Swallows and Amazons! (or a midweek break in the Lake District)
May 19th, 2015 | 12:12 PM
#31
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,087
Likes: 0
Titty!(Obvs short for Letitia) And John and Susan and Nancy.... I'd have to google the other characters. Was there a Jolly Roger or was that the flag or the name of the uncle's boat? While the book is very good, the film is smashing, I shall have to watch it again sometime.
But wonderful photos Rose, and an enjoyable, amusing and informative report. Looking forward to more.
But wonderful photos Rose, and an enjoyable, amusing and informative report. Looking forward to more.
May 19th, 2015 | 12:43 PM
#33
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 27,709
Likes: 1
Didn't know there was a movie, not sure I want to see it. According to wiki there were twelve books, (including one set in China!). Turns out I own all of them, although it's been ages since I read any of them.
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swall...Amazons_series
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swall...Amazons_series
May 19th, 2015 | 02:38 PM
#35
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,941
Likes: 0
Breathtaking pics. The colours are warmer than remember but maybe you timed it right with the light. Fantastic.
I used to go up to The Lakes for weekends when I worked in Manchester early 70s, when it wasn't raining (which wasn't often obviously
)
Where is the pass that's 1 in 3? Is it Kirkstone? Mad people I knew used to bike up there.
And we used to head for the Drunken Duck but in those days it was a bit ramshackle and even more so after a mad dash up the M6 on a Friday night.
Thanks for the memories!
I used to go up to The Lakes for weekends when I worked in Manchester early 70s, when it wasn't raining (which wasn't often obviously
)Where is the pass that's 1 in 3? Is it Kirkstone? Mad people I knew used to bike up there.
And we used to head for the Drunken Duck but in those days it was a bit ramshackle and even more so after a mad dash up the M6 on a Friday night.
Thanks for the memories!
May 20th, 2015 | 02:15 AM
#36
Original Poster
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 6,144
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Thanks Gertie. Yes, the pass is very steep and seemingly popular with masochist cyclists. Btw that and the Drunken Duck get a mention in Wednesdays report, which I will try to put up at lunchtime. Glad it bought back some happy memories
May 20th, 2015 | 03:26 AM
#37
Original Poster
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 6,144
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Wednesday
We woke to much better weather on Wednesday, the lake glittering in the sun and the white-tipped waves completely absent now that the wind had dropped. It was warm enough to have breakfast outside so we divided the chores evenly – Tommy scrambling and frying eggs, grilling bacon, toasting bread, warming pancakes, retrieving yoghurt from the fridge and making tea – and me pouring two oranges juices – exhausting
Sitting at the small wooden table on the balcony watching the steamers crossing paths as we ate was idyllic and a perfect start to the day.
Our plan was to head back to Windermere to take one of the cruises, so this meant heading south again through Glenridding then using the Kirkstone Pass once more to cross to the Windermere valley. This time we stopped at the Kirkstone Inn en-route for soft drinks and coffee. The pub is right at the crest of the pass and you could not imagine a bleaker spot in winter – I went in hoping for a bit of an American Werewolf in London atmosphere with sullen unwelcoming staff to spice up this TR, but everyone was disappointingly warm and friendly, and the pub actually quite cosy, with soot-blackened beams, toasty woodburners, red velvet banquettes, and the menu board cheerfully advertising a quiz and curry night. Continuing on our way, as we started on the downside of the pass Tommy noticed a smaller road hairpinning off to our right, the signpost for it intruigingly labelled ‘The Struggle’. I was a teeny bit relieved he spotted it too late to turn off, but little did I know it would figure in our itinerary later on!
Back at Bowness we parked the car and wandered down to the pier where numerous cruises were listed, from 45 minute trips round the islands, to full circumnavigation of the lake. We plumped for the island cruise (mainly because we'd got two hours of free parking and it was leaving first!) and took our place queuing on the appropriate pier. Being pretty much first to board guaranteed us seats right at the front, so it was easy to take unobscured photographs as the boat motored round the lake. We saw lots of posh houses on lawned slopes beside the water, converted boathouses (not as nice as ours), and even a tiny mini steamer being stoked up at one of the private jetties. There were several grander buildings - mostly Georgian or Victorian in style - which were pointed out as hotels by the cruise guide. Btw, the commentary had us in stitches because it was very droll and extremely reminiscent of the League of Gentleman episode with the morose cave guide. One of the islands (Belle Isle?) was revealed to be privately owned and it made me realise that I have been a bit of an underachiever. When I publish my coffee table book of tacky xmas lights (Shite Lights) and it inevitably sells millions I will buy Belle Isle and you can all come round for tea - scouts honour! A number of military aircraft flew over as we were cruising round – you saw them before you heard them so it was hard to get snaps. Tommy knew all their names just by silhouette, which restored his bloke card after the earlier breakfast metrosexual domesticity.
I’m not sure whether to share with you the next part of our day because it will shatter any remaining illusion that we may be even slightly cultured. Basically, Tommy spotted a small amusement arcade as we stepped off the cruise boat, and knowing that I adore the Penny Falls took me in. We had a blissful 15-20 minutes stuffing loose change into all the machines – taking me right back to my childhood spent at Jaywick and Clacton with the grandparents, and later, visiting my brother in Great Yarmouth going on one armed bandit fests on sleepy summer afternoons, fuelled by vodka shots from the Troika bar in Norwich. Nirvana didn’t last long though, because just as I was on a winning streak I was frog marched out by Mr M who declared, ‘Come on, we’re going – I’m a fiver up!’
Next port of call was somewhere for lunch. I suggested a pub several of my friends had visited and liked – The Drunken Duck. We only had a short drive round the top of the lake to get there, heading away from the water 2-3 miles down a pretty country lane with stone bridges crossing babbling brooks. Inside the pub were many walkers and dogs, and slightly twee fake dried hops hung from the rafters (I apologise now if they were actually real). The reason we had come was the highly regarded menu, which included lots of yummy things like pork sandwiches with chipotle mayo, and steaming bowls of chowder. Knowing we’d eat out again in the evening we just opted for the meze board of artichokes, huge olives, the spiciest and most delicious hummous ever, a pesto-like spread, spiced almonds, and oils and vinegar served with a board of chargrilled bread. Fab cider for me – just half a pint of beer for the designated driver Mr M, and very delish it all was too.
We next decided that we’d stop off in Ambleside on our way back, for a wander round the village and ice creams. Ambleside was a bit bigger and busier than I had expected, with a huge amount of holiday accommodation, ranging from the uber-exclusive Samling on its outskirts to terraced guesthouses with names like ‘Melrose’ and the full compliment of garden gnomes and grinning stone frogs. We duly found an ice cream parlour, Tommy plumping for honeycomb and vanilla, me for salt caramel. In return for the earlier penny arcade indulgence I magnanimously let Tommy look round camping and outdoor clothing shops, though I'm not sure my attempts to steer him away from campinggaz stoves to Kendal Mint cake were entirely appreciated. We also saw what must be the smallest National Trust Property in the country – Bridge House built right over Stock Beck. Apparently it was constructed as an apple store for a nearby manor house, but positioned as it was avoided any tax levies! Anyway, it's reputed to be one of the most photagraphed buildings in the whole of the Lake District.
As we headed out of Ambleside, the one way system momentarily confused the sat nav and we found ourselves not on the main road back to the Kirkstone Pass, but at a set of lights at the bottom of a steep hill labelled .............. ’The Struggle’!! This turned out to be a fabulous drive up a twisty road back to the Kirkstone Inn, coming out at the fork we’d seen earlier, with a substantially steeper gradient than the main road. Everywhere sheep and their lambs were sitting or standing on the verges so it necessitated a vigilant eye, but we met little or no traffic and the drive back was both quicker and more exhilarating than the main route.
Back at the boathouse we chilled out with late afternoon daytime telly (Pointless and Eggheads) before heading back to the Brackenrigg Inn for dinner. This time it was pork loin with savoy cabbage and sage cream for me, fish and chips and mushy peas for Tommy. Both excellent. After the nosh we headed back to the boathouse for another DVD - I wanted Black Swan, but Tommy couldn’t be persuaded, even with the lesbian dream scene dangled as bait, so it was Captain Phillips (not bad but you could quite easily chop half an hour off the end) and more Belgian chocs. Night all!
Some info about the Kirkstone Pass Inn from Haunted Rooms:-
http://www.hauntedrooms.co.uk/kirkst...leside-cumbria
Link to the Drunken Duck Inn - they do lovely looking accomodation as well as food, and you get afternoon tea thrown in too:-
http://drunkenduckinn.co.uk/
We woke to much better weather on Wednesday, the lake glittering in the sun and the white-tipped waves completely absent now that the wind had dropped. It was warm enough to have breakfast outside so we divided the chores evenly – Tommy scrambling and frying eggs, grilling bacon, toasting bread, warming pancakes, retrieving yoghurt from the fridge and making tea – and me pouring two oranges juices – exhausting
Sitting at the small wooden table on the balcony watching the steamers crossing paths as we ate was idyllic and a perfect start to the day.Our plan was to head back to Windermere to take one of the cruises, so this meant heading south again through Glenridding then using the Kirkstone Pass once more to cross to the Windermere valley. This time we stopped at the Kirkstone Inn en-route for soft drinks and coffee. The pub is right at the crest of the pass and you could not imagine a bleaker spot in winter – I went in hoping for a bit of an American Werewolf in London atmosphere with sullen unwelcoming staff to spice up this TR, but everyone was disappointingly warm and friendly, and the pub actually quite cosy, with soot-blackened beams, toasty woodburners, red velvet banquettes, and the menu board cheerfully advertising a quiz and curry night. Continuing on our way, as we started on the downside of the pass Tommy noticed a smaller road hairpinning off to our right, the signpost for it intruigingly labelled ‘The Struggle’. I was a teeny bit relieved he spotted it too late to turn off, but little did I know it would figure in our itinerary later on!
Back at Bowness we parked the car and wandered down to the pier where numerous cruises were listed, from 45 minute trips round the islands, to full circumnavigation of the lake. We plumped for the island cruise (mainly because we'd got two hours of free parking and it was leaving first!) and took our place queuing on the appropriate pier. Being pretty much first to board guaranteed us seats right at the front, so it was easy to take unobscured photographs as the boat motored round the lake. We saw lots of posh houses on lawned slopes beside the water, converted boathouses (not as nice as ours), and even a tiny mini steamer being stoked up at one of the private jetties. There were several grander buildings - mostly Georgian or Victorian in style - which were pointed out as hotels by the cruise guide. Btw, the commentary had us in stitches because it was very droll and extremely reminiscent of the League of Gentleman episode with the morose cave guide. One of the islands (Belle Isle?) was revealed to be privately owned and it made me realise that I have been a bit of an underachiever. When I publish my coffee table book of tacky xmas lights (Shite Lights) and it inevitably sells millions I will buy Belle Isle and you can all come round for tea - scouts honour! A number of military aircraft flew over as we were cruising round – you saw them before you heard them so it was hard to get snaps. Tommy knew all their names just by silhouette, which restored his bloke card after the earlier breakfast metrosexual domesticity.
I’m not sure whether to share with you the next part of our day because it will shatter any remaining illusion that we may be even slightly cultured. Basically, Tommy spotted a small amusement arcade as we stepped off the cruise boat, and knowing that I adore the Penny Falls took me in. We had a blissful 15-20 minutes stuffing loose change into all the machines – taking me right back to my childhood spent at Jaywick and Clacton with the grandparents, and later, visiting my brother in Great Yarmouth going on one armed bandit fests on sleepy summer afternoons, fuelled by vodka shots from the Troika bar in Norwich. Nirvana didn’t last long though, because just as I was on a winning streak I was frog marched out by Mr M who declared, ‘Come on, we’re going – I’m a fiver up!’
Next port of call was somewhere for lunch. I suggested a pub several of my friends had visited and liked – The Drunken Duck. We only had a short drive round the top of the lake to get there, heading away from the water 2-3 miles down a pretty country lane with stone bridges crossing babbling brooks. Inside the pub were many walkers and dogs, and slightly twee fake dried hops hung from the rafters (I apologise now if they were actually real). The reason we had come was the highly regarded menu, which included lots of yummy things like pork sandwiches with chipotle mayo, and steaming bowls of chowder. Knowing we’d eat out again in the evening we just opted for the meze board of artichokes, huge olives, the spiciest and most delicious hummous ever, a pesto-like spread, spiced almonds, and oils and vinegar served with a board of chargrilled bread. Fab cider for me – just half a pint of beer for the designated driver Mr M, and very delish it all was too.
We next decided that we’d stop off in Ambleside on our way back, for a wander round the village and ice creams. Ambleside was a bit bigger and busier than I had expected, with a huge amount of holiday accommodation, ranging from the uber-exclusive Samling on its outskirts to terraced guesthouses with names like ‘Melrose’ and the full compliment of garden gnomes and grinning stone frogs. We duly found an ice cream parlour, Tommy plumping for honeycomb and vanilla, me for salt caramel. In return for the earlier penny arcade indulgence I magnanimously let Tommy look round camping and outdoor clothing shops, though I'm not sure my attempts to steer him away from campinggaz stoves to Kendal Mint cake were entirely appreciated. We also saw what must be the smallest National Trust Property in the country – Bridge House built right over Stock Beck. Apparently it was constructed as an apple store for a nearby manor house, but positioned as it was avoided any tax levies! Anyway, it's reputed to be one of the most photagraphed buildings in the whole of the Lake District.
As we headed out of Ambleside, the one way system momentarily confused the sat nav and we found ourselves not on the main road back to the Kirkstone Pass, but at a set of lights at the bottom of a steep hill labelled .............. ’The Struggle’!! This turned out to be a fabulous drive up a twisty road back to the Kirkstone Inn, coming out at the fork we’d seen earlier, with a substantially steeper gradient than the main road. Everywhere sheep and their lambs were sitting or standing on the verges so it necessitated a vigilant eye, but we met little or no traffic and the drive back was both quicker and more exhilarating than the main route.
Back at the boathouse we chilled out with late afternoon daytime telly (Pointless and Eggheads) before heading back to the Brackenrigg Inn for dinner. This time it was pork loin with savoy cabbage and sage cream for me, fish and chips and mushy peas for Tommy. Both excellent. After the nosh we headed back to the boathouse for another DVD - I wanted Black Swan, but Tommy couldn’t be persuaded, even with the lesbian dream scene dangled as bait, so it was Captain Phillips (not bad but you could quite easily chop half an hour off the end) and more Belgian chocs. Night all!
Some info about the Kirkstone Pass Inn from Haunted Rooms:-
http://www.hauntedrooms.co.uk/kirkst...leside-cumbria
Link to the Drunken Duck Inn - they do lovely looking accomodation as well as food, and you get afternoon tea thrown in too:-
http://drunkenduckinn.co.uk/
May 20th, 2015 | 05:48 AM
#38
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 57,091
Likes: 5
BTW, great photos... Should I rethink Cornwall....>>
don't you dare, thursdaysd.
RM, your mentioning Coniston reminded me of our annual dashes up to the Lakes from the Midlands, many years ago, when we would race up Coniston Old Man in our stilettos, stagger back down again, and then have lunch in what I assume was the Yewdale. I don't remember any rarebit being on the menu, welsh or otherwise as I think that we were after the sausage and mash.
and those mountain passes ......
Happy days.
don't you dare, thursdaysd.
RM, your mentioning Coniston reminded me of our annual dashes up to the Lakes from the Midlands, many years ago, when we would race up Coniston Old Man in our stilettos, stagger back down again, and then have lunch in what I assume was the Yewdale. I don't remember any rarebit being on the menu, welsh or otherwise as I think that we were after the sausage and mash.
and those mountain passes ......
Happy days.
May 20th, 2015 | 06:13 AM
#40
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,941
Likes: 0
You have really got me hooked here RM. I am back in the 70s having pints in the garden at the Drunken Duck. I have to say that picture of the meze you had for lunch got me warmed up for a revisit. No posh nosh like that back in the day.
Some of those magnificent 19th Century piles around Lake Windermere were owned by the Victorian gliterati as I remember, people like Ruskin and the PreRaphaelites, but I imagine the weather was a bit hostile for some of their activities.
We had friends who owned the Windermere Ice Cream Company in the mid 80s but went out of business because the summers of 85-87 were some of the coldest and wettest on record! Looks like you struck lucky.
Thanks for the lovely details.
Some of those magnificent 19th Century piles around Lake Windermere were owned by the Victorian gliterati as I remember, people like Ruskin and the PreRaphaelites, but I imagine the weather was a bit hostile for some of their activities.
We had friends who owned the Windermere Ice Cream Company in the mid 80s but went out of business because the summers of 85-87 were some of the coldest and wettest on record! Looks like you struck lucky.
Thanks for the lovely details.
