On the eastern shores of Lake Ullswater

The poor weather of yesterday has disappeared and we were blessed with what turned out to be a glorious day even though at one time it did look as if we may have a shower. That threat passed and the afternoon was superb.

We've been considering moving up to the Lakes but the first avenue seems to have come to a cul-de-sac so we were looking for other options. We wondered whether a static caravan might be the answer so we took a look at Fallbarrow Park in Windermere. It was quite seductive, down on the lake, near to the town, but what a price, first to buy the 'van and second the annual fees. Someone is making shedloads on money here.

As Barbara was incapacitated we took the Ullswater steamer trip on the lake. We got off at Howton to walk back to Glenridding - 7 miles - while Barbara and David went on the full ride to Pooley Bridge where they sat and enjoyed a drink or two while we walked the shores of the lake.

We did this walk a year last February. It was great then in the winter and just as good today in the summer. We walked the northern part of the eastern shore in February this year so we've now walked the whole of the eastern shore. We stopped for lunch at a little bay where a couple of canoeists had also pulled up for lunch. Here is one of them getting back onto the water.

This is a traditional canoe but sit on top kayaks are very popular and we're considering acquiring one seeing as we enjoyed the experience in San Diego in April 2013.

Amazingly we arrived back at the landing stage a couple of minutes after Barbara and David, what about that for timing? This evening we ate out at the Ramblers Bar at the Inn on the Lake. The first time we went there we were impressed but earlier in the year they'd not done too well with Susan's birthday tea. This time they didn't do too well with the bar menu. Susan's battered fish and chips wasn't at all crispy and it wasn't cheap either.

Having got to Ullswater via the Kirkstone Pass we took The Struggle back to Ambleside, making the most of a majestic evening, clear sharp light, blue skies with mist forming around the mountain tops. So hard to capture though owing to deep shadows and bright sunshine.

Another memorable day.