Boys weekend away in the Lakes October 8 & 9 2011

Just back from a great boys' weekend. On Saturday after rowing, Mark and I drove (well he drove, and I slept) up to the Lakes. From M6 J39, we parked next to the Wet Sleddale reservoir, and then went for a run. It seemed like ages, but Mark told me it was just under 3 hours; we slipped, slithered, slid and spun all over the place, running in all sorts of mucky stuff. We went up the track to Mosedale, where there was an isolated cottage near the head of the valley, just a grassy track leading to it which Mark I think was thinking he'd like to live there as any visitors would have to walk about 4 miles to get to him. From there we crossed the watershed (and there was a lot of water) and down to the Gatescarth Road. On solid ground to the top of the pass, and as time was tight we didn't descend, but climbed up along the fence to Branstree from which we could catch glimpses of Haweswater in between the clouds. From there we went direct to Selside Pike, and needing to get back as quickly as possible we took the direct route eastwards alongside the fence across Mosedale Beck and back on the outward road.
After drying a bit, we drove to Tebay and I warmed myself in front of the fire in the Cross Keys Inn, while Mark got himself some beer. A nice lady at the next table rubbed my tummy, and looked after me while Mark went outside to send a text.
Next Rick arrived, and we went off to the cottage. Rick asked if I'm OK with other dogs, and Mark said something about me being good with every type except Beagles - then I saw Jessie. I had my reputation to keep up, so I growled and snapped at her. Soon afterwards they all left me, telling me to be a good boy, and that they were going to have a meal with Bob Graham, and get a certificate for it - seemed a bit strange to get a certificate just for eating, but there you go....humans!
Next day, I was ready for more running, so Mark drove us to Buxton and asked the nice Rotary club marshalls if I could run in a race with him.
At the start line, Mark wanted us to start near the back out of the way, but I knew he was wrong and tried to get to the front. I told him this (constantly) for the 5 minutes that we were waiting for the off, and then I sprung into life; I was anxious to get to the front and couldn't understand why we were going so slowly. I couldn't believe it when we queued for 3 minutes to get over a stile - I would have jumped right over the wall and complained loudly to Mark at the delay.
Once we were across, I had work to do and dashed off after the runner in front, got past and then after the next one; most of the smiled at me as I went past, and asked if they could borrow me. I had about 5 or 6 drinks, a couple of immersions, and quite a few toilet breaks, but Mark wouldn't let me sniff about for long.