The end of term is quickly approaching. This has definitely been my most difficult term, being the one in which I need to complete my dissertation. But I’m almost there. I’ve completed the other two assignments that are due in. Now I’ve just one chapter of my dissertation left to write and then I can look forward to the break.
It is also coming toward the climax of our pool season. We are currently second in the league after pulling off decent wins in our last few games. Things are tightening up at the top, but those currently occupying the number one spot are still in reach. We play them in the final week. It would be great to go out with a win, but I’ll just have to keep my fingers crossed.
On the Monday after breaking up, I will be leaving home again in the direction of the North West, not to go back to uni, but for a week’s holiday in the Lake District. My family and I go there every year. This time my girlfriend, Abigail, is coming along too. We always plan our walking schedule ahead of leaving. The longest walk we tackled last year was Wansfell. It is by no means to most difficult walk in the Lakes but it is challenging enough for me. I really enjoy the walks but I equally enjoy a celebratory pint in one of the local inns as a reward.
We stay in the same area each year; a small town called Ambleside, situated next to Lake Windermere. Ambleside is populated with many nice cafes, book shops, and Inns, one of which overlooking the Lake. There is a village nearby, called Grasmere, which the famous poet William Wordsworth described as “the loveliest spot that man hath found”. He would know, as he spent the latter part of his life there, and also marks the place of his burial. Each year we complete the walk from Ambleside to Grasmere which takes a few hours but the picturesque landscape makes it well worth it. On the return route we always stop in a nearby pub called The Badger, where as the name would suggest, visitors are able to enjoy their drinks while watching the badgers arrive for their evening meal. I’m yet to witness this as we always visit at the wrong time, but this time I think we should make an effort to see it.
For those of you unfamiliar with Lancaster, you will be happy to know that it is situated rather close to the Lake District; close enough that it is in travelling distance if you wanted a day out or break from work. When I was in first year, the university organised a bus trip to the Lakes. Worth looking out for that when you arrive!