RUSKIN'S VIEW.........

............ Well as close as you can get to it now.

Hubby had things to do at home today.  I had to take G for an INR blood test so afterwards I decided we would go to Kirkby Lonsdale for the day.  

Such a lovely morning, weather-wise.  No problems on the roads today, thank heavens.  So this meant that we arrived in Kirkby by 10.30.  We went straight to No. 44 on Main Street for coffee.  It was busy but a couple of free tables and great service.   Very nice.

We then walked up Main Street and into the Church yard.  A lovely gentleman seeing our cameras pointed us to the best place to get a photo of the whole of the church, that was so lovely of him - especially as there was a coach load of tourists milling around and it was quite busy.  

I've been to St Mary's Church several times, but the first time this year so it will be good for my Churches project.  I like to sit for a little while to get the feeling of peace that these places often emanate.  Then make a donation and walk around, find a bit of history and admire the architecture and/or windows.

We then walked through the church grounds.  Sadly Ruskin's View appears to be permanently closed off now.  They do have an appeal to raise funds but it will cost a lot to make it safe again.  It's such a shame as it was a great place to sit and admire a wonderful view.  The photo is the closest I could get to it and that was taken from the back of the church grounds. 

After that we went into The Tourist Information to The Story Bank called The Vault.  It is just one room at the back of the Tourist Information place, which used to be a Bank.  However they have small lockers with artifacts in them with labels on.  If you place the labels in the centre of the table it sets of video recording of people from past times telling a story around the artifact, such as a school slate for the local school from Victorian era, John Ruskin himself, etc.  It was actually very interesting.

Then onto The Book Lounge for a browse.  After that we went to Plato's for lunch.  They have just been sold apparently but are still operating as a going concern so are obviously getting used to new management.  The young lady said the only food they have today is a soup and sandwich combo.  Well that was enough for us and G was getting a bit of a dizzy so needed to sit so we said yes please.  It turned out very serendipitous because it was excellent.  Red Pepper and Salsa soup with Cheese and homemade chutney sandwiches.  Followed by a lovely Creme Brulee with homemade shortbread biscuits for me and a Lemon Tart for G.  All very delicious.    I will certainly keep an eye on their website and would give it a try again.

We then just came back and as we drove off it started to rain.  Perfect timing really because it had been mostly warm and sunny until then. It didn't last long though.  

Overall a pleasant, relaxing and soothing day out.

Do take care and stay safe and I will see you all tomorrow.