Sunday July 27th ~ The Lake District, England

Just a quick recap of how we got from Ireland to England.  On Friday we took the Ferry from Dublin to Holyhead, England and then four trains brought us all the way to Windermere which is to be our home base for five nights as we explore the Lake District.

Old England Hotel

The Old England Hotel is situated right on the lake.  It was a bit of a splurge for us to book here, but I’m so glad we did.  This is a lovely property.  The staff is helpful and courteous. The room is clean, roomy and the bed is one of the most comfortable we have had.  The shower is hot with good water pressure, with a separate bathtub.  We even have a view of the lake from our room!

Bowness Harbor

We spent Saturday just walking around, enjoying the sunshine and getting familiar with the area along the lakes edge.  Instead of a walk-about, we did a stroll-about.  Taking our time, people watching, eating an ice cream cone, and feeding the swans and geese that are everywhere.

That was one of the hottest days recently and we soaked up the sunshine.

Today it was time to see more of the Lake District.  Our hotel concierge recommended a local company called The Mountain Goat and booked us on a “Ten Lake Spectacular” tour.

Our driver, Anne, picked us up at our hotel at 9:30.  The 16 passenger van was full by the time we left Windermere.  We had people from Hong Kong, Israel, England, and India – a nice cross-section.

We passed through lush countryside, primarily filled with pastureland.  The sheep outnumbered cows and we learned about the local breeds.  The tour moved at a nice easy pace with frequent short photo stops. Here are a few favorites from today:

Divided fields

Lake in the distance

Castlerigg Stone Circle

Not quite as impressive as Stonehenge, but we could get up close and personal here. Dating back around 4500 years by some estimates and probably used for either a religious, ceremonial purpose and/or a gathering point to conduct trade.

Castlerigg Stone Circle

Stone Circle

Next stop in Keswick for a 50 minute cruise on the lake followed by lunch in town and time to walk the streets for a short time.  This is a VERY dog friendly area.  Water dishes are set outside of most businesses and signs are placed in many store and restaurant windows saying that dogs are welcome inside.

Canada Geese galore

Wooden boats for rent

50 minute tours of the lake are on this style of boat

Another vista point must have been a favorite for wedding photographers as well.  We spotted this bride coming through the trees.

Congratulations to the bride

Honister Pass

Even with a few sprinkles here and there we had a very nice day.  In fact we enjoyed it enough to book a different tour with this company for tomorrow!

Gratitude Moment:  Today I am grateful for melting pot societies.  There is so much that can be learned from other cultures when we keep an open mind and an open heart.  I have no room in my life for bigotry or prejudices.