Day 29:

Today we left Edinburgh in the morning and drove about 4 hours to Grasmere, a very small town in the lake district. Here we visited Dove Cottage, the home of Dorothy and William Wadsworth (brother and sister, both writers). Here is where William wrote many of his most famous poems, inspired by the beautiful scenery. His cottage wasn't much... it was small, cold, and very DARK. However, it had a spectacular view. Many famous writers would come to visit Wadsworth there, including Sir Walter Scott whose home we saw a few days ago.

In the small town we got some famous gingerbread which was delicious but much more gingery and crumbly than the gingerbread we're used to. Then we drove about 5 miles to Ambleside which surrounds Lake Windermere. A lot of the group decided to jump in the lake. I, being my mother's daughter, decided that just looked cold and miserable... there was really no point to it other that to say they did and who really cares in the long run? So I sat on my new Scottish blanket and wrote in my journal while looking out over the beautiful water and layers of green mountains surrounding the lake.

After a questionable cafeteria-style dinner at the hostel, Annie, Erin, Kristen and I decided to go for a hike. The trail took us to the top of a peak overlooking the lake and the green mountains and pastures on the other side of the peak. Besides the spectacular view (and really, it was breathtaking) we were priviledged to see a whole lot of sheep and mountain goats... and their poop. We also had to dodge the random marshy patches near the top. We failed and ended up with muddy tennishoes and wet socks. But honestly, this hike was my favorite part of Ambleside - it was so beautiful!

Trying to have a dancer moment