We are now officially fed up with the rain and the constant damp conditions, so much so we decided that today we were going to go out to play regardless of what the weather was going to do.
Coats, boots, rucksack and extra drying cloths were all gathered together and we headed off towards Cummersdale on the western edge of the city.
To some this may have seemed like a bit of over planning but we were determined to enjoy our day and also not get too wet or cold.
Lots of water
Coming to Cummersdale and parking near to the Stead McAlpine print factory was a bit of a risk, especially after all the recent rain and with more expected at any time.
The area sits right next to the River Caldew and was quite badly flooded only a few weeks ago on the weekend of 25 June.
Thankfully the water level was a good few metres below the river bank, so we took the risk and hoped all would be ok.
Dad did however remark that this factory was the source of some of the fabric used in state rooms aboard the RMS Titanic, and we all know what happened to her.
Walking towards Dalston we soon noticed where the water had flooded over the path and caused damage.
Cummersdale viaduct flood damage
The tell-tale signs of flattened grass, debris strung like washing on fence wires and the muddy sludge covering the path was proof that water had been quite high.
Closed for a time following the floods, due to possible damage to the foundations the Cummersdale rail viaduct reopened soon after following inspections by divers.
The foundations were found to be unaffected. However, quite a bit of debris litters the site.
Scaffolding, installed during 2011 as part of a £1m scheme of renovations, still clings to the bridge but it is unclear if it is safe or secure.
Grass, leaves and other river rubbish could be seen clinging to ladders, scaffold poles and plastic sheeting across the worksite.
Nearby a security guard keeps watch, monitoring water levels just in case the flood waters rise once more. We say hello with wags of our tails and he says he has a good book to keep him company over night.
Brown River Caldew
Continuing our walk alongside the chocolate brown bubbling river we took time to look into the green borders lining our path.
Many small creatures including bees, beetles and lots of big juicy slugs were taking full advantage of the weather conditions.
Charlie left many footprint trails across the dry path as he travelled from left to right following sniffs.
He must walk five times further than me and never in a straight line.
One of the irritating things about this walk are the number of bicycles that use the path and do not care about other users.
They often appear without notice behind us and speed past without even a word. Whatever happened to bikes having a simple bell and the riders slowing down?
Rant over we continue on our walk towards Dalston and the promise, now that the two leggers have raided their pockets and found £4, something munchable from the bakery.
Not wishing to wait for something to chew I take a good look into the tall grass and find some that tastes really juicy.
Sadly we do not have any grass growing in our back garden so I take the chance to fill my tummy with some really tall leaves.
For those who don’t know, many dogs love grass as it helps clean out our tummies of nasty bugs and also adds some fresh green fibre into our diet.
I choose my leaves very carefully, often going for stems away from the path edge and only eating a few centimetres from any one stalk.
Big crane in Dalston
Now approaching the outskirts of Dalston we spot a big blue crane towering above the Nestle milk factory.
What fun we could have if we tied a chew to the hook and had Charlie climb all the steps to the cross bar to retrieve it. Only to send it back down before he made it to the top……. Up … Down….Up …Down … are you tired yet Charlie?
The factory is where, we think, they make the Nescafé Cappuccino product found on supermarket shelves all over the UK.
We took a few moments to see if it was working but it looked as if the operators cabin was empty.
Orange Slime
Our path curves around the edge of the church graveyard and it was here that mum spotted a most unusual sight.
Instantly we were put on short leads and told to keep our distance whilst dad was dispatched to investigate.
A tree stump, sitting in the hedgerow, was covered in white and orange slime. It looked all bubbly and, apart from being the wrong colour, quite snot like.
A number of ants and flies seemed also to be investigating the unusual space alien gloop.
Investigations via the web as we write up our days activities possibly indicate that it is yeast fungus feeding off the rising tree sap. Maybe you can let us know what it is via the comments area below.
Dalston Bakery
Thankfully the thought of slime did not put us off the thoughts of cake and upon arrival in Dalston mum was sent across the road to the bakers whilst we sat in the churchyard.
Returning a few moments later with a hot pie and a sticky cake, we rested and had our fill before our return journey back towards the car.
Until next time
Buster and Charlie
Nearby a security guard stands watch, ready to send out the alert if the river rises too high.