Saturday 4 September 2010

Inside, outside, no contest

Mr FF went down to Manchester yesterday for meetings and after some deliberation, 3 hours each way car journey v day in the garden, I decided to do the decent thing and go with him, especially as I knew he had an early start and would be finished in the afternoon so we could call in at The Lake District on our way back.
We were up before 6 am, quick showers and away, we stopped off at one of his favourite truck stops for coffee and bacon rolls en route and made good time. I hadn't been sure what to do with myself while Mr FF was busy and eventually asked him to drop me off at the Trafford Centre which wasn't too far from his first appointment. Big mistake, I'm not a fan of shopping malls at the best of times, I much prefer to be outdoors, and this one was an ornate shrine to consumerism. All the usual high street shops, nothing whatsoever individual, lots of fast food outlets with the one redeeming place, Carluccio's an Italian deli and restaurant where I had an excellent coffee and bought this tea towel. The lovely sales girl also gave me a couple of postcards and a carrier bag with the same design.
I was soon bored and spent quite a while sitting waiting inside as there was nothing but car parking outside, though I did pick up the makings of a picnic so that we could get straight to the Lakes. Mr FF collected me up around 2 and we were in the National Park in less than 1.5 hours, where we found the perfect spot. A National Trust property with parkland right down to Lake Windermere that was full of people enjoying the sunshine in a very British way. Picnics, folding chairs, blankets were in abundance and every possible game was taking place, cricket, football, frisbee, canoes and kayaks were on the water finding their way round the swimmers and splashers, it was a delight to see so many people making their own entertainment in such a gentile way. I had my book Mr FF had the paper and we soaked in the sun, took a stroll along the lakeside and watched the fun. I did overhear a mother tell her little girl not to venture into the bushes as a very large squirrel lived there, I looked but I couldn't see it.
Late afternoon we went to one of our favourite Lakeland tea shops for a good brew and cakes sitting outside by the river. We know how to enjoy ourselves and it doesn't involve multi million pound buildings full of statues, fountains and run of the mill shops, just beautiful scenery, good fresh air and massive slices of carrot cake.

22 comments:

  1. I've only visited the Trafford centre once but it's a favourite haunt of my shopaholic, Manchester dwelling daughter. As for the rest of your day, there was sun, a lake, cake and a phantom giant squirrel. Can't get much better, can it?
    Have a good weekend.

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  2. Malls are a big nono for me too - you should have gone to Salford Quays and wallowed in the history and fabulous oudoorsyness of the Venice of the North. The lakes look lovely. xxx

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  3. The second part of your road trip certainly looks appealing and maybe you appreciated it even more having suffered The Trafford Centre first?

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  4. Such nice pictures. And the carrot cake...!
    Alfazema

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  5. I hate the Trafford Centre - its so souless and full of people who can't think of anything better to do with their time and money. Give me the Lakes any day!!!
    Love Kathy xxx

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  6. I hate the Trafford Centre - its so souless and full of people who can't think of anything better to do with their time and money. Give me the Lakes any day!!!
    Love Kathy xxx

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  7. I hate the Trafford Centre - its so souless and full of people who can't think of anything better to do with their time and money. Give me the Lakes any day!!!
    Love Kathy xxx

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  8. I visited the Trafford Centre once and that was enough. The Lakes are so lovely, especially with all this great weather we're having at the moment, I'm glad that made up for your morning up close with consumerism at its worst. The carrot cake looks wicked!!

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  9. I'm with you on shopping centres - I hate them! I'm not a big shopping fan (except for yarn shopping of course!, but would always choose a local high street with individual shops. Your photos of Lake Windermere are reminding me that it's about time we had a holiday in the Lakes again. The carrot cake looked delicious!

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  10. I have only ever been the Trafford centre twice since it was opened and I use to drive past it every day! not my idea of fun!
    glad you had a good end to your day out though.
    love
    lyn
    xxx

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  11. This post makes me want to pack a quick picnic lunch and head out to the local lake and .... just sit and watch! Sounds like you have the right idea for entertainment.

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  12. Oh I envy you so much being in the Lake District. I was there as a child and even then, loved it's beauty. I would love to see it again..

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  13. Looks like your day turned out well in the end. I just adore the Lake District. I'm definitely with you when it comes to preferring the outdoors. Free 'feelgood factor'! Hope you have a good week. Ros

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  14. I don't care if I never set foot in another mall...... ever. The Lakes look glorious, glad you were able to enjoy them in lovely sunshine.

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  15. Part two of your outing--FABULOUS, Jenny...those cake slices are enormous...LOL! Happy Days ((HUGS)) P.S. a package is on its way to you! ;o)

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  16. That carrot cake looks deeeelish!!!! And the views are rather yummy too.

    It's very sad that anything individual has left the building a long time ago. Everywhere are the same shops and rubbish. Even the big outdoor shows are more often than not trying to sell crappy tat. Hand made, yes, by some poor kid churning out dozens for pennies and exporting to here in the thousdands. Even local farm shops with real local suff are hard to find!

    I'll get off my high horse now. lol

    I hope you have a few more trips out planned. I know we do now the kids are back at school. Now where'd I put the NT cards....

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  17. I am no fan of the Trafford Centre but the WAGs love it. Fresh air and sunshine are more to my taste any day. I hope that the Lake Ditrict made up for the Trafford Centre.

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  18. Thank you for visiting and for your kind comment! ..I think we could say my Sweet peas vs your Morning Glories 1-1 ?!
    :)

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  19. Beautiful photos of the lake and that carrot cake looked so good! I can tolerate browsing in shops a little while but the outdoors is definitely a better place to be!

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  20. I have revisited this journal entry several times just to scroll down and enjoy that beautiful carrot cake and tea scene. Calorie free, I'm sure, at least for me ;-)

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  21. Living here in the Borders, I sometimes miss having access to big shops/malls ...... but having been in Falkirk during the week, I remember why I don't like big shops/malls!! Do let me know if you're heading down this way - perhaps we can get together for a cuppa!

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  22. I detest those shopping malls and feel I'm wasting precious minutes of my life when I end up in one. Love your philosophy of fresh air and carrot cake! countrymouse x

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