Today was our first full day in the Lake District. We slept for a good bit last night, so my body is pretty well adjusted now, but our long days leave me rather exhausted. I’m beginning to fade, but thought I’d give blogging another go while I have easy access to the internet.
I missed breakfast because I wasn’t sure of the time, so Karen and I popped into an organic food store to grab something for breakfast. I found this granola bar with a dark chocolate layer that was delicious!.. and I assume, healthy?? Lol. I’m planning to pick up a couple for the train on Saturday. We began the day around 10 o’clock and walked down to Lake Windermere. The lake was lined with little canoes and boats suitable for couples or families to spend a day out on the lake. There were also swans and ducks that would poke their rears up into the air as they searched the lake floor for water. they were amusing to watch, especially the enormous swans that were so accustomed to the tourists that they would waltz right up to you hoping for food. They are rather large animals, and I wouldn't want to be caught with a hungry one! We piled onto the boat and set out onto lake Windermere. First we docked at a town, I believe called Bowness, but I’m not sure. We had an hour or so to kill, so we looked around and stumbled on a store called “Peter Rabbit and Friends,” where we found all sorts of children’s literature related gifts and books. After buying a few souveniers, Ellie and I purchased some scones with cream and jam for a light lunch before the boat ride.
Next, we docked at the town of Near Sawrey and took a bus to Hill Top where we took a tour of Beatrix Potter’s home. Her home was, of course, picturesque!.. along with the whole neighborhood. We had our cameras out, taking pictures left and right. Just outside of the entrance, there was a garden that looked entirely suitable for all the flopsy bunnies to play in. She purchased the Hill Top property from the successful sales of Peter Rabbit, her first and an instant success. All of her subsequent books were composed there, and I was even able to see the original desk she wrote at, angled so the sunlight would hit it just so. Looking out that same window, you could see that she had pulled one of her illustrations right from the view! Other than the carpet and curtains, all the house furniture and decorations were just as Beatrix had left them, adding to the authenticity of the trip. I discovered she was quite fond of tea pots =) . With her move to the lake district, she also became increasingly passionate and socially active about farming and conserving the land in the lake district. With each successful book, she purchased more and more farm land. When she died , she left over 4,000 acres of land to the National Trust… so her legacy is not merely in children’s literature, but also as a conservationist, a bit ahead of her time.
While waiting for the boat, we found a family of Swans that were floating towards us. Prior to heading 'home' to Ambleside, we took a boat trip around to the other end of lake Windermere, adding to the length of our afternoon. Though a bit chilly, it was incredibly breathtaking and enjoyable. We were starving by the time we arrived back at the hotel, but we spent our time browing through the shops until the resturants opened around six. We ate at a Thai restaurant across the road, which was quite good. The five of us shared a bottle of sparkling strawberry wine over dinner which was fantastic!
After dinner, we came back to the hotel to check email and discuss the evening. Though my roommates and I are rather ‘chill’ compared to several on the trip, our room has become a bit of a gathering space (maybe because of the computers!) We’ve had a few people in and out, including both instructors. I have enjoyed the company in a relaxed space, but now most of the group has gone down the block to the wine bar. It sounds interesting and classy, but I wasn’t up for a late night or more alcohol so I stayed in (not to mention spending more $). It has been a refreshing time alone to sort pictures, blog, and read a bit in the quietness of my bedroom.
During the Windemere Cruise I had a great chance to get to know the three “adults” on the trip and here some of their life experiences and connections. Joan is the brainchild and coordinator of the event. She holds a wealth of knowledge and passion about children’s literature and it spills over in every conversation. I have had a growing passion for it ever since I took her class last spring! Deb is the co-leader and is a librarian in Baltimore. She knows Joan since they are both high-to-do in the children’s literature world, holding positions on different award committees. I think they have been to several of the same conferences and events. Kelly is a mother of two who has just begun teaching at the Mary Washington. She was an elementary teacher for a few years and has two grown children. I enjoyed getting to know them a bit.
Also during the cruise, I caught wind of an adventure that these ladies w ere going on tomorrow, so I and a few other girls decided to come along for the ride during our “free day.” It is a one-day tour around the “best” of the lake district. Remembering the one-day tours from Australia, it seemed like it would be the best use of our money. It gives us the chance to see quite a bit in a short amount of time. I’m looking forward to it!
Hope you all are doing well.
With Love and Hugs, Bethany
Pictures from around Lake Windermere and the boat ride:
Pictures from around Beatrix Potter's House:
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