Windermere

Leisurely breakfast, porridge only plus juice and coffee - we are resisting the siren call of toast because we don't need it and we haven't earned it!

Bit of deskwork and sandwich making, then to Windermere for Boots, charity and coffee. We had thought of walking up to Orrest Head but could not find 2 hr parking. Changed plan to a lakeside walk, both a bit relieved as tired from yesterday's 10k steps.

Parked at Bowness by the lake, past the marina there is free 2 hr parking. Just as we left the car, two jets came up the lake at about 100 feet. We walked along the lakeside path to the ferry, had our lunch on one of the many benches, and just for the hell of it we went on the ferry there and back. £1:50 each - a very cheap ride on the lake! Quite a strong southerly, and two yachts having a fine time.

Next was the obligatory ice-cream, delicious waffle cones from a cafe near the ferry. Then a stroll along the countryside path back to the car, and back to Ann's for a brew and some farm cake - wow, they are big slices still for only £2. Ann went off to feed Robert's lot and we had a rest and a bath. 

L spoke to Catherine on the IoM and she was keen for us to visit ... so our mad idea researched yesterday to go by ferry is on! L booked the ferries from Heysham for Sun and Tue and N booked the Sefton hotel - quick work. Then we had to break it to Ann that we're leaving two days early, which is a bit sad but brave faces all round. We will have been here a week.

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