Preston and The Lakes District - South

We enjoyed the time we had in the Cotswolds very much but when Wednesday morning we departed for the Chorley/Preston area.  I don’t recall too many round abouts accessing the motorway (freeway) which was fine with me.  That first drive from Bath to Stow on the Wold was a little over the top for those things.  Round about, on round about, etc.  We spoke with a lady at breakfast that morning and she said they have about 12 in a 2.3 mile stretch near the hospital she works.  I guess that’s where they spend their money.   

Before we left Chorley to come to Keswick, we had to go the gas station to fill up.  Gas cost $1.34 per litre, £45 total for the fillup or about $70.00.  I have a friend from work who is in New Zealand and he said gas is £2.22 per litre with a 16% tax on top of that or about $11.50 per gallon.  The Americans don’t know how good the price of gas is at $4.00 per gallon.  The funny thing about gas in the UK is that regular unleaded was more expensive than premium unleaded.  In the states that would have been reversed.

The motorway was good though.  Speed limit of 70, depending on traffic and the need to speed for some.  I like that the inside lane is just for passing, versus   ‘cruising’ in the US.  On the downside, when a semi moves into your middle lane, oblivious to your existence, and you of course gravitate to the inside, it was a bit disconcerting to have a little curb there.  Not a skinny shoulder, or one at all, but a curb.  Most everyone drives small cars, and  vehicles are new for the most part for the sake of the price of fuel and the environment.

We arrived in Chorley, in about 2.5  - 3 hours, had a snack and spent some time in the Family Research center which is on the same campus as the Preston temple, the missionary training center for the UK , and a stake center.  The grounds were beautiful, and from a gardener’s standpoint, fairly high maintenance.  Many perennials, especially on the east side of the family history center and the temple and roses.  They had 6-8 8 rose archways, roses between evergreen shrubs, and more inside long boxwood planning areas. Very “English” and beautiful but a lot of work for sure.  They have a grounds crew of 4 to maintain. All of it.

We did take the opportunity to do some marriage sealings for some folks so were able to tour a bit of the inside of the temple as well.  The Celestial room was quite beautiful.  Gorgeous stained glass on the east end, designed by an London artist, that let it lots of light.  The opposite side had solid brass doors (10 feet I’m guessing) with glass panes that apparently took 20 men to carry in because they were so heavy.  The space was very naturally light and bright. 

One unique feature of the Preston England Temple, that I have never seen in any other temple, is its distinctive sunstones, moonstones, and starstones shown above. What I find unique is that they are laid out horizontally and clearly represent the 3 degrees of glory and eternal progression.

Thursday - Drive to The Lakes District - South

We were back on the road Thursday for the one hour or so drive to The Lakes district.  It was suggested to us to exit to the southern Lakes to enjoy the drive through there and then continue on to the northern area.  The scenes were beautiful.  Lots of beautiful green rolling hills and sheep.  I love the sheep.  It’s such a perfect time of year too because of all the new little ones.  We stopped a couple of times so I could take pictures.  That was tempered by the ability to find a driveway or pullout where I was somewhat  comfortable to get in and out of.  Thank goodness for little cars!  We did make a stop in Ambleside for a nice walk up the hill to view some little water falls.  That village reminded me of a smaller Whistler, cute restaurants and lots of sporting goods stores.  Afterwards we hopped back in the car to our destination of Keswick.