Lake District, October 2018. Day 3. Wasdale Wandering and the Wasdale Oak

What a contrast to two days ago: Storm Callum with 24C temperatures, gales, torrential rain and flood to flat calm, clear skies -1C and our first frost.  We were up and away at 10.00 am.  It is a long drive round to Wasdale from Ashess Lane.  We did consider the trip over the Wrynose and Hardknott passes but Google says that going round is quicker.  By the time we arrived at the NT car park at Wasdale Head and set out it was nearly 1.00 pm.  We must remember to start earlier before coming round to Wasdale in the future.  Nonetheless it was a beautiful afternoon and the sky had cleared completely, not so good for photography but at the end of the day a few interesting clouds bubbled up.  The autumn colours were stunning and at times the lake was flat calm producing superb reflections. Our route took us over the fields of Wasdale Head Hall farm before tackling the steep open fellside above the lake.  Initially we were on a narrow path through bracken before crossing two sections of the famous Wasdale Screes.  Actually the walking was easier over the screes without the impeding bracket.  I had identified the tree using binoculars from the other side of the lake so recognised the landmarks indicating that we were below the oak.  Now all remained a ferociously steep scramble up to it while Heather stayed below drawing.  Breathless and sweating, I enjoyed just sitting with the tree soaking up it's presence and the view before photographing it.  For such an old tree it is relatively small tree, naturally bonsaied as it struggles through the scree.  Around it though are quite a few saplings hopefully the harbingers of a fellside oak wood while giddyingly below me were beatifully graceful silver birches looking wonderful with their Autumn colours contrasting with the steely blue of the lake waters below.  What a situation!!  The afternoon was slipping away from us so all too soon it was time to head back to the car revelling in the autumn colours  reflections and the majestic mountains of Kirkfell, Great Gable and Scafells at the head of the valley.  As we drove back along the lake I stopped for some photography of Gable set against the lake waters.
We were late back at the van so it was time for some serious rehydration while cooking dinner.