Today was going to be our day for adventure regardless of rain, snow, wind or frost and we both played up until we had our leads on.
We have lost far too many days this year to the weather and earlier today we both laid the guilt trips on until we got our own way and were taken for an adventure.
Yesterday we had heard so much about the flooding in the county that we thought we should investigate and so we headed off towards the River Eden to see what we could see.
With darkening skies overhead the two leggers had their long coats, walking boots and gators on, and I was equipped with my light waterproof coat to keep my back dry.
Our walk took us into Engine Lonning and down the steps under the Waverley Viaduct. Part of the security fence stopping people from walking across the bridge above had fallen onto the path. We had to be careful not to cut ourselves on the sharp metal edges.
Many of the plants lining our path were taking full advantage of the wet weather to create some fantastic flowers.
Normally at this time of the year they would be struggling as they looked for any water in the ground. However, this year no such trouble and they are taking full advantage with some spectacular flowers.
We spotted brambles in full flower, ox eye daisies, orchids and loads of other plants thriving in the conditions.
Sheltering from the rain
As the heavens opened and the rain bounced into puddles, we hid from the worst of the downpour under the West Coast mainline as it crosses over the River Eden near to the Sheepmount Athletics track.
After a few minutes we were joined by a very friendly robin who had a similar idea to avoid getting soaked.
He flitted between the bushes and some of the bridge supports before settling on a safe place to wait out the weather.
Carlisle flooding
It was not long before we found ourselves up to our tummies in water.
The grass path that runs alongside the River Eden had in places become very muddy and created perfect places for a paddle.
We were unsure if the river had actually come above the banks but in many places the weeds had been flattened that lined our route.
We quickly decided that if were were to qualify for baths upon our return home, then we should be suitably mucky.
Whilst mum and dad stuck to the edges of puddles we steamed head long through them, creating splashes and stirring up the silt as best we could.
Olympic torch site under water
Leaving the river path behind, we exited onto the tarmac of Mayor’s Drive that runs around Bitts Park in Carlisle.
On Wednesday thousands of people and a big stage filled this area, as the Olympic torch arrived in the City.
Now the show site is under almost 1m (3ft) of water and is only suitable for visiting ducks.
Interestingly the River Eden appears to have stayed within the banks so we wondered if this flooding was due to a rise in the underground water table.
Railway damage
Nearby the damage to an overhead cable gantry on the west Coast mainline could clearly be seen.
On Saturday the River Caldew burst through and flooded the car park beyond.
Approximately 50m of river bank and a retaining wall has collapsed causing the gantry to perch at the rivers edge.
Although some disruption occurred on Saturday it would appear that some form of normality has now been restored, with inter-city trains passing through the area earlier today.
With blue skies appearing above our heads we return home, muddy, soggy and with the impending threat of a bath awaiting us.
Until next time
Buster and Charlie