We pulled into Fleetwood, just north of Blackpool and Liverpool. Strange way these people name their towns, pool. There was no swimming. Fleetwood is right on the coast, but not much of a coast. It is more like miles and miles of mud flats. Needless to say dogs loved it. Lots of nice walks, lots of wind and pretty cold. The hotel was a throw back from the 50's, big, ornate and past its prime but very classic. 
Driving through the Lake District is similar to visitng Yellowstone. Bumper to bumper traffic. We did find beautiful hikes along the hills and lakes. The views are spectacular. Found Castleriigg a Stone Circle 
to pray to the wind god for less traffic. (No Jamie yet) . Went to Keswick which reminded me of Mac Island, loads of people and a classic English village.
Our next hotel/ pub we decided to take "alternative routes" let me tell you right now that is a big mistake. The alternative routes are filled with "adventures" and not the good kind. Although the traffic may be less, the round abouts and city driving are enough to cause marital problems. Then there are the "grey" roads. To be avoided at all costs. They are back roads that are no bigger than one car and are meant for two. They also have rock walls on both sides right next to the road and when there are not walls there are sheep sleeping in the middle of the road. Stressful driving at best. And most of the time they are not on the GPS.
We stayed at a pub the second night in Barrow Inverness, and rocked to country western band until about 2 in the morning. Dogs loved it and barked along with the music.
I took my first drive, since it was Sunday, Easter morning and I thought that most people were home hunting Easter eggs and were safe from me. The funny thing about driving in England is not the left side, but trying to shift from the left. I always want to shift the armrest on the door, does not work so well. thank goodness the foot pedals are not switched. That would make for some jerky driving. The round abouts gave me fits and starts but as long as I followed the mantra, "stay left" and keep circling if you do not know your exit is I was fine.
We did a death march to the top of a mountian and was rewarded with a view of Keswick and Derwentwater. Paragliders were jumping off the mountian in all directions. Gorgeous day, no clouds in site. Dogs had a hay day running up and down the mountian. 
The last night we spent at a B&B in Maryport. It was more like a pub in the country. Had some punk rockers playing pool and drinking lager in bar. Seemed really juxtaposed to each other. Took the dogs for a walk in the morning and found a beautiful peacock.
The drive home was about the same as the drive north, lucky for me I got my manicure set to stave off the boredom. The three hour drive was a 5 hour. So we stopped in Strafford for a look at Shakesperean.
The weather was beautiful, you would of never believed you were in a England.
Got home safe and sound, took longer than expected but all is well that ends well and my nails look great!
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