The Lake District

LAKE DISTRICT
While our stay in Tintern was "lovely," our schedule dictated that we move on. We drove another 4 hours on up to the Lake District (or more precisely, Windermere) and Wordsworth country.

We soon realized that the Lake District, especially Rydal & Grasmere (the two villages just three miles apart where Wm. Wordsworth lived), is just as lovely with its thick, vibrant verdure, the moss covered stone fences, and breathtaking views of Rydal Water & Lake Grasmere.

GRASMERE, DOVE COTTAGE
This is the cottage Wordsworth lived in for 8 years as a young writer and where he wrote some of his best poetry. This picture was taken from the back of the cottage in the garden. This garden slopes up a good sized hill where Wordsworth had a bench and a spectacular view of Lake Grasmere and the surrounding hills.



RYDAL, RYDAL MOUNT
Aimee in part of the gardens (which were designed by Wordsworth and are quite extensive & beautifully kept) at Rydal Mount his second, larger home just a few miles down the road from Dove Cottage.



THE COFFIN ROUTE
Mike climbing one of the many moss covered rock walls whilst hiking one of Wordsworth's favorite walking trails between Rydal Mount & Grasmere.



A very large moss covered tree (everything seems to be covered with moss in Rydal & Grasmere) sprouting out the side of a steep embankment.




HAWKSHEAD
This is the village where Wordsworth attended grammar school for 8 years as a boy. And as you can tell, it's raining...again.



Inside Hawshead Grammar School. I'm sitting at the same "desk" / spot where William Wordsworth sat and carved his name "W. Wordsworth" when he attended school here as a boy.



AMBLESIDE
Another lakeside town (significantly larger than Rydal or Grasmere) about five miles from Rydal. Wes & Amber can come set up shop :).