Swallows and Amazons

Lojska is very enthusiastic about the novels of Arthur Ransome and, if I'm going to read bedtime stories to children of five and three, they certainly beat most of the competition. Since we were in the area, it seemed a shame to leave without taking her to Peel Island, generally agreed to be the basis for Wild Cat island.
We had quite an early start, so it was important to wrap up:
The view down the lake:
Peel Island in the distance:
The beach on the island:
The harbour - we tried not to disturb the other crew:

The campsite on the island (although camping is no longer permitted):
Reflections at the end of the lake:
The last of our bread was taken by an assertive swan:Lojska takes control:

Early morning on Windermere

My two-year old nephew Jake has developed some enthusiasm for getting out in a boat. As a treat, I packed him into our double plastic kayak for a jaunt around Windermere with his aunt and cousin.The benefit of an early morning paddle is that this normally busy lake is empty of other people:
It's never too early for the swans to come begging for food:
And the ferry starts quite early, to the delight of the boys:
The Perception Horizon has plenty of room for the four of us:All told, it was a pleasant little pre-breakfast paddle.