Day 9

Windermere - Carlisle

Again some amazing lake district scenes and in Ian's opinion the best parts of the 'Lakes' to be found around Ullswater and north of here around Troutbeck (not many people go North of Ullswater). We had to climb up the Hardknot pass to Ullswater where Pa had a puncture and Hans chain came off (which she put back on herself with Pa's help- well done!) the downhill was so fast although Ian got frustrated behind a driver who insisted on staying at 30mph arrgh! Hannah has now probably worn through a second set of brakes (she ahem likes being careful coming down - terribly unladylike to race and take corners quickly!). Ian, Hans boyfriend is great being an all round navigator, motivator and companion, encouraging Hannah lots. Weather was lovely all the way but the headwind was gradually increasing as we came oout of the lakes and headed towards Carlisle.  We stayed in an impressive Georgian villa farmhouse with enormous rooms and high ceilings and a very homely farmhouse manager lady  who gave us a lift to the local pub for dinner.  We could see the remains of Hadrians Wall from our room although all that is left is  few humps and mounds and a line of Gorse shrub and Ian painted the panoramic.  The full english breakfast was the best yet (2 very tasty rashers of bacon) and it was nice to see Liverpool on the tv in the second half win convincingly for once.