Lake District

Setting out on our "motoring" tour of the Lake District this morning, we once again managed to head off in the wrong direction. I told John that the next time I go on a holiday like this I am bringing Ruby along as my navigator. Eventually asked for directions and reached Windermere in quite swift time.

Stunningly beautiful place but full of tourists and cars. Traffic jams and barely room to take a photo without swarms of people in the frame. We decided to take the advice of the girl from Toowoomba and made our way to Ullswater. The route took us over the Kirkstone Pass through countryside reminiscent of Porters Pass, up behind Mt

Torlesse. Remove the drystone walls and I could have been in Canterbury.

Drove into Patterdale on the other side of the pass and decided to stop there for lunch. Another delicious bowl of soup and a smoked ham sandwich later and we were on our way again. Narrow, stone walled country lanes, shaded by old oaks and elms with glimpses of water through the foliage. Quintessential English countryside.

No sign of Mrs Tiggy Winkle, nor her flat-mate I am very happy to report. Jemima Puddleduck and several of her family were happily paddling around the lakes edge. Didn't spot Squirrel Nutkin either but I did see a road sign warning to watch out for him. Oh, sorry, I got a little carried away then, the sign didn't have Nutkin on it.

The plan had been to take a circuit around the district but we were travelling so slowly we decided simply to return the same way we had come. Besides, we learned this morning that there was going to be a candle-light parade through the main street of Kendal tonight and we thought that that would be something not to be missed.

Returned in time for dinner at the Ye Olde Fleece Inn once again for their delicious home cooked meals and then waited for the parade.

It was a real country affair and was led off with more vintage and veteran cars than I could count, followed by even more tractors of every shape, size, colour and condition ending up with a beautiful shiny pink tractor driven by a glamorous woman. After the tractors about 20 semi-trailers passed through with dozens and dozens of kids on board. The theme seemed to be focused on youth and children in the community and all their various activities. Lots of music and

colour and dancing and waving of arms from the participants and the crowds lining the street. Unfortunately, when I got out my camera I discovered that I had left the SD card in the computer from the afternoons photos. Silly me!!!

Our last sleep in this comfy, cosy bed. Back to Manchester tomorrow to catch the flight to Belfast on Sunday morning. I have a detour that I would like to take in the morning but will have to wait and see how we get out of here. Feeling quite tired.

Getting used to this strange car we have rented. It has stop-start technology. At first I thought the dam thing was stalling every time I came to a stop and I had a panic to get it going again. Now I understand what is happening and have gotten used to the touch of the accelerator and brake to control the stopping business. Bit weird and there are still some moments when I am a bit uncomfortable with it but handling it a little better. Only got it one more day and it was great on the motorway so the drive back to Manchester should be OK.

Kendal to Grayrigg - about 5 miles

Grayrigg to Tebay - about 5 miles