Travelogue: More Lake District

After a breakfast of porridge and toast, we headed out…started in Keswick where I took the Keswick Launch around Derwentwater, the most photographed of the lakes.  I had some idea of getting off at Lodore to go see the waterfalls, but somehow missed the stop because I didn’t realize they had skipped the first dock on the map.  Oh well…you can see the old hotel and waterfalls from the lake so all was not lost and I got wonderful views of the lake district from the bow of the boat.  Lots of folks were heading out for hikes.

I got back into town with time to kill before meeting my folks, so I poked around the St. John’s churchyard, vaguely looking for the grave of poet Robert Southey, but mostly enjoying the solitude.

Next stop was Grasmere…this time to visit the Wordsworth family graves in the churchyard of St. Oswald’s.  Then, thanks to a tip from a friend, we stopped into Sarah Nelson’s for gingerbread.  Just a tiny shop next to the church.  We also had lunch in town right next to the bridge over the River Rothay.

We had time so decided to check out the Castlerigg Stone Circle.  It is the oldest circle and one of many that can be found in this part of England.  It was crowded with a school group so we snapped a few pictures and then wandered across the field to look at sheep over the stone fence.  We had one of those great accidental moments:  we missed the stone circle the first time and found a pottery where we were just going to turn around.  Instead, we bought mugs and vases and chatted with the owner, Jan Burgess.

From there, we headed south along the lake to the Ashness Bridge with its beautiful view across the lake.  We continued south over the dramatic Honister Pass.  Just huge mountains and sheep on either side.

Check out more Lake District photos here.

Then we had one of those not-so-great accidental moments.  We managed to hit a rock and flatten two tires on the car.  We flagged down a passing motorist who was unbelievably helpful.  He and his wife drove into the next little town for a pay phone–no cell service out in the fells.  He came back to let us know that the Royal Automobile Club was on the job.   And, sure enough, some time later, a chap showed up to let us know that he had been in touch with our rental agency and they were going to exchange the car for us.  Unfortunately, it meant having to drive to Newcastle, about 90 minutes away.  As we sat in the car waiting for the tow, it got dark and then rainy and then windy and it was oddly exciting, if a little scary, to be stuck there.  But, no worries, the two truck driver appeared soon after and we took a lively ride with him to get our new car.  It was fun to chat with him about politics (the English are sure Barack Obama will be the next president) and sports and the ways of the world. We were tucked into our beds at the farm by 2:30 AM and I’m trying not to think how much it might cost.  Mostly, we’re thinking about how nice and friendly everyone was!