After our western Scottish holiday, we managed an equally short but sweet trip to the north of England. When Enterprise has rental deals cheaper than what you’d pay to own a car for three days and when relatives have traveled over 6000 miles, what else could we do? Again, thanks to the hospitality of people we’d never met (relatives of relatives), we enjoyed one night in the seaside town of Whitehaven. The next day we poked around the iconic Lake District and stayed the night in the 18th century Barton House B&B where the caretaker seemed about as old and full of character as the B&B. Our little jaunt concluded with a scenic drive on the backroads of Northumberland where we met the longest, straightest, hilliest stretch of road any of us (Julian included) had ever seen. It’s really too bad this blog can’t share the thrills of those hills. They were roller-coaster caliber, the kind that throw your stomach into your throat as you unexpectedly crest one hill and plummet down another. And, yes, we were safe.
The view from our first night's lodgings. That's the Irish Sea in the background.
At Whitehaven Harbour with Uncle Aldie and Aunt Bev
First stop in the Lake District was Keswick, home of the Cumberland Pencil Museum. Not sure we'll ever use pencils again, chum.
Traffic stopped for several minutes because ol' Bessie and her family tried to cross the road.
Typical scenery in the Lakes...when the sun was out
Our water taxi on the lake called Ullswater. Not 'Ullswater Lake'; just Ullswater.
From the boat
In front of Barton House, our B&B. Looks like Uncle Aldie has assumed the professor's stance. And, it also looks like Julian is a delinquent student.
Lingering over the full English breafast...it wasn't IHOP, but it wasn't bad either
On the journey back to Scotland we passed this 12th century church.
A 14th century castle turned posh hotel with peacocks (!) roaming the grounds. See http://www.langleycastle.com for more.
This hut is not very old, but it stands on the site of a Celtic settlement dating from about 300 AD.
Yep, those hills in Northumberland were a blast.
At the Scottish border looking toward Edinburgh. Looks a bit ominous!
bits 'n bobs 
Looks like a great time was had by all. I had forgotten that
Aldie and Bev were going to be in the UK. What fun!
Looks and sounds like so much fun. I want to come and visit! How fun that Aunt Bev and Uncle Aldie could come for a short stay.
What a lovely post! I want to visit more than ever. Your weather looks gorgeous. I can’t believe how big Julian is looking these days…such a cutie.
These photos are working very effectively as a tourist brochure! I’m with Leanne & Erika; I want to come visit, too! They don’t make B&Bs like that around here.
What wonderful pictures! Julian is really growing up! It looks like it must have been warm, for him to be in a short-sleeved onsie! We are looking forward to word of your little one’s safe arrival, at the perfect time!
Which side of that car is the steering wheel on?