We had plans for us all to walk today but the weather was diabolical this morning and by the time it cleared it was too late for the bus and for me to join them.
So while The Walker, Lee and Marion tackled another bit of The Cumbria Way' I enjoyed exploring the walking capital, Keswick. We were here at Christmas and I hadn’t been over-impressed with the place: lots of the shops were closed, perhaps as it was out of season. However, I don’t think I had realised the size of it and, bustling with people, a large market in the centre and all the shops open, it is quite an attractive town. It is true, though, that every second shop sells some type of walking, cycling, climbing or outdoor gear and equipment. What a choice! Yes, I did succumb and bought yet more shorts for The Walker to try ( and some trousers for me!).I visited a puzzle centre which is good fun and brain taxing. There are lots of optical illusions to wonder at – a popular tourist activity on a wet afternoon!
Best part of the day was meeting up with Ann and Alice ( my son-in-law’s mother and nan respectively) along with Rowan (Ann’s new puppy- he’s so cute and well-behaved!) for a meal in Threlkeld – pity it was too wet to barbecue! Sadly we said goodbye to Lee and Marion and Ann kindly drove them to Penrith to catch the train home; we had loved having them and had a great time.
Ann, Alice, Les & Rowan - after our meal, which is why the ladies are looking contented & the unfed Rowan a little distracted!
From Bernie:
Today's walk 8.1 miles : Cumulative 728.8 miles
Yesterday's shortened walking day proved to be a blessing as it left us with an easy 3 hour waterside wander into Keswick, which was all we had time for after the horrible overnight & heavy morning rain! I wouldn't have been wanting to tackle the next leg, over High Pike, in today's conditions! So, 58 days in & back on schedule!
Stepping-stones on the Derwent where we were supposed to cross - luckily there's a bridge downstream!
When we finally got underway it was obvious that, like us, everyone else had been waiting for a break in the weather, though at least half of those we saw were engaged in activities involving boats, canoes or water generally! The most exciting looked to be something I could only describe as water-zorbing, if such a thing exists! Instead of rolling down a hill inside a ball these enthusiasts were rolling across the lake! Looked like great fun... if a little cold & wet!
Bay at the southern tip of Derwent Water
Descending to Grange I heard a growling & rumbling in the valley below, which I assumed to be something else to do with water-sports. Emerging from the trees I watched, in amazement, the tail-end of a convoy of Volkswagen camper-vans trundling through the village! Some looked incredibly ancient, others sparklingly new and I counted over thirty before the last ones came into sight - there must have been twice that number, at least. Goodness knows what mayhem they caused when they reached the narrow lakeside main road!
Never heard of these - wonder if there's one that goes to John o'Groats?!
Our walk along the western shore of Derwent Water was probably the busiest of the whole LeJog so far with dozens of families, Saturday-strollers & dog-walkers making the most of the gentle woodland paths before the next great veil of cloud & drizzle closed around the afternoon. Quite a few were using the hourly pleasure-steamers to hop around the lake, clockwise or anti-clockwise according to taste! These same boats we'd seen ice-bound when we were last here on Christmas Day & the lake was completely frozen!
'Princess Margaret' at Brandelhow jetty
Highlight of the Day: another set of visitors! I'm beginning to feel quite popular! It was great to see Ann, Alice & Rowan (the puppy!) before Alice whizzes off to Scotland tomorrow. Hmm.... seems like she'll get there before us! Along with Lee & Marion we all enjoyed an excellent meal at 'The Salutation Inn' (not Rowan, the puppy!).
Beer of the Day: appropriately 'Cumbria Way' from Hartley's Brewery in Ulverston. I've had this a couple of times before when I've been in the Lakes - a smooth, golden bitter with a gentle but surprisingly sharp aftertaste, it was served quite cool today: I like this!
'A Safe Pair of Hands' - created to mark the centenary of The National Trust in 2002. Wonderful sculpture even if I sometimes struggle to match its title with the organization...
Song of the Day (an occasional series!): 'Zorbing' by Stornoway - describes a different kind of zorbing but how could I not be reminded of this after Derwent Water?Jamie: Happy Birthday, Kid! Having failed to post this blog last night you might get Birthday Wishes twice if we have internet in Caldbeck tonight!
Pam: the trouble is that she's sometimes so far behind I can't see her!
Julia: water! Didn't you know it turns steel rusty? Just think what it does to your insides!
Ann: the manager's role in photography is purely administrative! She copies the pictures from the laptop to her Blackberry, changes the format & emails them to the blog (far too technical for me!). Only once has the signal been strong enough to upload them directly!
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