Day 7: Pencils and Popstars

Yet again another early morning, we are getting up at 5.45am all mornings except for one on this bus tour so we are getting tireder by the day which is probably evident in my ravings.

We left Loch Long for Liverpool in the rain once again, mornings always seem rainy. The " comfort stop" this morning was Gretna Green, famous for lots of weddings, and I think you can get married at age 12 there, such a sensible option. Think of the benefits, no need to serve alcohol at the wedding, if you have children straight away they are off your hands by about age 30, you can celebrate your golden anniversary at 62, and let's face it who wouldn't want to be with the same person for 70+ years? 

Enough of the romance and it's back on the coach to Keswick in The Lakes District ( most visited area in the UK). Keswick is a 13th century market town famous for cheese and something called Kendal Mint Cake.

Another beautiful village with the sun shining and people with puppies everywhere, dogs were allowed in most places here, pubs, restaurants and shops, our sort of town. Once again a very hikey, mountain climbing type of place. Keeping my dream alive.

Fun Fact: The pencil was invented here, Derwent, and tell me who didn't want a set of Derwents at school?

Back on the bus and with more scenery than you could poke a HB at we headed on to Liverpool, the birthplace of The Beatles, not quite as exciting as the birthplace of the pencil but who are we to judge?

What magnificent weather Liverpool has put on, and to my surprise a very pretty city with a great dock area as well as some unique accommodation options.

Just beginning to realise that things are a little more pricey in the UK as well, i.e about $6.50 for a med coffee. I think I keep seeing the amount in £ and forget to convert to $. Royalties from my monster pics should start arriving soon and it will be first class all the way.

Today's Shoutout: All the Westie owners in the UK who let these two mad Aussie women pat their dogs.