Posted by Robert Thompson on January 14, 2006 at 22:49:53 from 80.177.174.120 user robert.
In Reply to: a foreigner's view posted by Ed Kiser on January 14, 2006 at 11:53:06:
Sometimes I must wonder, if those people who actually live in that beautiful part of the world actually SEE that beauty, as it is such a common daily presence that it becomes taken for granted. They get so used to it that it becomes ordinary.
I would just like to assure Ed that those of us who are lucky enough to live in Ransome country can not become used to it so that it becomes ordinary, for the very simple reason that every day is so different. I live in the valley of the River Duddon, an excellent fishing river known to Ransome, and I work by and on the "Lake in the North", ie Coniston Water.
For example yesterday I had arranged with some friends to help me haul out my 10-foot sailing dinghy Hirondelle. This entailed rowing her a quarter of a mile from "Holly Howe" (Bank Ground Farm) across the lake to a suitable beach. Unfortunately the weather decided to join in, I had to row across a heavy south wind which tends to funnel up the lake. I was somewhat weary after the voyage!(I couldn't have sailed, the mast and all the gear were already stowed). We eventually self-resusitated with tea and coffee in Coniston village.
My point is that had we instead chosen today not only would it have been warmer but the wind was much less and the sun was shining!
I too keep an eye on Tony's LakelandCam (I also pass his house on most days). Required viewing for all, in my opinion. (his website, not his house)
Ed, you never know what fate might bring you to these shores - you would be very welcome and it would be so interesting to hear your opinion of the real locations that inspired Ransome.