The Lakes District

Our accommodation is again a self catering cottage - however this one is a small "studio cottage" - it is comfortable but much smaller than the previous two we had ( we did know it would be smaller). However we were spoilt by the previous two and in fact the last one in Bath was of a very high standard and as well as having everything you requires Morag the owner provided basic food, including Vegies from her garden and was just so accommodating and helpful.

Well, while these owners greeted us, it was all very matter of fact - nothing personal (except he told Irene his medical issues in the first five minutes), and lets just say they have only provided the bare basics (2 of everything eg knives, forks, very small thin towels etc). While they say some things on the website, lets just say it is not accurate  - eg wifi not accessible from inside the studio ( you can get it outside in the courtyard), and they advertise a pub 500 metres - not sure what has happens to the pub.

Anyway, nothing great to upset us, just shows the different contrast between three cottages. Below is the cottage and the owners house, which is made with the slate stones as many of he houses here are.

 Now what have we been up to? Well we have kept up with the walking.  We are situated in between Bowness and Windermere - about a 10 minute walk either way. They are both holiday towns and as you could imagine there are people everywhere, although both places have a good feel for them. While we have walked to have a quick look,we have not really explored either town yet, and intend to do that in the next couple of days. 

Yesterday was raining in true British style (not drizzle, straight down heavy rain),and even though we had our jackets, we went to Kendal, parked in a covered car park, had lunch, did some banking, shopped for groceries and had a look around a shopping centre - not much sightseeing.

 We have also been for a look at Coniston a beautiful little town on the other side of the lake. It has mountains behind it, while at the other end of the lake there are forests.

 It is also the town where Donald Campbell lost his life on the lake trying to achieve the fastest water speed record, his grave site is in the local cemetery 

 Today we took a trip to the West Lakes area, through towns such as Ulverston then taking the coastal road towards Barrow, having a look at Roa Island, then up to Grizebeck, down to Millom and Haverigg and back home through Coniston, and Ambleside.

The country side is so pretty ( we will get to the water before we go), rolling hills, mountains one side and forest the other. Sheep and cows dotted around - although there is a sheep which is grey and white and seems very large, which Irene wants to find out more about it. Wonderful stone fences, and so much green which shows off the houses and farms.

 One of the things that is difficult when driving from one place to another, is that you see the most magnificent views - however there is nowhere to pull over or stop to admire or take a pic - anyway we will have wonderful memories of this magnificent country side.

One other small thing for our bowling buddies at Tuross. On our walk last night we came across a group playing "bowls". They played in pairs, used a yellow jack (same size as the bowl) and two bowls. The green was a crown green, and the object was to get as close to the jack as possible. There is no rule as to where you put the jack, put it where you like as long as you can get your bowl to it. You start the new end, where your jack was last - there was only two couple playing last night but a fellow told us they have up to five teams playing - must get a bit confusing as they can play across each other! 

We thought we would stick to what we know.