14th July 09 Seathwaite Tarn
Arrived at the reservoir after a walk up the sodden tracks from the road below gaining a first sight of the reservoir’s dam from down the valley. As we approached, the sound of overflow water grew louder. A slight wind drew choppy waves away from the dam towards the closed wall of hills that lie at the far end – a wall that conceals a pass into the valley beyond.
We approached the island just off the shore and saw that the water was so clear. We decided the stake with the stones from Moss Eccles Tarn should be planted on the island, on a slope facing inwards looking over the water towards the far shore.
The swim across and back was glorious. The water was so pure and clean it meant very high visibility, the sun increasing its clarity. The turquoise water, darkening slightly with depth, was astounding and made watching Richard swim from below the surface so easy. With each underwater sweep of his arm or a kick of his legs, trails of air bubbles followed the movement emphasising the dynamics of propulsion.
Afterwards, we walked onto the top of the dam and watched the water roaring over the wall. Looking down, it seemed as if the falling water was flowing upwards and becoming like fire as the white water hit the pool at the bottom. Perceptions had been altered.
Paul
