There are those who seek novelty, wonder why anyone would want to visit an area more than once - or twice, maybe.
Not me.
We have made many visits to this part of the world and each time find something new to do, to see, tips to improve the trip.
The Lake district is blessed with a very good bus service so if you have an English travel pass, bring it. If not, investigate the Explorer tickets which give unlimited travel for a day, or three days, or even a week. There is even a concessionary rate on the day explorer ticket. This is worthwhile if one is only doing the return journey from Penrith to Keswick. Travelling on public transport means no petrol costs, no parking fees, no car stress. The upstairs on the scenic routes are full of retired walking groups (to the mutterings of locals) and the rush for the front seats is reminiscent of school outings and the scrum for the back seats. When coaches meet in narrow lanes, over sharply turning bridges, it is soothing to know this is some-one else's problem. Time is less relevant, passengers more likely to chat to a neighbour. And the scenery is.... well, just fabulous. The colours, the light, (the silence shattered by low flying aircraft) the sheer majesty of it all. That over-used word, awesome.
One day we went to Ambleside (bus to Keswick, then another to Ambleside). My recollection from last time was the nightmare of trying to park.This time I noticed the architecture, the individuality of the shops and eateries. We found the ferry terminal was quite close so took a trip to Bowness and back, picking up ideas for our next trip here (Wray Castle, a walk along the lakeside).
There was a very county day out at Acorn Bank, celebrating Apple day with a surprise certificate for chutney.
Even home base has its surprises. An evening walk resulted in an hours serious study of the fungi book. Five different types, in just twenty minutes.
Despite forecasts of rain, we have not had to use the umbrella yet. Beautiful sunrises cloaked in mist, evenings drifting pinkly in to night and cool, bright, autumn days.
Who needs airports?
