Lake District

Thursday, October 14 we departed Harlaxton for an adventurous weekend at Lake District. That night we arrived in Ambleside, England at our Youth Hostel which overlooks England's largest lake - Windemere. Although Lake Windemere is the largest lake in England, it's only 9 miles long; but so beautiful. The entire landscape was so picturesque. Mountains, waterfalls, fall colored leaves - so pretty. Friday we had a free day and began by making our way to the nearby town of Grasmere. Our goal was to visit the famous Gingerbread store. We bought some gingerbread in the tiny shop - it was different than usual gingerbread, but very good. We simply visited shops and walked around taking in all the sights. Then we got on a random bus and just rode it until we decided to get off --this was the adventurous part of the day. We joked that is was a really big deal for me and Jessie to go somewhere without planning. We later found out that the city we had made our way to was Bowness. This is where Beatrix Potter world is! We found Peter Rabbit.

Continuing our nice relaxing day, we stopped for a picnic in the town square. Then we made our way down to the Lake and made friends with many geese and swans. Shelby got especially close with them. Guess what she stepped in this weekend?!

A big glob of goose poop! She has great luck with her shoes.

We just moseyed around the rest of the afternoon until dinner when we ate at a delcious authentic Italian restaurant.

Saturday was activities day! We had a big day ahead complete with kayaking in the morning and ghyll scrambling in the afternoon. We had to get suited up first - it was gonna be cold!

First was kayaking. We went down to the Lake, right outside our hostel, where our guide met us. He provided us with some waterproof pants (thank goodness), a lifejacket, kayak, and paddle. It was definitely a learn as you go kind of thing. As soon as we got in, I felt a little unsteady and was really hoping to stay dry! We all got the hang of it rather quickly and determined it was pretty hard to flip your kayak. After a short jaunt we stopped to play a fun game of British Bulldogs - our version of sharks and minnows. I was the champion! It was a lot of fun. No one could catch me on my kayak. haha. One person even flipped over during this game. So hilarious. After winding down even further we decided to stop to play another game with our group. This time we were in two teams. There was a tennis ball and the idea was to get the tennis ball and throw it to the instructor - and who ever's team it was that threw it, got a point. It got a little vicious at times - and another person flipped. Thank goodness I was able to stay in my little kayak.

After a quick lunch and re-charge it was time to get on the bus and head out for ghyll scrambling. Ghyll scrambling is fancy way of saying, climbing awesome waterfalls that have freezing water coming down them! Yes, I did this. I know you might be skeptical, but I beasted it. It was so much fun. Although I returned with bruised legs, sore muscles, and frozen EVERYTHING, it was SO worth it. The highlight of the weekened. Unfortunately I don't have any pictures from it because my body was fully submerged in water at times - meaning, no camera allowed. It started as a small creek at the bottom of the mountain. Instead of merely walking along side, we walked through it! Then we got to a point where there was a small cliff. Our awesome guide, Ian, walked up it pretty much, making it look so easy, but dropped a rope down for us to climb with his assistance. Then came the part where I had to literally swim across in order to get to the other side - that was fun. Ice cold water rising all the way up to your neck. Intense. We just continued making our way up the mountain and the most strenuous, and craziest part was at the very end. This waterfall was tall, steep, and had water rushing down it. And did we simply go around it, no! We climbed directly up the middle of it. Water was splashing in my face, I couldn't see, my hands were so cold they wouldn't grasp anything tightly, and the moss was causing my feet to slip. A great combination. But guess what, I made it up! We were the fastest group and made it the furthest too! Go team.

That evening, our awesome group of 4, Shelby, Jessie, and Katie and I enjoyed a much needed helping of nachos and burgers. Then we went to the cinema for the evening in Ambleside to see the best movie ever, Wall Street. (sarcasm, it was boring)

Sunday we made our way to another city, Keswick, where we took in the magnificent view of the lake. We had fun taking pictures, maybe a little too much fun. Haha. The picture to the right is what Shelby captured of my epic jump. Epic fail on the photographer's end. :)

Lake District was a good time had by all - one of the best weekends yet! We enjoy the natural beauty of England so much more than the hustle and bustle of the city. Country girls at heart.