sitting on the toilet, clad in a sheer nightdress. She looked up and grinned, her hands going to her reddening face. "Oh for Fucks sake!" I said backing out. I stood on the landing until Morag came out, grinning. "Oh Jim, this is just too funny for words, night night, sleep well." She hugged and kissed me, then giggling left me standing shaking my head. I cleaned my teeth, washed my face and went back to the second bedroom. Snuggling up to Anna I told her what had just happened, she giggled, then laughed out loud, before snuggling down with me. Sleep came quickly, before I knew it we were bathed in early morning sunshine. Anna was lying across me and her hand was touching my face, God she's beautiful. There was a knock and Liza came in, followed by Morag with a tray of tea. "Budge up fatty, we've brought you tea in bed." Liza pulled the covers back, unfazed by our nakedness. I shook Anna. She woke with her hair across her face, which she slowly pulled back. Seeing Liza and Morag she grinned and shifted over, sitting up. I squeezed next to her as Liza slipped in next to me. Morag handed everyone a mug, before settling in next to Liza. "Well this is very cozy," "Don't tell me your not enjoying this Jimbo?" "Liza, I would be lying if I said I'm not." "Good, because I'm hoping that there'll be more mornings like this. Anna, are you OK with this?" "I'm wondering what's the game plan?" She said archly. "Ahh! still angry with me, don't blame you." "Why did you do it then?" The air cooled, Morag and I looked at each other, Anna glared at Liza. "Because I was a stupid, immature shallow, vindictive, jealous bitch, who didn't know what she was doing." Liza looked directly at Anna. "What did you have to be jealous of, you could have had any man, or woman for that matter." "It wasn't you I was jealous of, it was Geoff. I... I had realised by then I was probably Bi. In actual fact what I wasn't sure of was whether I was actually Lesbian. Well Morag sorted that out trust me." "Why were you jealous of Ge... Oh God No. No surely you didn't, I mean, Liza I'm your sister?" "I know, but you were everything I wanted to be, everything I couldn't have. I loved you so much and all I did was fuck everything up." Morag eased Liza into her shoulder and hugged her gently. I felt Anna's arm tighten round me, her head on my shoulder. "You had everything, Liza, everything, why would you want to be me?" "I didn't want to be you, I wanted you, I wanted you as a woman, you were my perfect sister." "Oh Liza, you never said, I thought we shared everything, I thought we were so open with each other." Morag and I exchanged glances, we both knew that we should stay quiet this was not a conversation we could be involved in. "How can you tell your own sister that she is the object of your desires, that you wanted to overstep the boundaries society sets, tell me how?" "How... how do you feel about me now?" "I love you more than I can ever say, but I love you as my sister, my best friend. I have all the love both mentally and physically that I need from Morag, she is truly my soulmate. But I need my sister's love too, I need to have you in my life. I need to have you with me when I marry, I love you so much." Liza's head dropped and the tears fell, I slid past Anna and let her go, Morag saw and pushed Liza forward. Anna moved to pull Liza into her arms and hugged her fiercely. Morag and I slipped off the bed and I approached Morag who threw herself into my arms and sobbed. I felt tears stinging my eyes, rolling down my cheeks. Anna was soothing Liza, who held onto her and shook with fear. Anna looked at me desperately, I nodded and sat on the chair, pulling Morag onto my lap. Slowly Liza began to calm and her lips found Anna's cheek. They hugged together. Morag curled onto my lap looked across at her lover. Her arms held me tight and I had a firm hold on her. "God, this is so stupid, I'm sorry, I am so worried now that you'll want me to go." "Liza, it's over, there's nothing bad between us now, we're sisters, of course I'll be at your wedding, try to stop me. I love Morag too, another sister, I couldn't be happier." "Really, you can forgive me being so stupid and..." "Shhh, it's all in the past, we have to look forward, not back." "I love you Aggie." "I know, I love you too you're beautiful, little sister." "Huh! fifteen minutes, that's all, fifteen minutes." "I know, but its enough Liza, and..." "What?" "Who's to say I didn't harbour desires about you, think on that." "Really?" "Trust me, but we have two very gorgeous other halves, so we're blessed." "Thanks." Anna, relaxed her grip on Liza and they kissed, on the lips, like sisters, then hugged again. Later we thought about a walk. Liza was interested in going into the hills, Morag too. So suitably kitted we set off on a stiff but short walk from home. It was good to be out in the warm sunshine and we had soon traveled quite a way. The ground underfoot was firm and dry, with the occasional rocky outcrop. We took the girls onto the high Fells and Liza grabbed Morag and looked out over the rich and ancient landscape. Morag took picture after picture, soaking up the valleys and fells around us. We had taken a picnic and settled down on a patch of flat ground, feet dangling over the edge of a short drop, before the fell rounded out to a grassy bank forty or fifty feet below. Having eaten and tidied up we walked hand in hand down to the bank and followed the contour line, passing rocky clumps and the odd sheep on the way. Anna and Liza gravitated together and arms round each others waists giggled and talked all the way down. I linked arms with Morag and we too talked and laughed following our lovers. The ground was not too steep and the going almost like the rough around a fairway. Soon we passed through the gap in a dry stone wall into a flattish field. crossing the field and over a stile, we followed between two walls slowly coming down into the village. We decided to eat at the pub that night and so as we passed Morag and I went in and booked a table. Following that and back at the house we entered to hear giggles from upstairs, shortly followed by squeals and the splash of water. I went up holding Morag by the hand and we followed the noise to the bathroom. Liza and Anna were in the bath, splashing each other, sat at opposite ends. The floor was wet and the taps were running. I grinned and felt Morag's hand tighten in mine. "So are you two friends again?" I shouted. "Yeah!" they said together, splashing water about. I felt Morag's hand slip from mine and heard the whisper of clothes coming off. Next thing Morag is between the sisters climbing into the tub. Shrieks rang out as they both splashed her with water. I sat back against the basin. no way was I getting in there, far too dangerous. Nothing in my back pack would help me with those three. "Jim, come on in, the waters lovely," Morag gasped as she sat sideways on between Anna and Liza, water splashing over her, drenching her and leaving her hair in a straggly mess. Anna and Liza cupping their hands spooned the warm water over her. Suddenly I was aware that Anna and Liza were out of the bath and had me lifted between them, Morag screamed and leapt out, as I was dunked into the water. Soaked and fully clothed I sat spitting water out, gasping for breath. they then climbed back in on top of me. Shrieks and screams echoed around as they piled in over me. Slowly we all calmed down and I stood and stripped, to cheers. I stepped out and found towels wrapping each as they too stepped out. Splitting off, Anna and I made for the second bedroom, where as the door shut, we threw the towels off and dived onto each other. It was mad, slippery love we made that afternoon, it also felt slightly illicit as we weren't in our own bedroom. Later we sheepishly emerged to meet an equally guilty looking Liza and Morag coming out the main bedroom. We fell about laughing and went downstairs for tea. Later we would have to revisit the bathroom and try to dry it out. I thanked God I had dropped my wallet and phone on the stairs as we went up earlier. Anna sat on Morag's lap as Liza painted her toenails, I made tea and kept an eye on the time. Next thing they had me surrounded, Liza on my lap as Morag and Anna painted my toenails. I giggled as they touched my sensitive feet, but I have to say the result was quite fetching. "You should wear your sandals to the pub." "Yeah right and have Dennis see this?" They giggled and we began to get ready, I felt Liza's arm round me, she kissed me and whispered, "Thank you, I'm glad you're Anna's rock, she needs someone grounded, she's so beautiful, I adore her, and you." "Thanks and it was certainly a surprise meeting you too. You and Morag are perfect, and I love you both." "Thanks bro. I appreciate that." "I'm flattered you think of me as a brother." "Couldn't be better." We hugged then parted so we could put on the coats a grinning Anna and Morag held for us. "What are you two up to?" "Just agreeing how lucky we are having you two." "Crawler!" We laughed and went for the meal. Stealing back later, all totally shattered, fully fed and probably slightly drunk, we said goodnight and went to bed. Monday would be upon us soon. We were off Monday as part of our free weekend, Liza and Morag had to leave as they needed to go home to be ready for work on Tuesday. It would be a three to four hour run, so they wanted to leave mid morning to be sure of getting home before the traffic could get worse. We reluctantly hugged and kissed goodbye but were looking forward to the wedding next month. Without Liza and Morag the house was quieter and Anna spent a lot of time just hugging me on the sofa. I lay with her on me just holding her. Nothing needed to be said, she closed her eyes and I wrapped her in my arms tightly, she sighed and a single tear fell. At five we had a text from Liza to say they were back safely, having stopped for lunch, then shopping on the way back. Liza again offered apologies for her behavour and expressed her long standing love for her sister. Anna's response was short and shocking, "Never, Ever, Ever leave me again." The Sound of Muesli After an hour the flashes had all but abated and only an occasional rumble could be heard. We emerged into the rain, hoods up and tied. The wind was pushing the rain at a steep angle, gusting enough to make one or two of us take a step sideways as it buffeted the group. Anna explained again, her voice firm and steady above the wind. Everyone was nodding, huddling together. We needed to cover the fact that this was the last opportunity for a toilet break for a while. However no one wanted to leave the group, so we moved off towards the path we came up. After a half hour we were halfway down. Sheltered from the wind slightly but soaked in the rain. At the point where we were back on the rock slabs, Anna found a half sheltered area with an overhang. Without ado, she pulled her leggings and thong down and squatted. Pete and Mike seeing her turned away from the wind and proceeded to pee. As everyone appeared they took the opportunity to pee, no false modesty, this was a basic human need. As Anna stood, Jo and Amy were down and squatted side by side, Dawn and Dennis appeared and dealt with the business. As tail end charlie, I was last and everyone had just about finished as I fished the old boy out and peed. "Better out than in," Dawn said and laughed. There were murmurs of laughter as I tucked myself away, grinning to myself. We stood in the lee until Anna led us out and down. Half an hour later we were approaching a grassy slope and the long walk down. A sudden shout and one of the guys, Pete, was rolling down the slope, managing to pull himself to a standstill thirty feet later by grabbing and holding onto the coarse grass he was rolling over. We walked down carefully as he pulled himself upright. Looking sheepish he apologised and insisted he was totally fine. We continued down and made it to the strand of trees. Just then the heavens really opened. There's no rain like Lake District rain, it was a thorough soaking, penetrating everything. Anna beckoned me over as we tried to find what shelter there was in the trees. "I'm not sure we're going to make it down before nightfall, options?" "OK, if that's the case, we need to find somewhere dryish and secure for the night, we need to let Mac know and we need to keep these folks spirits up." "Agreed, can you give Mac a shout, I'll explain the problem and we'll then discuss shelter." I nodded and found my radio. Mac was not best pleased and asked how much more we could do to get these good folks lower down and perhaps in range of the Landy's. I looked at my map and thought we could get down into the valley with luck, but it was a slog. On our side of the valley there were no nearby roads. As the rain fell and the sun moved it would be dark fairly soon, and we needed to be settled by then. Mac agreed and we looked at options for shelter. Anna was stood talking to the group, surprisingly they looked pretty relaxed about the situation. I joined them. They told me it was more stressful on payroll day, this was a doddle. We laughed, then I explained that we would be making for an old property nearby, which had been a shepherds house but had been abandoned for years. It was a one storey affair, probably only one room. They nodded. Anna and I checked maps and agreed the route. We set off, walking through the trees until we emerged on the track we took earlier. After ten minutes a quick map check and we moved to our left down a lesser track. curving along the contour we walked one behind the other steadily. Anna looked for the fork and we plunged downwards until the path broadened and we joined a larger track moving further left. The land opened before us, or it would have done had there not been a constant torrent of water pouring down on us. We walked over a hump and below us about twenty feet down and a hundred yards away stood a squat low building. We walked towards it, rounding it and looking for the entrance. A rough wooden door stood across the only gap in the rough brickwork. Luckily the courses finished above my head where wooden beams showed the roofline. The roof as such consisted of rows of local slate overlapping from top to bottom. Anna hefted the handle and pulled, the door gave slightly then halted. The door sagged on its hinges, the post they were attached to had rotted and pulled slightly away from the supporting wall. Dennis, Mike and Pete, who were in front in the column, joined Anna in lifting the door and pushing the post back against the wall. they swung it outwards and let it down gently. Inside was one large room, no windows, but plentiful small gaps in the stone work. we piled in, the floor appeared dry, which was a blessing. Anna removed her waterproof, hanging it on a stone which jutted slightly inwards. Opening her pack she produced a clean dry jumper, thick and ribbed. Then she simply pulled her damp top off, revealing a smart navy sports bra, quickly the dry garment was over her head and her arms emerged from the sleeves. Pulling them back in she deftly removed the bra. She hung the wet top and bra from other stones jutting into the room. "Can I suggest you get your waterproofs off and hang them up, if you're wet then change, you need to keep as dry as possible. OK?" Everyone nodded as Anna slipped her boots off and hauled her leggings and thong down, exchanging them for a dry pair of leggings. Meanwhile, following her example Waterproofs were removed and hung on any handy rock hooks. Delving into their packs dry shirts and jumpers appeared and without any protest or stupid remarks. wet tops were off and dry replacements added. Jo then fiddled under her dry top and removed her bra, hanging it by her wet top. Amy and Dawn then proceeded to do the same. Trousers followed, Dennis, obviously because he always did, stripped off his pants too, rummaging around for a dry pair. No one complained at his display, and one of the girls summed it up with. "Wish I'd thought of that, oh sod it I need to get these knickers off," She hauled her leggings down and her thong, finding dry leggings in her pack. So like Anna she pulled these on without underwear. Anna smiled and nodded. "If your underwear is wet change it, you can't afford to put modesty before comfort and warmth. now has everyone got dry clothes on?" Some were just finishing their changes but there was a general murmur of agreement, as the last damp clothes were hung up. "OK, I've just talked to the Centre, the low that was expected to pass is stuck, caught in the hills, so the rain will continue until at least early tomorrow." Loud groans all round. "Yes I agree, next, food, if you have anything left in your backpacks, please bring it out and we'll share it round. Also Jim has a small portable stove, so we can at least have a hot drink." I grinned and produced the small stove with its two gas cannisters and plastic bags with tea and coffee in. There was a sense of uplift. It's amazing what the prospect of a warm drink does. I knew there was a beck nearby so donning my waterproof I ventured out with my trusty billy can and the empty thermos. "Just leave them outside for five minutes, they'll be full." I heard Dawn yell to laughter. I grinned and slipped out. Back in ten minutes I set up the burner and began the first round of drinks. "Gents, ladies first, OK?" The guys nodded and walked over, we had two cups, but Amy had also brought a cup, because, she said, she couldn't drink from a bottle. At their request I made three teas and the guys took then to the girls, who gratefully cuddled the warm cups and drank. Next a quick swirl out and three coffees. Lastly Anna and I drank a coffee each. I rinsed the cups again and emptied the water out the door. We set about sharing out the food, Anna producing a wicked looking knife to carve up sandwiches and pies into portions. There was plenty of chocolate and Kendal Mint Cake, so we all managed at least enough to stave off any hunger pangs. In one corner of the hut we found a log store and surprisingly it was fairly full of dry wood. The far side had a chimney affair and a hearth. With some ingenuity involving a lighter and some paper tissues we managed to start a small fire, building it up into a reasonable sized fire. It wasn't too smokey either, so we all gathered round to enjoy the warmth. Each of the guys wrapped an arm round a women so we could all get fairly close. I looked at Anna, who grinned and raised an eyebrow. I sat next to her and felt her arm swing round me. I grinned, only Anna would do that, I thought. The fire was the only light, so we were dim shadows around the hearth. We fed it slowly, eking out the meagre supply. It was pitch black outside now and the rain continued to pound on the roof. I slipped away from the others and set up the stove again, making three teas. Anna joined me and we took them to the grateful girls. Pete then sheepishly produced four small plastic water bottles and offered them for use. I was grateful I wouldn't need to go outside again. After we'd all had another drink, we settled back by the fire. Then the stories started, childhood camping, caravanning. Trips to the seaside, and the Lake District were recalled. We all had a tale. Anna produced a mouth organ and played a few tunes, we joined in where we could. A guy fished out a small bottle of Brandy and we took a turns to take a mouthful. Anna warned against over imbibing, as the alcohol would dilate blood vessels and bleed any heat out of us. As the fire dimmed and the wood store emptied we fell into a drowsy mood. Anna had her head on my shoulder, my arm round her waist. Some one Dennis I think, needed to pee. I suggested the empty water bottles and two of the guys said they needed larger containers, to roars of approval from everyone. I suggested they point themselves at a gap in the stonework, which worked fairly well according to them when they returned from the dim area on the far side. Complaints came from Dawn and co. about how a bottle was an impossibility, we laughed but it wasn't an easy problem to solve. With the rain hammering down outside the options were limited. Anna walked round the edge of the building with her torch. Calling me over I helped her move the woodstore, behind was a gully and an exit to the outside, via a small pipe. The remains of an old sink area. However as a makeshift latrine it was perfect. After being found, Anna and the girls, took it in turns to use the facility. Shining the torch beam on the ground near the toilet they were able to squat and go. Meanwhile the brandy bottle went round again. Later with the fire just embers we settled together and tried to sleep. It was a fitful night, everyone having to get up at some point to pee. By morning we were awake and hoping for the rain to lift. It was still coming down, not as hard but still enough to drench us if we moved out. With the lighter morning the girls didn't need a torch, we could all see what was happening. Everyone took it in their stride however just going when the urge came. In fact at one stage Dawn was squatting down whilst she talked to Dennis as he peed through a gap beside her. Hunger was beginning to make itself felt now. We stood and mooched round, anxious to get going. Anna had us check that our waterproof's were dried out and our tops and leggings etc. were also dry. We packed up, made sure the fire was out. Donning our waterproofs we walked out. Walking down towards the Flatstone we made our way back. I noticed how the group were coalescing into a real closeness. They were walking in two's or grouped together, talking animatedly and enjoying each other's company. Well part of the trip had been very successful then. We trudged on, walking steadily downwards. After an hour we halted for a drink, sharing the contents of the bottles of water, which we had refilled at a beck we crossed earlier. Yes I know were not supposed too, but we needed something. Finally ten minutes after Anna last radioed in we hit a metaled road. Two Land Rovers stood with their tops on to keep the rear dry. We clambered in, all eight into the cramped rear, talking and hugging. Anna sat with her feet out the back., I sat behind and stretched my legs either side of hers. She looked back and grinned, leaning onto my chest. With a jolt we were off. Bouncing around we started to sing, laughing and giggling like five year olds. Fifteen minutes later we hit the A66 and cruised back to base. Mac jumping up from his deckchair as we roared in. Anna jumped out and held her hand out for me, I took it and she tugged me out, I landed and toppled forward, her arms wrapped round me and I kissed her. Then leaned back, waiting for the tirade. Instead she laughed and pulled me tighter. That was a first. After everyone was out, Mac led us into the portacabin, where a cooked breakfast was just being served up. We fell on it, chatting, like budgies as we ate. Mac stood behind Anna and I and we each felt his hand on our shoulders, a squeeze and a tap. Mac's usual thanks for a job well done. After breakfast, we were all hugging and saying goodbye, as the team went back to the hotel to clean up. I lived locally and suggested Anna come back for a shower. She kept a spare bag at the Centre, for emergencies. She said this was definitely an emergency. Hugging we walked to my car. Anna asked to drive, I tossed her the keys. I'm not precious about my things and anyway she was a better driver than me. She drove as I directed and we pulled up outside my house. She seemed impressed. That surprised me, it was just a modest two up two down. The front garden was just a ledge really before the pavement met the road. Inside, I slung my bag down and pointed out the facilities. Anna said she definitely wanted that shower, so I pulled a large clean bath towel out of the airing cupboard, watching her clatter upstairs to my tiny bathroom. "Don't stare at my arse!" she yelled, but I could hear her laughing. Forty minutes later she came down, towel wrapped around her just below her armpits. Apologising for not taking her bag up with her. No apology needed I said. Looking at the wet hair hanging down unfettered. She looked at me wryly, "What?" "Your hair, it looks, I don't know, I've never seen you with it down, it's always in a really neat ponytail, but it looks err... great." I finished lamely. "Hmm, I like to let it down outside work, but I could use a hairdryer if you have?" "Oh sure, there's one on my wife's side of the bed, third drawer down." "Your Wife?" "Ohh, errr, long story short, just to say, I haven't seen her in four, no five years now. I still call it my wife's side out of habit." "Ohh! Sorry, what... what happened? Sorry, sorry, you probably don't want to talk about it." "No! you're fine. She went off with.. I...err.. well... she... she err.. left me for my younger brother." "Fuck, shit, I'm so sorry, I..." Anna rolled her eyes and bite her lip. She shook her head, unable to believe her own stupidity. I walked to her and hugged her. "Not your fault, I never... I find it hard to talk about... you see I lost my wife and my best friend... no two best friends in one big hit." Her hands were round my waist. I looked down and kissed her lips, gently. Then feeling her respond, let myself go. I ravished her lips, they parted my tongue slid forward, I stopped and leaned back. "This isn't an 'I'm sorry I upset you' kiss is it?" I asked. "Fuck no, this is a 'I fancy you rotten, take me to bed kiss'," "Thank fuck for that, I'd hate to be seen as any sort of victim in this," "Can't be easy." "No it isn't but it's life. Sorry, what am I thinking, are you getting cold." "Bloody freezing," "C'mon." I grabbed her hand and pulled her giggling upstairs. We tumbled into my unmade bed where she pulled the towel off her and the duvet over, before I could inspect the goods. "Unfair, I didn't see anything." "Try touch," she said wriggling close to me. I shed my clothes, seeing her look of approval as I pulled my pants down, leaving the family jewels hanging on display. "Nice, looks good enough to eat." "Still hungry?" "Not for food, come here Lofty, I need some cuddle time." We hugged and kissed and then it got serious, we were hungry for sure, it had been a while for both of us though. Soon she 'Ahhed' her pleasure, as I 'Ohhed' mine. We came together and our hips began the tango. I found her lips and my arms were round her, hers flat on my back. Somehow we knew this was no rush job and so we took our time, the pleasure building until we each lost it. I lay back and felt her head on my chest, and her arm drape over my body. Her lips touched my chest gently, her breath rustled the hair on my chest. I ran my finger up and down her side. We drifted off and awoke later, slightly confused and with much grinning and silly giggles. I got out and went to make tea, bringing her back a mug of it. She sat up and gratefully accepted my offering. "So, what now lover?" I looked at her and grinned. "Am I your lover?" "Do you have a twin brother and he gets you to make the tea?" "Ahh that would be Derek, has he seduced you as well? He's left me to clear up again, hasn't he?" "He's pretty good in bed, how are you?" "In bed, me? well I can sleep a solid eight hours on a good day." "Really?" "Oh yes, by the way what did you say your name was?" "Daphne?" "Really?" "Daphne Ponsonby -Smyth." "Of the Keswick Ponsonby-Smyths" "That's my uncle, we're from Threlkeld." "Oh really! Do you know Hugo Fanshaw-Holmes?" "Idiot!" She laughed and patted my arm, sliding on top of me and kissing me. "That was nice, extremely nice, it's been a while." "Me too!" "Since...?" "Ummm yesss." "Poor thing, like riding a bike though..." "Once you know how to do it you never forget." "Apparently," "Mmm." She slid down to my side, arm wrapped across my chest. "Jim, seriously, I don't do this... sleep with someone, well sex, make love whatever. I don't just do it, it has to mean something for me to..." "I know, me too, I understand. I'd also understand if this was a one time thing. I'm no great shakes with the whole sex, love thing. Awkward, not rounded, that's what she said." "That's bollocks for a start, you rocked my socks and I think you're well worth the investment." "Investment?" "In my time, which is precious to me, in case you hadn't gathered." "I am surprised, astounded and gob smacked you want to spend time with me." "Why?" "Because, I'm just an ordinary guy doing a job and working with but trying not to fall for a very beautiful woman like you." "Do you think I'm beautiful?" "Yes of course who doesn't?" "What does that mean?" "Do you not notice the legions of men drooling along behind you?" She laughed and hit me on the shoulder. "Are you hungry yet?" "Wow swift change of subject, yes as it happens, although I haven't got much in." "we could go to the pub." "OK I need to shower and shave though." "Fair enough, I'll need another shower anyway, but you can go first." "We could share?" "You mean you could feel me up in a warm shower." "Absolutely, all over, all in the course of cleanliness though." "I bet... OK you're on, come on." We ate later at the pub, simple pub grub, then she came back and stayed overnight. Anna left on Sunday evening to go home. Two hours later she was back with two suitcases and a travel bag. That was two years ago. She hasn't left since. We both do the trips still, but we've never had cause to stay out on the hills overnight again.