Blogs from Cumbria, England, United Kingdom, Europe

So now the second of the three peaks is completed, Scafell Pike, which I have learned is a different place from Scafell. I travelled up Friday evening on the train and met Andy, Trev and Sharon at Kendal for a night under canvas at Seatoller. It was about 10 by the time we had set up so we nipped back to the pub for a quick pint which would have perhaps been two if they hadn’t closed at 10:30. Ah well, back to the tent for a very cold night -4°C cold enough to freeze the breath on the tent sides by morning. An early start the following day at 5am: I couldn’t stand the snore-a-thon any longer. So a quick coffee and some instant porridge, pack the tents away and clear the camp site and ... read more

After yesterday's wet walking, I opted for a more exciting walk offering great views across Buttermere and Ennerdale, particularly as the weather was clear ... and forecast to stay clear (albeit with heavy showers in the afternoon!) Set off in the early morning sunshine, blue sky above, golden rays striking the mountain tops, taking the lake walk towards Gatesgarth Farm. The views were very picturesque along the lakeshore in the early light, particularly after the earlier rain. Stopping outside Gatesgarth Farm to remove an outer layer, I concluded that, although the temperature was only 6°C, walking in the sun’s rays was making me warmer than intended. Continuing beyond the farm gates, I veered through a gate and began to follow the track used previously by slate miners. On their ascent, the miners, like me, would pass ... read more

On our twelfth week we headed up to Liverpool via Blackpool and travelled around the coast then headed for the lakes to visit family. My cousins live and work in a beutiful village up there called Glen ridding on Ulswater surrounded by hilly countryside views that are absolutelly breath taking. One of my cousins has just taken over a local cafe/restaurant called "FELLBITES" where you can sit outside in the sun for afternoon tea and home made scones or enjoy a delicious meal. The food and location are both very impressive and its great to see them doing so well and popularity of their restaurant increase since they have taken it over, and we highly reccomend the "FELLBITES" to anyone visiting the lakes. We stayed a few days in the village with them and caught up ... read more

Photos of Xmas week with Richard, Catherine and Suzanne. XXX... read more

Sailing the High Seas The time has come to leave mainland Europe! Unfortunately the agreement between the Aussie Government and the European Union is to allow Aussies to stay in Europe for only 3 months. I can return once I spend 3 months outside of the Schengen countries – which is the majority of Europe. I was left with two options; go home and settle back into normal life, or go back to England and make the most of my UK visa that expires in May 2013. I’m not quite homesick yet, plus I came to terms with missing out on summer (what summer?), so I chose the latter! To date I have explored Europe by many modes of transport; bus, car, plane, train, tram, raft and foot. There was only one mode left; ... read more