Day 16: On Derwent Water

The forecast today was sunny - the only day on the horizon with this forecast - and the morning view from our window proved promising.

We therefore followed our plan and headed down to the water to catch the 11.30 boat around Derwent Water. The boat wharf is directly opposite the Theatre on the Lake. The boat ticket office sells duck food, so there is always a collection of geese, ducks and swans waiting hopefully. 

Even though the sun was periodically shining, it was quite cold in the outside section of the boat so we sat inside. My photographs, therefore, are all taken through glass, with both sea spray and reflection.

It was a lovely ride, in the middle of water, surrounded on all sides by fells, quite different shapes, sizes and vegetation.











There were quite a few craft on the water.

Once again, the view to the South-West was dark 

but colour emerged to the North West.

Along the water's edge there are paths with walkers and their dogs.

As we return to Keswick, there are pleasant views of isolated houses, the Keswick church tower and the old boathouse.

The owl on the jetty welcomed us back and we walked through Hope Park to the High Street, stopping for coffee on the way.


The Wainwright Pub was having roof repairs done in fine Cumbrian style.
















Back in the High Street, the daffodils are in full bloom.

I did go to the thread shop. I'd have loved to have taken photos inside but thought it would be rude. It is a tiny shop jam-packed with wool. There are a few cross-stitch kits and a good Anchor and DMC range. The shop=keeper sat behind a small counter knitting. Piled around her on the floor were balls of wool. She looked like Miss Tiggywinkle in a den of wool. She was helpful, friendly and pleasant.

We settled on the Dog and Gun for lunch. 

Many people in the pub were dressed like this.

I settled once again for the Beef and Ale Pie - but with chips instead of mashed potato.

I have managed a bit of work on my last robin panel - after quite a bit of unpicking - but that's a story for an embroidery blog in the future.

Tonight I managed to capture  a few of the birds as they came home to roost just before sunset.

The lower photo of the sunset is a panorama shot.

This has been a lovely day in all ways. The weather is forecast to change to rain by tomorrow afternoon - so we made the most of today.

Day 13: Over the Fells to Cockermouth

We woke this morning to rain, cloud and mist. In spite of this, I am largely letting the photos tell the story today..

This lifted briefly while we were having breakfast.

By the time we headed out of town the rain was back.We went out along Derwent Water

to Borrowdale where we paused while Sue walked up to the Bowder Stone Alf and I discussed the trees and stones - from the warmth of the car.

 From there we drove around Seathwaite and Seatoller through the Honiston Pass, past the Slate Mine

before dropping down into Buttermere.and on to Cockermouth.





















































which was surprisingly quiet. Most shops and pubs were closed but we had a truly delicious meal at Hunters. I had Duck with Orange. It was fantastic.I'm sorry I didn't take a photo.

It was very wet and grey on the way home and the drive  demanded concentration.













                  It was a terrific drive through an extraordinary landscape.

It was also pleasant to come back to our apartment. My bedroom window is the one above the toyshop. It is much busier in Keswick than it was in Cockermouth.














We had a quiet evening - and a lovely Shepherds' Delight sunset. Let's hope it augers well for tomorrow.

The last photo in the collage is not of celestial or alien craft but a reflections of the light in our sitting room!