Earlier in the year our son Vajra decided he would go to another Buddhist Festival mid July in Ulverston, England. He has been there before and since Scotland was only about 40 miles away, he thought it would be a good time visit. He asked us if we wanted to go. As you can see, we said yes. We also asked Tracy to go since she had a couple of weeks during that time that was not accounted for.
We spent 2 1/2 days in England and 6 1/2 days in Scotland. We flew in and out of Manchester. It's only about an hour and a half from Ulverston, our starting point. This blog will be spread out over 5 posts: England (1), Scotland (4) - 1. up to Port Patrick, 2. up to Ft. William, 3. up to Stirling Castle and 4. the drive back to Manchester.
Made up a map to make it easier to follow where we've been.
Leaving Charlotte behind.
Had to change planes in Newark, but couldn't pass up this photo-op of New York City. You can just make out the Statue of Liberty on the right side center.
Here we are ! Manchester, England
Stayed in our first B and B ever - Swarthmoor Hall in Ulverston. It was built in the 17th century as a Quaker meeting hall.
Mid afternoon snack in the garden area (watch for the red jacket - you will see it a lot).
A meadow behind the B and B.
Looking back at the main building.
Getting ready to take a walk into the town of Ulverston.
Panorama of the country side
The back way to town through the woods.
The World Peace Cafe in downtown Ulverston; run by the Buddhist from the nearby temple (photos below).
Laurel and Hardy (see next photo).
Who knew ??
This photo and the next 4 were taken around Ulverston.
At the entrance to the temple.
Temple taken from the back.
Temple from the front (I cheated and took this one off the internet. They were in the process of putting up a huge tent in front, which blocked a view like this).
Inside the temple.
Part of the shrine inside.
Brother and sister pose out back.
The priory next to the temple. The tent being put up here was the same size as the one being put up in front of the temple.
Another internet photo showing everything associated with the temple..
A short walk behind the temple brings you to this pleasant inlet.
Our next stop was Keswick, about 20 miles north of Ulverston. This is along Lake Windermere, which is on the way, a favorite vacation area for the locals.
Just past Lake Windermere is Lake Rydal. We stopped and took a little hike to the lake. This is along River Rothay, which runs from Lake Rydal to Lake Windernere (and next 5 photos)
Fox Glove - they are everywhere in northern England and Scotland.
Where River Rothay starts.
A panorama of Lake Rydal.
A plaque for Castlerigg Stone Circle, which is just a few miles east of Keswick. This is a smaller version of Stonehedge (which we did not even consider visiting - it was at least 425 miles away from Ulverston). Castlerigg was built about 4,500 years, about the same time period as Stonehedge.
As you can see, no where near the size of Stonehedge, but still cool to realize how long it has been there.
Fleta is at one with the ancients !!
Father and son posing.
A panorama of the site.
The country side beyond one of the stone walls surrounding the circle.
Our B and B in downtown Keswick - Hunters Way.
Checking out the town (and next 3 photos).
