This morning we left Leeds to make our way to Scotland. Our first stop today was Lake Windemere in the Lakes District of England. The skies were overcast when we left, but we were hopeful that we'd make it the entire day without rain. Well, we made it for a bit! When we arrived at Haverthwaite train station to take a steam train to our cruise pier. Before boarding the train, we picked up scones to eat on the way. There was also a gentleman there from an owl sactuary with three of his owls. They were so beautiful! We boarded the train and it felt like we had stepped back in time. This was an authentic train car from I'm guessing the early 1900's! We had a large window to look out and see the passing countryside on our way. We caught glimpses of the lake here and there, but lots of greenery and sheep too! The trees are just starting to bud, but all of the grassy areas are so green, it almost hurts the eyes.  

Once we arrived at the pier, we boarded our boat to take a 30 minute cruise of England's largest lake. Perfect timing as we just got to the top observation deck (covered deck, thankfully) and it started to rain. We then realized the only way back down to the lower levels was to go back out in the rain, so we toughed it out on the top deck until we got back to the pier hoping the rain would stop. Along the way we say many beautiful homes that date back to the 1800's. These are some very high end lake homes! Even with the rain, we saw quite a few sailboats out on the water. After arriving back to the pier, the rain was still falling, so we were a little like drowned rates when we got back on the coach.....at least those of us that didn't bring an umbrella!  

Our next stop was for lunch in Grasmere, home of William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter. And, the rain continued, so we elected not to go see the grave of William Wordsworth, but to do a little shopping instead. This area is known for it's tasty gingerbread and Kandel Kakes. We successfully found both and decided we might as well buy an umbrella, since it's rainier in Scotland! Apparently the reverse psychology worked because we had no rain at our next stop, Gretna Green. This was a break to get drinks or snacks and use the facilities, but there were also some shops here as well. Gretna Green is famous because it was where eloping couples would come to say their vows over the anvil at the Grenta Green Blacksmith Shop. Most of these couples were coming across the border from England because of less strict marriage requirements in Scotland.

We ended our day in Glasgow where we'll be spending two nights. We got out and did a little sightseeing on our own. We were able to see George Square and the Glasgow Cathedral before coming back to the hotel. After a light dinner, I'm wiped out and about ready to hit the hay! This fresh air is wearing me out!! 80% chance of rain tomorrow, so thank goodness for that umbrella! See you tomorrow in Edinburgh!!