Kendal

Yesterday evening we had a really fantastic meal in the Sun Inn. John's late father gave us some money last Christmas which we put in to our Marge fund.

Time to treat ourselves we thought, and raise a glass to him. 

This morning after some rain during the night, the sun shone, picking out the autumn leaves of reds, russets and rust in the nearby trees. Before we left the lake district, we wanted to return to Glenridding, where we have camped a couple of times in the past. Because the bridge was being repaired, we had to drive the long way around. Glenridding was busy, the warm dry weather bringing people out. The mountains clearer than we'd ever seen them were enhanced by a vibrant blue sky. Around six years ago, Angela had bought a pair of walking shoes in the outdoor shop here, and has worn them so much the tread had worn away. We were pleased to see that the outdoor shop was still open and went in for a replacement pair, sadly they no longer sold exactly the same shoe, but the alternative ones were just as good. Happy, we left with new walking shoes, hopefully to last for many years. Then we bought pies from the grocers for our lunch, packed a rucksack and set off to walk up Helvellyn, height 950 metres.

Tackling the steep sides, crossing mountain streams, stopping to look at inquisitive sheep we felt invigorated. The views back to Glenridding were stunning. But we have cannot lie, we didn't walk to the top, just a third of the way. But we did cross mountain streams and speak to sheep and take in stunning views. By the time we'd returned to Marge the weather had begun to change, cloud skimmed the top of the mountains and the rain fell lightly. 

Next stop Ambleside, a short jaunt over the Kirkstone Pass, at 454 metres. Marge and Angela weren't prepared mentally, but hey after travelling over the Bealach Na Ba in the Scottish Highlands, 626 metres, how bad could it be. Bad enough. Outside many churches there are banners saying Try Praying, so Marge did, and for a change luck was on our side, all the way up in third gear, meeting downward traffic just the right time near a passing place. Stopping at the top at the Kirkstone Inn, we lifted Marge's bonnet, she seemed a little warm, and so did Angela. Now for the downward journey. Near to Ambleside, the forever helpful lady who gives us directions told us to take a sharp turn right, which we did, until Marge pulled up. No way am I, 2.2 metres wide, we are not going down there, reverse!  Ambleside was also busy. John bought a jacket in one of the outdoor shops and then it was destination Kendal.

Tonight, Marge and her mates have a lovely view of the beautifully maintained cricket crease at Kendal Cricket Club. It is five pounds to stay here in a van overnight. We wanted to stay on our way up, but there was a match on so it wasn't possible. Our legs still not tired from walking we sauntered in to the town.

The shops a nice mix of high street names and independents. We were pleased to see that the town was thriving, with only one empty unit. Since we left home John has been hankering for a Chinese take-away. Sadly, the Scots seem to not be a fan, but fortunately the Cumbrians are. So, another night off cooking for Angela.

Tomorrow we will head to Chester, sadly nearly home now Marge.