Firstly, a happy birthday to my dad, who probably celebrated the day by working on his new boat. Here's a picture of him (R) and our good family friend, Hugo (L) a few years ago. The living room was undergoing renovations at that point in time. Dad's done some tinkering around with the rest of the house and the place is looking great, with new doors and quite a bit more space. I can't wait to go back and visit - hopefully next spring.
Things continue to go well over here, despite us getting all of July's expected rainfall in one day yesterday. B and I visited Kew Gardens last weekend. He gets in free through a work deal and is able to bring in a guest (me!) for half-price. Parking is usually £5... we were driving through the parking lot and saw a fellow waving at cars. None of them stopped, but we rolled down our window to see what was up, and he handed us a ticket he didn't need! So hey, free parking.
I'll write more about Kew next time. The camera is still charging and I'm only posting because I can't sleep. And trust me, I know I should sleep. I know.
I know. But if your pelvis was as sore as mine, you'd be more sympathetic!
Anyhow, here's a few pictures I've been meaning to post. I really enjoy looking back on all the photos of the places we've been, and if I ever get access to a scanner, I'll definitely put a few more up. For now, I'll just keep posting the ones I've got on the hard drive already.
Aira Force, near Ullswater in Cumbria, England. Its waters inspired Wordsworth, and the word Force derives from
fors, the old Norse word for waterfall. It's a bit of a hike, but all the trails are well-beaten. It's nowhere near as tough as Helvellyn (see previous postings).
We took a trip on a vintage steamboat across Ullswater, which is the second largest lake in the District. From Pooley Bridge (which is where we stayed), we went across to Glenridding, Howtown, and then back again. This is one of the islands in the middle of the lake. Any Arthur Ransome fans out there? Does this picture remind you of something? (Although the island in the book wasn't "real," it was an amalgamation of Windermere and Coniston Water, where Ransome stayed in his childhood.)
In closing, here's a picture of the Portara in Hora, Naxos, Greece. It's the last thing you see when you pull away from the island. Countless generations have stood upon that hill, looking for faraway sails or waving goodbye to loved ones as they sail into the distance. We stayed a few miles from the port town in Plaka, near Agia Anna. Rural enough to be relaxing, but within an easy bus ride to town. We were right on the water, but had views inland to Mount Zas - the perks to staying on an island is having it all in front of you all the time. And we definitely plan on going back.
That's all for now.
Things continue to go well over here, despite us getting all of July's expected rainfall in one day yesterday. B and I visited Kew Gardens last weekend. He gets in free through a work deal and is able to bring in a guest (me!) for half-price. Parking is usually £5... we were driving through the parking lot and saw a fellow waving at cars. None of them stopped, but we rolled down our window to see what was up, and he handed us a ticket he didn't need! So hey, free parking.
Aira Force, near Ullswater in Cumbria, England. Its waters inspired Wordsworth, and the word Force derives from fors, the old Norse word for waterfall. It's a bit of a hike, but all the trails are well-beaten. It's nowhere near as tough as Helvellyn (see previous postings).
We took a trip on a vintage steamboat across Ullswater, which is the second largest lake in the District. From Pooley Bridge (which is where we stayed), we went across to Glenridding, Howtown, and then back again. This is one of the islands in the middle of the lake. Any Arthur Ransome fans out there? Does this picture remind you of something? (Although the island in the book wasn't "real," it was an amalgamation of Windermere and Coniston Water, where Ransome stayed in his childhood.)
In closing, here's a picture of the Portara in Hora, Naxos, Greece. It's the last thing you see when you pull away from the island. Countless generations have stood upon that hill, looking for faraway sails or waving goodbye to loved ones as they sail into the distance. We stayed a few miles from the port town in Plaka, near Agia Anna. Rural enough to be relaxing, but within an easy bus ride to town. We were right on the water, but had views inland to Mount Zas - the perks to staying on an island is having it all in front of you all the time. And we definitely plan on going back.
