How would you like to take a ride on a Steam Yacht Gondola? Staying in the Lake District we have enjoyed looking at the beautiful lakes that surround this lovely area. But today we want to take you on the water. The Victorians enjoyed this mode of transportation as an outing or as a means of getting around Coniston Lake. This gondola is like the ones in Venice, but much larger.
Riding over to catch the gondola the clouds start to roll into the valley.
Grayden is happy to see the hedgerows have been clipped or they've been trimmed by motorists!
We reach the lake and get our tickets to board the Gondola. This sign reminds us that the Lake District was recently proclaimed a World Heritage Status! It certainly deserves it!
This is a big deal. This means the area has been selected by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to be of value and is legally protected by international treaties for the enjoyment of humanity.
Here is the Steam Yacht Gondola. Her design is based on a Venetian "Burchiello". She glides silently through the water, with Sid the golden sea serpent at the bow as her figurehead. The National Trust rebuilt the vessel from an 1860 Gondola.
Boarding the gondola we are quite surprised as we step on board and see the inside!
It's quite fancy with leather seats and cozy blankets and if ordered ahead, a picnic hamper! You can ride inside and wander all about the gondola on the journey if you wish.
In the second cabin the upholstery is a pretty tufted fabric. As you can see it's quite large inside.
The engine of course is powered by steam. Grayden really enjoyed speaking with the gentlemen that skippered and maintained the vessel.
He was able to feed the steam engine fire box so we could putt around Coniston Water. Coniston is the third largest lake in the Lake District. Glaciers formed all of the lakes in this area. Coniston Water is five miles long and a half mile wide.
Grayden even got a chance to pilot the vessel. Don't worry he's had plenty of practice on boats!
Grayden even got a chance to pilot the vessel. Don't worry he's had plenty of practice on boats!
The water was so calm and the gondola so quiet. Such a peaceful and beautiful ride.
The reflections on the glassy waters doubled our views.
Here is the home (Brantwood House) of Victorian artist and philosopher John Ruskin. He lived on the eastern shore of the lake from 1872-1900 when he passed away.
This photo of him hangs in the Gondola.
“Nature is painting for us, day after day, pictures of infinite beauty if only we have the eyes to see them.”
― John Ruskin
Riding along we certainly see beauty everywhere!
It's time to leave Coniston Water.
Here is the home (Brantwood House) of Victorian artist and philosopher John Ruskin. He lived on the eastern shore of the lake from 1872-1900 when he passed away.
This photo of him hangs in the Gondola.
“Nature is painting for us, day after day, pictures of infinite beauty if only we have the eyes to see them.”
― John Ruskin
Riding along we certainly see beauty everywhere!
It's time to leave Coniston Water.
Grayden reminds me it's easier to pilot a boat than a car in England! We were driving on the lower road here and came upon a little darling on the stone wall! Please don't jump, my little friend! Yes, there is beauty all around if we have eyes to see. ♥
My new blogging friend is cleaning out her attic and has a giveaway. Check out her post at Teresa Kasner
My new blogging friend is cleaning out her attic and has a giveaway. Check out her post at Teresa Kasner
Thanks for coming along with us on another one of our days in Britain!
