Today I thought I’d start a new category called “Tales from the Wild.” Unlike “Wild Voices” which is about sharing your stories and voice, this is about any places my partner and I visit or explore. Any stories I come across or anything a little bit mysterious or unexplained.

To start these tales I want to share our recent visit to the Lake District. We only went for a day on Tuesday 8th August. But it had been planned in conjunction with another person since the end of May / begining of June. And more importantly it was more about meeting that person than visiting The Lakes.

This person who has become a very dear friend I met through IG and we’ve been corresponding for about two and a half years. For the whole of July, my friend and her family have been in the UK, in London. For a few days towards the end of their stay they were spending time visiting the Lake District. Admittedly it’s a long way to travel cross country from Yorkshire for a day. But how could we not somehow plan an opportunity to meet, particularly as it would be the first time ever. To make something that began in a virtual world a reality. She had already travelled all the way from the USA, not to see me necessarily but for other reasons. And this person is Paula whom you may know from IG as ‘strega_natura’.

We arranged to meet in a little village called Staveley. Easy for Paula to catch a bus or train and quieter than the main centres. I planned a picnic making a cheese and onion flan, cous cous salad, various other things and a suprise lemon drizzel cake which I know she likes. My partner likes this too. We packed everything into the van, table, chairs, cushions, plates, cutlery, dog, dog bed. Everything I could possible think we might need (bar the kitchen sink) and set off at about 7.30 am to travel the 171 miles. Crossing the Howardian Hills, Yorkshire Dales, The Pennines and on to Staveley. We made good time and arrived in Staveley at about midday parking the van in the place we sussed out on google next to the River Kent. Then the long anticipated, emotional moment of walking down the road to meet Paula. Emotional that moment was, of tears and hugs. Of finally getting to meet a special soul with whom; letters, emails, photos, gifts, long distance video calls and all sorts of exchanges have happened over the last few years. What an emotional moment!

We had planned a walk or part of one. Having just started it and ‘done ourselves in’ getting up “That Hill” the guide claimed it was easy to moderate but I felt like I needed crampons. We reached a ‘ladder style’ which was impossible for our dog to climb and I couldn’t lift her above my shoulders to get her up the wall. The pay off though was the view was spectacular but I was a hot mess, had forgotten my hat and really should have changed into my t-shirt. It had become quite warm. So back down “That Hill” which we’ll all have a collective memory of and on to a much gentler route. Along a wooded bridleway and an impromptu rock and fossil hunt at the river. Shady, cool and secluded much more in mine and everyone’s comfort zone I think. The sun had burned off the clouds and the water sparkled in the dappled shade. Even our dog perked up in the cooling waters, barking and wanting to chase skimmed stones, splashing up to her belly which is unheard of.

With our meander back to the van we spent the remainder of the afternoon with a picnic next to the river talking, laughing, enjoying food, good company and cake. Exchanging homemade gifts of cake and jam for Paula’s family and heartfelt handmade gifts made for each other along with hugs. What a wonderful afternoon but all to soon our time together was at an end. Paula needed to return to her family and we needed to start our long journey home.

Good things always seem to be so fleeting and as I waited with Paula for the bus to arrive, arrive it did and on time. With departing hugs and waves I made my way back, with the sudden realisation we hadn’t taken any photos of us together. I was so, so, gutted. Why hadn’t I thought of that since our walk. I mentioned this to Geoffrey and he said we weren’t far from Windermere and all we could do was ring and ask. So I did ring and before I could even say it Paula knew what I was thinking as she had thought the exact same thing on her journey back.

With the van quickly packed and doggo in her carrier we headed into the town taking a somewhat unwanted circuitous route, eventually parking perhaps where we shouldn’t. The beauty of this minor detour though is I got to meet Paula’s husband and children, even if it was for the briefest of moments. What an unexpected gift. With an exchange of much needed photos and another opportunity for hugs it was time for us to make the long journey home.

We took a different route home this time via Sedbergh, Hawes and Aysgarth stopping to have food looking over the Howgill Fells. Watching the last of the sun disappear behind them.

We arrived home around 12.30 am tired from a long journey but with heads full of happy memories. Very soon Paula will be welcomed back into the green embrace of her familiar woods and home. But for this briefest moment I am glad we both took the time to plan to meet and connect beyond the virtual world. It is a moment I will treasure until next time my friend. Adieu.