Thursday and Friday

(Lesley) Thursday, we conquered Old Man of Coniston.  It was quite the hike.  We did a big loop, just over 11 kms.  We took about two and a half hours to get to the top because we kept stopping to see the beautiful views.  We were able to watch some sheep herders on the next fell (hill).  It was fun to see when a sheep would stray from the group then a dog would come round and herd it back in the desired direction.  The kids climbed well and had no problems with the distance or the uphills.  We ate peanut butter sandwiches, Kendal Mint Cake and a boiled egg as lunch at the summit.  It was quite windy and cloudy up there but the way up had been clear and warm.  We passed three tarns (lakes) on the hike and felt great but tired when we were finally done. The photos on the last blog of Sam and Mhari at the cairn are from our hike Thursday.    Photo: Wet Sheep

(John) After raining all night, it then rained all day.  We chose to visit a museum in Barrow in Furness that, in the brochure in the caravan, promised to not only be free but to be fun and educational for the whole family.  And, the parking was free too.  How could we resist?  Free museums, like low expectations don’t disappoint and the Dock Museum in Barrow was no exception.  We wondered why such a large and industrial town existed at the end of a road that at times was barely wide enough for one vehicle.  The museum had the answers and there will be a test on Monday for Sam and Mhari.  But long story short – iron ore + coke + limestone = steel + (deep channels + war and emigration) = shipbuilding = a boom that increased the population from 300 to 40,000 in 30 years.  Later at it’s peak there were 85,000.

After our educational morning we trooped into town to find a bakery for lunch supplies, found bargains galore along the high street and ended up in Asda, the Wal Mart of England.  Eventually Lesley, Sam and I went across the bridge to Walney Island for a lovely few moments frolicking on the windy beach, followed by fish and chips from Andy’s a local chippy that we stumbled upon.   We recommend you stumble upon it too next time you go to Walney Island. 

(Andy, if you want to negotiate terms for advertising opportunities feel free to contact us)
Photos: Last few Chips; Sam got them, John and Sam on the coast.