The Albatross
Sunday 16 June 2019
Happy Birthday Mum.
Today we went through to the Lake District where we are staying for a few days (actually, we’re just out of it, but more of that later). As we were driving to the Lakes District, we decided to have a peek at Carlisle Castle which was on the way. We drove in and as it was early on a Sunday we parked without any problems. Now, Tuna directed us to actual parking inside the castle walls despite driving past carparks saying Castle parking. So, park inside the castle we did (don’t argue with the Tuna). We later found out that this is an active military barracks and we really shouldn’t have (smug Albatross).
Anyway, Carlisle Castle is the most besieged castle in English history. It only managed to survive about 1 in 3 sieges and generally rolled over pretty quick. The good thing about it being a bit rubbish is it has survived pretty intact. Mary Queen of Scots was interred here for a bit before her head fell off, but that bit is gone now.
Also onsite is a museum to the Border Regiments who saw service all over the place upholding the Empire. It was a tad depressing but very well done and informative.
So down into the Lake District, it was quite cold and grey. Now we had planned to just do a picnic in a nice spot along one of the lakes. This was cancelled though because we couldn’t find anywhere to picnic by a lake, and because the weather was fickle. Seriously England, put in some roadside stops and picnic tables. Anyway, a nice Sunday roast in a small pub did the job, and then we kept heading South. Boy am I glad we stopped when we did as it became physically impossible to stop from there on. A triathlon closing one town, a Car Show closing the next, every car park brimming, and crawling traffic. Ambleside was just awash in people. Now it was Sunday and Father’s Day here so I get it. We decided to cut our losses and head back tomorrow when we may be able actually stop.
Having briefly had some sun it was now torrential rain. We picked up some groceries and headed to our lovely accommodation out in the countryside just out of the Lake District. Unfortunately, it is down a very narrow, very long lane. Our car barely squeezed through and we just prayed that nothing was coming the other way, otherwise it’s a long reverse as there are only passing spots occasionally. Eventually in, a bit tired.