Yet another Postcard from the Lake District ...

I spent last week in the Lake district again, this time with my parents. It was a very different experience from the trips I usually have with my husband and our dog. For a start we stayed in a lovely apartment in Grasmere, instead of our caravan. It overlooked the little river and the church. Just lovely!

With two 80 year olds in tow,  life was much slower, and we stayed on pavements for our little walks, (no walking boots needed). I discovered that mid-week in May was surprisingly empty and we were able to visit places we usually avoid because they're so busy. 

The weather was disappointing - cold and wet- but we managed to get out and about most days.

Here are some things that caught my eye.

Dove Cottage, one time home of William Wordsworth.

Bold swans on the shores of Lake Windermere waiting for food.

The boats on Windermere.

Market day in Keswick.

Music while you shop.

John Ruskin's beautiful, beautiful house at Brantwood overlooking Coniston.

The Coniston steam gondola.

Stained glass at Brantwood.

My lovely daughter who had come to join us for the last two days.

The jetty at Brantwood.

The Old Man of Coniston.

Ann Tyson's house in Hawkshead where William Wordsworth boarded when he was a pupil at the local grammar school.

This sign in Hawkshead raised a smile.

You can't leave Grasmere without a purchase from the Gingerbread shop. That's my mum.

My lovely Dad enjoying a rare moment of sunshine.

We spent hours watching the birds feeding on our little terrace, and checked them out on an RSPB chart. There were a huge variety of visitors every morning, practically queuing up in the trees all around us. More birds in the next post!