A bit un-"Settling"

I have just had my second Christmas in England.  I have been blessed to spend my time with family but all the while I was really missing my family at home in Canada.  I decided this year to rent a car and drive to the lakes so that I could visit Amy(my teacher friend from last year) on the way home.    The experience was great.  I found staying on the left and all the round-abouts were easily managed.  Remembering to undo the seatbelt on the left side was probably the most challenging part.  Coming home was a bit more daunting.  The route to Amy's took me over mountains.  While on top of the mountain I was isolated and unsure that my trust in technology might have been a bit naive.  At what point do you decide to turn around and not drive into a lake or off a cliff?  Be that as it may, I seemed to have done everything right.  On the ride back to Grimsby the following day I only had one person beep at me and I am not entirely sure it was my fault.

This rainbow illuminated the path for half the journey to the lake district.

St. Bee's at high tide.

This is Rupert (the dog) and Casper.  Rupert is 16 yrs. (96 in people years) and this was probably his last Christmas.

Another stunning cake by Brenda.  This years Canadian content is Maple leaves, I am truly honoured.

View from mountain top.

This is Kirby Lonsdale.  I stopped to stretch my legs on the way to Amy's.

Devil's bridge in Kirby Lonsdale.

This guy is perfectly at home in Amy's flat.

Heron in Settle.

Amy's home in Settle.  This is a converted textile mill.

Royal trains at York

I had the most incredible day in York today.  Last year I visited York with my friend Ross and his wife.  Today Graham and I visited again.  The day started with heavy rain but by the time we arrived, the rain had cleared and the sun was shining.  It's that"Canadian factor" that I may have referred to in previous posts.  In fact this factor seems to bring unreasonably cold temperatures at night as well. So much so that they were salting the highway when we returned.

You may remember Clifford's Tower from last October.

Royal trains…...

King Edward's

Queen Elizabeth's

This cafe is called "the Diner Car".

A weigh scale.

I loved this one, I thought it was diesel but it is actually steam.

This one has shrapnel damage.

This one was built during the war with no luxurious trims, just the bare necessities.

The skin has been removed so you see how the steam engines work.

The "Rocket" designed by Steverson.

Yellow bikes are left over from the Tour de France but I love seeing Santa doing a "tuck no-hander".

York Minster

A super moon over the Humber.