Coniston

Englands unseasonally warm, dry and sunny weather continues, but we are not complaining.

Today we had breakfast at the Bluebird Cafe on Lake Coniston, (a bacon butty), then went to Brantwood Estate, which was the home of writer John Ruskin. It had terrific views over the lake and expansive gardens.

Then it was back to Lake Coniston for an afternoon cruise around the lake on the steam yacht Gondola. Built in 1859, the yacht was designed to carry tourists on the lake and this it still does.

The yacht cruised past Peel Island, better known as 'Wild Cat Island' from the Arthur Ransom books (and movies), 'Swallows and Amazons'. I remember reading them as a child and also watching the old b/w TV series on the ABC.

For dinner tonight we cooked our Yew Tree Farm chops and steak and they were some of the best meat we have had.Read more