Yesterday, Sunday, we traveled to Ullswater in the Lake District and took one of the Ullswater Steamers from Glenridding to Howtown. From Howtown we did one of the walks/hikes around the edge of the lake back to Glenridding. The length of this hike you ask? We guessed it at about 7 miles and were quite pleased with ourselves for having done it, especially considering we’re not in the best of shape. It’s lovely in the Lake District, which is pretty much considered the most beautiful area of England. In fact, most of it, if not all, is a National Park.

The hike itself was at times a bit up and down and therefore somewhat difficult, but all in all we survived quite nicely, and all still having smiles on our faces at the end. We were all very much impressed with the dogs, who both made it easily. Even the little guy, Ziggy, who is only 4 months old and not exactly built for long distance travel did well. He was pretty amazing, running uphill in even the most difficult spots, jumping from rock to rock.

As for the countryside around the lake… it was wonderful… beautiful… and overall very different from what we’ve experienced anywhere else. Rolling hills, rocky outcroppings, few trees, lots of sheep, rock walls as fences, beautiful farm rock built farm houses, lots of sheep, lovely views of the lake, ferns growing everywhere, and… yes… lots of sheep.

From start to finish we very much enjoyed our time there and would recommend highly that anyone visiting this country venture up to spend time. You won’t be disappointed.

After arriving back in Lancaster we dropped off the dogs, changed our clothes, and headed to the Sultan of Lancaster, Mary and Martin’s favorite Indian restaurant. The food was excellent and the location very amazing. The building the restaurant is in used to be a church and the ornate woodwork inside is outstanding.

As for today… we’ve spent the day hanging out at the house with only a small walk to downtown for chai, a fan, and a stop off at the Cornish pasty shop. Mary enjoyed a spicy chicken (which was like curried chicken) pasty and I had a traditional beef pasty (pronounced, for all you Americans out there, like pass-tee). Karen decided on a crumpet with butter and jam after we got back to the house. And Martin, who was at work at the University while we ate, had a sausage sandwich after he got home. It’s been a quite day, and lovely.

Tomorrow, we go to Manchester….