The weatherman said it would be a good weekend and it indeed turned out to be so.
We managed to get out of the house on both days and we are pleased to report that Spring has officially arrived.
The hedgerows and grass covered banks are full of colour. From the white of the snowdrops a few weeks ago to a golden yellow, via the occasional purple crocus flower.
With the warmer temperatures, currently 9 deg C, bright yellow catkins and daffodils offer the hope of a good summer ahead.
Walk by the river
Although the ground is a little squishy under our paws we managed to keep to the dry paths, with only the occasional detour to follow a sniff, or two.
Our walk on Sunday took us along the side of the River Eden from Engine Lonning towards the Sheepmount Athletics area.
We have done this walk many times. It is a good walk for Buster and his dodgy hip as it features a varied collection of surfaces and is reasonably flat.
Since the puffing steam trains left, the area around Engine Lonning has been taken over by wildlife and assorted plants.
A great number of the large willows have been coppiced. This means that they have been chopped back regularly to the ground to allow a lot of stems to grow quickly. Quite a few British native trees can be coppiced and the practice dates back many hundreds of years.
The area is managed by the local council and they keep it tidy and well tended.
Too cold for a paddle
With Charlie constantly straining on his lead, pulling towards the water to our left, we eventually came out onto the grass at the rear of the Sheepmount.
A few men were being naughty playing with a quad bike up and down the paths. However, they did slow down as we went past so we were not too scared.
Using a motorised vehicle is not really acceptable, as this is a public path and children and animals use it regularly.
Taking a rest
For a bloke of almost 100 I still am quite active, but the bones do ache after a good walk.
Whilst dad and Charlie power ahead, mum and I walk behind taking our time and take rests when we can.
Today I decided to take a moment to sit and rest surrounded by daffodils.
Looking across the playing fields behind Carlisle Castle I could watch the children playing and hear the birds sing.
Charlie wondered what I was doing but he too soon dropped and took a moment to enjoy the arrival of Spring.
Until next time, big licks
Buster and Charlie