Hello to you. Here I am at the end of a long wonderful day. As much as it is my intention to write this blog as a 'play by play' account of what's happening, a kind of attempt to keep the moment realised...i have found it's really not possible with the lad in tow. Firstly, I have to keep him safe and my wandering brain can't cope with doing several things at once. Secondly, and probably more importantly....I don't really want to. I know all parents are gonna think their children are the greatest, and I say this with none but authentic intention, but he really is an amazing little boy. Curious, clever, intuitive and unintentionally hilarious. There is never a dull moment and I don't want to miss any of them.

We started the day, after a quality sleep under the stars (I was so knackered😊) at the hostel with a mahoosive cooked breakfast...since I always feel YHA breakfast are overpriced for their quality, I like to pack in the calories to get as much bang for my buck as possible... apparently Nick felt the same😂. With Bellys a swaying, we packed a bag and plodded back to Hawkshead- I don't know if I mentioned but the village is about a mile from the YHA where we are staying...a really nice walk if you choose to go via the back paths (which we always do). We had planned to go to Coniston today to climb 'The Old Man', however, the weather report was decidedly dodgy (thunder storms) and after a quick chat with the ranger at the tourist information, we were advised it would be ill-advised. We would still head to Coniston but find other fun. However, I could not help, keep looking to the ever increasing blue and sunny skies and wondering when these torrential downpours were scheduled to begin...I was positively roasting!

On arrival to Coniston we first had to see to Nicks checklist of things he likes to do in a new place....Step 1. Find a gift shop. Step 2. Find an ice cream in the gift shop (and maybe a toy depending on how generous owner is feeling). Step 3. Find a park to eat said ice cream and play with said toy acquired from said gift shop. With the checklist complete, we followed the picturesque trail by the river to the shores of Coniston lake. The fabulous thing about Coniston btw, in case you've never been, is you can literally stand in any part of the village, look in any direction and be instantly rewarded by the best views....the whole place is nestled in the bosom of serenity.

After a quiet stroll down by the lake, we had a quick bite at the bluebird cafe... excellent toasties...and learnt some about Bluebird K7 and it's pilot Donald Campbell (the ill-fated world record water speed champions, that perished in the waters of Coniston). They are clearly very proud of them in these parts, and whatever your feelings about chasing records, the bravery and sheer engineering skill that went into these attempts has to be applauded (see link for more details). Coincidentally, the local Ruskin museum has spent some 25 yrs rebuilding the original hydroplane and if we were here only 2 weeks ago, we could have seen her first run out across the lake...alas we just had to marvel at her beauty in the museum.

Inspired by Sir Campbell we were inspired to do our own bit of lake zooming. For a few more than a few bob, you can hire your own motorboat that will (not quite) zip you up and down the lake for an hour. Eager to express our inner sailor/pirate/captain (select preferred character here), we strapped on our lifejackets and after nearly crashing into the jetty backing it out (it's not quite the same as driving a car ...and I'm not very good at that!) we were off zipping and splashing through the waves!!!! In truth, they are very simple electric motors that move at about a fast walking pace😂 but it was more than enough for us to feel like we'd taken to the high seas and were seeking freedom!!!! Nick got to be captain for a while (don't tell the real skipper😉) and had a great time 'pulling doughuts' while I gorped at the amazing mountainous scenery outback, basking in the pouring (and definitely not thunderous) sunshine!

Following our clash with titan, we were ready to depart. Sadly (or perhaps happily) we had an hour to wait for the bus....what to do?? ... Pub!!! 🍻 Coniston Brewing Company is situated across the road from the tourist info where you pick up the bus and whilst we waited, listening to the alongside trickling river and looking up at the views, I supped on a pint of their in-house brew 'Infinity IPA'. Taste wise, it was very average but beer consumption is so often about more than the beer and as we both slurped our bevvies (Nicks was a lemonade), I was reminded of my own slice of heaven.x

And so back to our tippee and a quick jumble of food for tea... a picnic type affair that makes no level of sense but is high on the convenience stakes. Since it was still pleasantly 'T-shirt weather', Nick asked if we could have a firepit tonight.....'only if you build it and light it' was the reply...lazy parenting? Or Fostering Independence?.... I'll let you decide! But one things for sure... Nick passed his fire making badge with flying colours....in no time at all he had constructed the most perfect fire and lit it (unfortunately I am unable to put home videos on here due to my subscription conditions  so you'll just have to trust me with a picture....it was immense!!!)

As the flames flickered and we retreated into idle conversation, Nick asked such a profound question that I wish to share it. Out of the blue, he said....'is anyone really evil?'...now I know not where such a question comes from in a 10yr old boys mind and he struggled to tell me but I also feel if more people considered such important questions, the world would be a better place. After a deep conversation about said topic, we arrived at a decision that everybody loves and is loved and on the whole, while we would wish 'evil' and those that promote it not to exist, we must also remember their humanity if we are not to lose our own.  After such a conversation, I really felt I'd learnt something and I think so did Nick and soon enough we were dancing around the flames, singing and dancing to the tunes of David Byrne, with make shift 'drums' and stowed away harmonica, embracing our humanity, creativity and reflecting that 'Everybody Laughs'. Xxx