Hello again from the trail! Ted here, with Buddy close by (he’s snoring but insists he’s “supervising”). We’ve just completed our most epic wild camping mission so far, 18 miles, 1600 metres of climbing, two very fluffy explorers, and one brave human dragging himself through the bog behind us.
Setting Off
It all started with a sniff of the gear. Dad suddenly grabbed the big bag, filled it with snacks (for us… and a few boring human bits), and off we went. The weather looked perfect, and you know what that means… Adventure time!
We passed beautiful places like the old stone bridge (Buddy says it smelled like history and frogs) and clambered over wet rocks by a bubbling stream. Photo evidence exists of Buddy pretending to be tired beside the bridge. Don’t believe it—he just wanted a better view of a picnic bag.
The Climb Begins
Things got steeper, and soggier, and we’re not exaggerating—the bogs tried to eat us. Ted lost a paw in one (briefly), and Dad nearly sacrificed a boot. It was like a game of swamp dodgeball. But we kept moving. Determined. Muddy. Glorious.
Buddy did a great impression of that well known sketch on the Vicar if Dibley. He landed in mud right up to his chin! I laughed, dad was cross and Buddy was looking for the next swamp. Eventually, we reached the top. And guess what? There was heather everywhere! Buddy immediately decided it was nap o’clock. I joined him after a quick patrol. We earned this.
Home Sweet Tent
Dad found the perfect(ish) pitch. It was a bit wet underneath but the views were pawsome, and once the tent was up, we dove straight into our sleeping bags. Seriously, nothing beats snuggling into a warm nest after a long day on the fells.
I, Ted, called dibs on the blue bag. Buddy doesn’t care as long as he’s near the snacks.
Outside, Dad set up the little stove, made tea, and stared into the hills thoughtfully. We didn’t interrupt, we get it. He loves these quiet moments. So do we.
The Morning After
The night was peaceful, except for a few “what was that” sniffs in the dark. Morning came with big skies, golden light, and two dogs ready for more. We packed up (well, Dad did, we supervised again) and headed back down.
The way back wasn’t easy. More bogs. More climbs. More happy panting. But we made it. Tired, dirty, happy.
Final Paw Thoughts
Eighteen miles. 1600 metres of elevation. One tent. A couple of soggy sleeping bags. And the best time ever.
We saw wild places, crossed ancient bridges, rolled in fields of heather, and slept on top of the world.
We’d do it again tomorrow if Dad’s legs would allow it.
– Ted & Buddy
(P.S. We’re available for adventure modelling. Payment accepted in sausage.)
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