Wasdale - Good Bye

The day had come when the remaining five of us took our leave. The weather had been doable, but we left during another Lakeland deluge. This was refreshing weather, but also a signal that for us that an interesting week - indeed an interesting and active CLOG away break - had come to an end. Our respective journeys to the deep south awaited.

On our last morning, the weather took a refreshing turn, but in a way,
also suggested to us that it was time to go.
Weather-wise, we had had a reasonable innings.

Wasdale - Last Look Around

It was time to collect our luggage and have a last look around. For one last time, we took in the landscape, the hotel entrance with its "carved court cupboard", the lounge, Ritson's Bar and the chimney outside those of our apartments which faced Kirk Fell.

In the hotel entrance was the carved "court cupboard" with its load of old hiking boots.




Then there was the lounge with its ...




... pictures, prints and framed statements like this one on "Wasdale Hospitality".




There was Ritson's Bar with its crooked chimney ...




... and the picture of Will Ritson himself.




From our apartment we could see Kirk Fell front-ended by a "grassy" chimney.




All about us there were walls (not all drystone) built from rough-hewn Lakeland stone.

Journey to Seascale

Dave was heading for Lincoln to see his daughter, but kindly gave Tina and me a lift to Seascale Station. Tina was catching the train to Lancaster and I was going via Carlisle, so we waved to each other from opposite platforms on Seascale Station.

On the way to Seascale we encounter a "Rush Hour in Ireland" situation. The sheep seemed to just keep coming, but actually we weren't delayed that much. We made sure we had plenty of time in hand.

This is not "Rush Hour in Ireland" to quote an Irish postcard.
This might be called "Rush Hour in Cumbria".




And the sheep just keep coming!

Journey to Carlisle

The journey to Carlisle was along the interesting Cumbrian Coast. On clear days it is apparently possible to see the Isle of Man. Travel was in what appeared to be two rather vintage 4-wheel "Pacer" units, coupled back-to-back. These two Pacer units were characterized by peeling paint, water dripping through the top of the connecting corridor and a notice saying "Did you enjoy travelling in carriage No. xxxxxxxx? Please text or send us your comments."

On Seascale Station, I waved to Tina on the other platform.
Tina has booked to go via Lancaster. I had booked to go via Carlisle. Seascale Station has no footbridge. Network Rail, or however it's called, saves on money by using an albeit narrow public underpass for the purpose. Narrow? Well, the road is only "one lane".
On the platform I met someone, originally from the South Coast, who had come to Seascale to retire. Seascale looked bleak today, but I'm sure it must have its brighter moments.




Before my Carlisle train comes, I enjoy a last view of Seascale nestling on the shores of the Irish Sea. Can't make out the Isle of Man today. The train itself is fun. It consists of two back-to-back 4-wheel Pacer units. These are characterized by peeling paint, water dripping through the top of the connecting corridor and a notice saying "Did you enjoy travelling in carriage No. xxxxxxxx? Please text or send us your comments." From me, no comment.

Journey to Euston

The train south from Carlisle was a very crowded Pendolino® hailing from Glasgow. Announcement and information at Carlisle, concerning the "make up" of the train, were virtually non-existent. In coach 'C', I actually managed to get a window seat (without an annoying window separator as well) and managed to keep my luggage "sort of" under observation. The public request, "Please watch your luggage at all times" has not been adequately woven into the design of Pendolinos®. People getting on at subsequent stops will have found the train even more crowded than I did! This was the glory of travelling with Virgin® trains.

Carlisle Station has just been renovated with a new roof. Maybe that's why full train information (which one has at Euston), has not yet been adequately installed. Anyway, I had to cross platforms for Euston. This picture looks nice and sunny. I took it when I came on March 28 and of course, it does not say anything about the lack of train information for the public.

Anyway, in just over three hours I would be in Euston, with my memories of what had actually been a good Easter Break, despite the interesting weather and the homeward travel experiences.