Lake Windermere in the mist

West coast weather' today. After a poor night's sleep (my hotel room overlooks a ring road and a main railway line) I breakfasted, then took the chance to nip onto Preston city centre. My sister K used to live there but left in 2015. I know the area a bit, but of course it's changed. I got some steps in, and mentioned to GG when I got back that I had been to Matalan. More about that later ..

We boarded the coach and set off for Haverthwaite station, on the restored railway line between Haverthwaite and Lakeside. Fortunately we weren't on the first service of the day, because that one had been diesel hauled, owing to brake failure in the steam engine.A replacement engine, Repulse, was brought back from the railhead and we set off for Lakeside, unfortunately only a twenty minute journey following the river Leven. Mist and rail prevailed.

At Lakeside, we transferred to a boat on Lake Windermere. GG wanted to sit upstairs. The journey up to Bowness was scenic, but misty. The rain soaked through our clothes and my fingers turned white and numb. Below us teenagers posed dramatically for selfies, Kate-and- Leonardo-style, against the murky viista of lake and hills. After disembarking at Bowness, I suggested we try the fancy-looking hotel in the hillside for lunch. (GG is not young, she needs R&R after a rough ride). Having slogged up the slope to reception , we were informed that there was a wedding party in progress, and no food could be served to us. GG was all for having a drink at the bar, but I felt like a drowned rat in a dripping purple cagoule, uncomfortable among wedding guests in shimmering floating frocks. Eventually we found a pub in town, and a table, and went to the bar to order, only to be told that here was an hour-long wait for food. We settled for drinks and crisps instead.

When the rain eased off, we explored the town and its upmarket shops, before heading back to the coach early. Money had been spent in L Occitane and ice cream shops. Back in Preston, GG announced a wish to visit Matalan. But first, to drop our wet coats and bags in our rooms. Mysteriously, all our party's room key cards had been deactivated...

After that had been sorted, we galloped up the hill to Preston centre. GG had not brought her walking stick. Once we found the shop, she tore through it like a tornado, stopping only to strip to her bra mid-shop to try on tops. I wish I had her chutzpah! She bought four tops (sugar pie, honey bunch) and a bag of sweets just as the store was closing, then insisted on having a cup of tea in a nearby cafe. This was lovely, and much needed, but unfortunately we managed toeave without paying. By this time we were late for our hotel dinner, and not too bothered about bad karma, because GG had offered to pay earlier. We dived straight into the dining room, no time to change, then later retired to consult tv schedules and get showered/bathed and changed. I'm now watching Little Women (2019).

Tomorrow we have further adventures lined up before resturning to the Cotswolds. The forecast is for rain again. Have cagoule, will Woman Up to it. After all, the Lake District and Pennines have a reputation to uphold.