Return to the Lakes - I go Boating

There’s not too much of a written report on today as I spent it on the lake* taking in all three of the main cruises. The three boats were quite different, the first was one of the largest, a relatively modern diesel electric, which was to the northern part of the lake. I started off outside but although there was some sun there was a bitterly cold wind so I retreated below decks and had a coffee. I did get back outside on the return trip from Ambleside (partly ‘cause the wind was from astern so I was sheltered by the boat. 

The second trip was the Round the Islands cruise on one of the small modern launches, nothing fancy but functional, with the familiar smell of a not quite 100% sealed diesel system mixed with wet bilges! I sat inside but with the benefit of an opening window for photography. As it was just on midday when we returned to Bowness i decided on lunch which ended up being a cheese savoury toastie in the cruise terminal coffee shop. 

Timing worked out just right as the third cruise, to the south end of the lake, was just boarding as I finished up. The boat this time was the most interesting of the three, Tern was built in 1891 by Forrest and Son of Wivenhoe in Essex and transported in pieces by rail to Lakeside where she was reassembled. Originally she was a steamer but was fitted with Cummins diesel engines in 1951/2. 

The weather deteriorates over the next couple of days, according to the forecast, so tomorrow I’m planning on visiting the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway and the Lakeland Motor Museum - checking details the latter has the most comprehensive and informative accessibility statement I’ve ever read, and they’ve clearly thought about things, so well done to them. I shall probably be using the scooter so it’s good to know that I can get round ok. 

Here’s just a few of the photos I took, there’ll be more later.

*How many lakes are there in the Lake District? By name there is just one, Bassenthwaite, all the rest are Mere, Water or Tarn!