In Boston

Boston Uk that is.  It is half term break this week and in order to save some money for my trip to Barcelona next month, I have opted to stay at home.  However, my friend Graham invited me to go to Boston with him today.  Boston was the port from which the Mayflower sailed and such the reason for the namesake of Boston Massachusetts.  Luckily it was a gorgeous day.

This is St Botolph's (Boston Stump).  If you look 2/3 up the tower you will see a balcony going all around the tower.  Yes, yes I did walk up and I know that I never have to doit again.

This is the boat seen above.  I love the zoom on my new camera, and the panorama.

 Looking up the tower from the balcony.

An inside view up the centre of the tower.

These posts are at the ends of the choir pews.

I love these doors.  The door is so large that it has a small door to get in and out of.

A beautiful example of a timber build (Tudor style) from 1439.

A business card you don't want to receive.

We visited a museum where the prison cells were below and the court house above.  The show  "Who do you think you are?" was filmed here when Ashley Judd was looking into her ancestry.  It turned out a family member of hers was imprisoned here during his fight for religious freedom (as were many others).  But, when he was freed he and one other person made their way to America.  Below are the stairs leading from the prison cells up into the courthouse.

Lunchtime, fish and chips.

Love, love this windmill.

A gas station on a main street in a nearby town, still in operation.

Museum/library in the same town but I can't remember the name for the life of me.

Next time you hear from me I will probably be in Barcelona woo hoo.

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.