Rosthwaite to Patterdale via Grasmere Day 3. 18 miles.

Too late to change any plans now. So we decided to be up bright and early, only 18 miles to go.
8 am saw us on the way, pleasant stroll for first mile - then we saw the climb! Not another one. Ok! But we knew we had to climb, we were in denial. The first one was a mere 2000 feet, took us over an hour and half, strained every muscle we had used the day before. But we did it no problem. But of course this climb had a steep descent into Grasmere. I thought I was doing well till a lady, about my age run (yes run) with all the gear and backpack) passed me. She sure was in a hurry. Won't be using her as a walking buddy. We did that section in four hours. That was good. The lady probably did in one!
Next - ok. We found out we were mad and should have done what the others had done! we had to do the same again. 1950 feet this time. We were tired by then, but had no choice but to go on. We had lunch at Grisedale Tarn, which sits just under Helvellyn. Was very nice. The weather in the morning was hot and sunny, but changed on the descent into Patterdale. Fleeces back on, with gloves too! That was a very steep descent too. I am so glad we haven't had any rain. It would have been very hard!
Met a few people walking the opposite way and chatted briefly to some of them. Once own to a level, the walk was long and of course our legs were aching. Was worth the walk tho. The B & B is right on the edge of Lake Ullswater. My room over looks the lake. Will be bed early tonight. Big climb tomorrow up Kidsty Pike then onto Shap - if my legs work in the morning!