1803 Windermere

I knew when my feet hit the floor this morning that I'd been fell walking a couple of days ago. Going downstairs gets me every time.

We hired a car again today and took mum for a drive to Windermere in the Lake District. Again, it was a day of frustration for this shutter bug. I did get some shots out the window but the roads are so narrow that it is impossible to stop for any reason. The sun was out for the first time and it was a beautiful crisp day - all praise the sun god in the hope that there will be a repeat performance.

This is Beatrix Potter country but I didn't notice any puddle ducks only teal ducks and lots of swans of the white variety (that one's for you Tess). We had lunch in the Queens Hotel - courgette and lemon soup - and then actually circumfenced?? the lake.

Lots of lambs in the fields jumping for joy I presume in sheer delight about being alive especially on such a delightful day. It is an absolutely gorgeous part of the world. Caught a glimpse of Loughrigg Fell again today and more of the surrounding mountains due to fine weather. Saw some Herdwick sheep famous for not needing fences to keep them in their territory.

Some observations: We haven't seen any zimmer frames but have seen loads of walking sticks. Was surprised on my first visit to the Accrington Market Hall to spy a box full of walking stick ferrules (huh?) as if everyone has one.

Many pubs are closing down due to the change in smoking laws. It seems patrons have stopped going because they can't smoke there. It would be a good time to buy up vacant pubs if one had a spare $ or two.

Taxis are very cheap. Aparently there's a price war going on between rival Pakistani taxi firms. We get from mum's to Neale's for £2 (normally a half hour walk).

Have spotted a few churches for sale also