The Lake District

After leaving Scotland it was time to take a few trains and head to Low Bentham and Tessa's house.  The journey began as normal when we boarded our first train and the view was amazing!  Miles of gorgeous English country side were like a bright green quilt as we rode on.  Our final train on the other hand was not as gorgeous.  It started with us coming up to the smallest train platform I have ever seen!  We then had to figure out a way to get to the other side since there was no bridge and we were a bit worried to jump down on the tracks.  We soon found that you had to walk through the parking lot, up and around on the rode and across the top that way (in the rain of course).  It was hilarious.  The train we rode the rest of the way on was truly an old fashioned rickety wonder.  It clanked and groaned and at times felt like it wasn't attached to the car in front of it.  But we all made it safe and sound!

Tiny train station

We all decided a drink was in order and went to a local pub.  People watching was great as an extremely drunk woman at the bar was providing a nice show and the father of the year was drinking as his child played hide and seek outside of the pub by herself.  Then we went and met up with two other Fulbrighters and had a fun catching up.  

The next day all of us went to Aysgarth Falls.  It was absolutely beautiful and we enjoyed walking to all of the different falls.  Scenes from Robin Hood were filmed in parts of the falls so I spent some time trying to find Kevin Coster just in case he might still be hanging around.  

We thought it was funny that the Americans were the only ones who paid

After the falls we went to a nearby castle to see if I really want to be a princess some day.  We had to take the quick tour since we were a bit late in arriving, but we were able to find all the fun it had to offer.  Natalie and I really enjoyed the old style toilets!  Sadly there were no doors to give us any privacy but we managed.  The view from the top was amazing and gave us all a chance to have a good wind blown castle pic.  

There was also an extremely difficult hedge maze that Natalie and I decided we better give a try.  Luckily Rebecca was nearby to help us as we were hopelessly lost.  

Where do I go??

In the end I decided I would love to be a princess, but I think I want my castle to have a roof.  And maybe running water.  

The next day we head to the Lake District.  Now this could be the most beautiful place I have ever been.  Rebecca did a great job researching an amazing hike and we didn't let the rain scare us.  Fortunately for us everyone else did.  Our guided hike turned into a private tour with just the four of us, the two guides, one of their husbands and a dog.  We were definitely not prepared since most of us only had tennis shoes instead of actual hiking boots.  The mud was great fun!  During the hike there were only a few times it rained and then the weather cleared up and the view was unbelievable.  At the top we sat down and had some well deserved PBJ's and a rest.  Our guide was great at teaching us on the way and loved mocking the silly American girls as we sang songs and stopped every few seconds to take pictures.  This was a very successful day!  

Even the picture can't do it justice!