Keswick - Hitting the charity shops

-

We had a lovely nights sleep, there was a smattering of rain here and there to sooth us. It was 8.30 before we stirred, and the sun was shining. Not what yesterday’s weather forecast said, which was basically you will probably die in an horrific thunder storm. It was lovely to just laze and chill for a bit, even more lovely to beat Ian at the crossword off for the second day running. And there was a nice bonus when Ian checked the baskets over the drivers seat, the baskets I had checked on numerous occasions previously, to find the smidge (for killing midges) and the fringe spirit level. 

We had porridge and toast for breakfast, which we ate outside in the sunshine, watching the weirdos from next door depart. There was also a wonderful air display of some kind of fighter jets whizzing past. I believe they use the lake for practice. 



The summer sunshine

Ian wanted to go for a run at some point in the next couple of days but couldn’t decide when, so I decided for him. He would go today and risk his complete destruction by thunder and lightning, so we could go on a walk tomorrow (survival permitting) in nicer weather. He set off to complete a circuit of the lake, around 10miles, plus whatever extra distance he did by going the wrong way. I did the washing up. Then I was free to explore Keswick, and in particular the multitude of charity shops we had seen the day before. I found a lovely dress that I will be taking on my cruise, yes a posh one, and a nice TShirt. I was really looking for a silver bag to match my cruise shoes, but no luck. After that I strolled down to the launch landing to find out the times, before completing a circuit over the meadow and back. Ian was already there, having taken less time than expected, not going wrong at any point, and surviving. He had thoroughly enjoyed it so I rewarded him with coffee and flap jack.







Run around the lake


Geese at the ferry stop


View from the meadow


The clouds were there pretty much all day, but it was warmish and pleasant. No rain. No thunder. No lightning. Everyone appeared to survive. We both enjoyed some quiet time sitting outside reading and people watching. Well, relatively quiet, apart from the roar of the wardens hedge cutters. Then we showered (push button sadly but nice and hot), changed, and headed into Keswick for some tea.
Tonight we chose the Dog and Gun, a very popular place which proudly advertised its goulash. We got the last little table in the corner, next to a tiny snuffling pug, and Ian went up to order. He had the famed goulash, but I fancied the chicken burger. While he was at the bar I heard the old guy at the next table telling his Thai bride that he had been coming here for the goulash for more than forty years. Clearly longer than she had been alive! He didn’t like the fact that the chunk of granary bread that you used to get had been replaced with garlic bread though.


At the Dog and Gun


The burger and the goulash

Afterwards we decide to walk back via the lake and took in some fabulous views.



Top of the lake

Back at Dame Shirley we sat outside for a while before the drop in temperature forced us indoors. We finished off the Turkish Detective episode that we couldn’t manage last night before retiring shattered once again.

Neighbour watch

The slightly weirdos may have left but a new problem has arisen. The caravan that has arrived opposite has two young kids in it. Surely the other part of the site with the playground is best for them. And they have bikes. A camper van has taken the weirdos place, with some kind of awning contraption on the side to give them more room. And two tents have set up next to the watering hole. 

Nature watch

While walking back to the campsite, by the lake, a whole flock of Martins were flitting about. We couldn’t decide which kind of Martins they were though. We also saw a kestrel flying low overhead.


News of the day

I have decided to introduce a new segment to my blog so when I look back in years to come I can see what was happening such as ‘Donald Trump looses his ear in assassination attempt.’ Sadly today’s news wasn’t quite so dramatic. 
Gareth Southgate resigns as England manager.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Carsington Water - Saint Monty

-
Image
 If you recall, we closed the door on Monty’s confused face and went off to bed. I opened my eyes and looked at the clock soon after and it was 8am! I had heard nothing during the night or early morning. No children, no birds, no Ian going to the loo, and most importantly no Monty. Ian got up to make coffee, and there he was, his lovely confused face looking back at us. Ian fed him and took him out while I made coffee and battened down the hatches in the bedroom. I had fetched a big blankie to cover the bed so he could jump up. But sadly (happily in Ian’s eyes) he cannot manoeuvre enough to leap up. So there he lay at the bottom of the bed just being good. After a lovely long pfaff I made the first day Full English, Monty didn’t even get under my feet (much). Full English We then pfaffed a bit more before setting off on another walk, this time to the visitor centre down the other end of the lake. The weather was a bit cool for the hot spell, so I dithered about what to wear, finall...
Read more

Baltic Wharf - The Run

-
Image
 No more car alarms in the night but I did manage to knock over my water. Only my magazine got wet though. My turn for Misty so I fed her and put the kettle on before we walked over to the dog postage stamp. As it’s near the gate I was able to see that there were already stewards and cones I place. The run will go right past the site on the opposite side to the wharf. No exit or entry here till 3pm. Chris and Ian were in full race mode from moment one. All stretching and porridge. Tape, bandages, gel and sun cream were all applied with vigour. There was more stretching and lots of trips to the loo, until about 10am they were ready to depart.  Good luck boys They would be meeting Vicky at the start, if she is real and not mythical. Chris,  being quick, would be in the first wave. Vicky and Ian, being slow, in the last. This has been a real bone of contention as Ian feels he must have put down the wrong expected time and should be in wave one too! Not that Chris has been ma...
Read more

Abbey Wood - A New year in Dame Shirl

-
Image
 Sadly for us, it was early April before Dame Shirley saw her first outing. Happily for us, the reason was our Ruby wedding cruise. Over the winter Ian had prepared a new shelf to go by the sink. It looks very nice. The heating had  broken, but Ian was able to mend it with the help of Olaf on utube. And Chris had got me a lovely new light for Christmas. Gorgeous new shelf The reason for the trip to London was that Ian was running the London Landmarks Half Marathon in aid of Alzheimer’s Research, and also to check out The Caravan and Motorhome Club Abbey Wood site. This is the nearest site to central London and very popular. Ready to run Although we were all locked and loaded, our plan to leave around eleven was scuppered because Ian had to take his mum to the doctor. She had a chest infection and, he reported, was in a prickly mood. Still, with her all treated and settled back home, we were able to leave around midday.  It was great to be out on the road again. It was red...
Read more