A Lake Cruise with Grey Rabbit
It had been a busy morning a coach tour of the Lake district hills. Donkey had driven up and down pointing out sites along the Lake district roads from behind his dark shades. From sheep, to famous pubs hillsides and lakes, Donkey had recalled stories of Peter Rabbit, Beatrix Potter and the presenter of Bullseye. Tired He took a sharp turn left. The tour all stirred in their seats hearts in mouths as they swerved down a narrow path.
The donkey took hold of the microphone. Readjusting his shades to the top of his head. He coughed clearing his throat. It was time for his next announcement. On the microphone he called; ‘that all aboard would have an opportunity to purchase tickets to the Windermere Lake Cruise. The Cruise owner would step aboard and explain the different trips the travellers could experience. He would wait whilst we had an opportunity to explore the lake tour and coffee shop. With this some mallard ducks ushered the coach into a private bay they bowed a concierge bow greeting their guests.
The Coach drew to a halt. The door remained firmly closed as the donkey awaiting the arrival of his business partner. A tall striking Swan in a snow white suit joined aboard the tour bus. The two business men exchanged a warm greeting. They had clearly in in cohorts for a number of tour trips. The business men had come to a equally beneficial agreement. The tour guides got free long stay parking with free time to nap without disturbance. The cruisers got an enthusiastic audience with money to spend in need of entertainment, cakes and tea.
‘Welcome to Windermere Lake. The largest Lake in the National Park.’ Spoke the Proud Swan. Escorting his audience to the lake side the grand well dressed swan showed off his collection of touring cruise boats. The cruisers were steam powered with double decks decorated in golds, rich greens and blues and whites. They beautiful and fascinating showcasing a great display of Northern Craftmanship. The boats were driven and escorted by a high quality team concierge cabin crew of suited Mallard ducks. The Swan continued to explain the Blue tour, then the Yellow Tour, and the backpackers tour. They appeared to be so many options Grey Rabbit was flummoxed. In a quick panic not wanting to look below class Grey Rabbit chose the first tour. ‘The Blue Tour’ excellent choice sir’ acknowledge the swan.
Grey Rabbit was escorted to the tea house where we purchased cake and a drink with a souvenir woven lake badge. Grey Rabbit had a 10 Minute wait before he could board the blue cruise. Looking Back to the bus Grey Rabbit smiled as he saw his friendly driver laid down fast asleep on the first double seat. Looking ahead over the river Grey Rabbit waved a cheerful goodbye to his fellow coach travellers who had opted for the longer Yellow tour.
Grey Rabbit was warmed to the sole by his tea and cake. Wrapping his scarf tight he alighted from his seat and pulled on his pack. Ready to go he waved goodbye to the cafe waiters and headed towards the blue dock where a steam boat stood awaiting its next audience.
Grey Rabbit boarded the Blue Cruise boat enjoying the warm greeting of the Mallards. A swan with a crooked neck hosted this tour. The Swan explained that today the cruise would go around the lake the swan would inform the passengers of a tale of the Lake that occurred prior to Saint George’s Dragon ousting. Grey Rabbit sat back on one of the boats benches and accepted a fluffy hot chocolate from a well dressed Mallard.
First the boat paused by a well dressed tree blooming in the autumn sun. The Swan recalled a brave young night who camped by the tree for a month. Within the tree leaves the knight did camp with a oil filled lamp. With extra fine binoculars we waited and watched from a distance recording movements plotting schemes. Watching on a dragons nest and praying for his beloved trapped in a royal bird cage. The lighting assisted the swan with producing a fairy tale shadowy glow showcasing the historic tree in wonder.
Moving further into the mystery's of the Lake the Mallard escorted the travellers to a half sunken island. The swan explained that they could not get to close. The witch had cursed the island sinking half of the nest site causing boats to wreck themselves with they were to approach to far. Grey Rabbit could see that the Mallard were anxious. Grey Rabbit started to shiver there was a sense of darkness around this natted nest site island. The Swan told a dark tale of a witched masked as a terrifying dragon that bedded on this island, keeping watch on its royal captive. The crowd was relieved as the cruiser moved away.
The mallards got to work providing hot chocolate to all aboard. The crowd were mumbling taking photos enjoying their beverages. The Swan called for silence asking all to close their eyes.
‘picture a beautiful magical princess castle that smells of buttercups and firework’ The swan described. Weather it was the golden blue green boat that drove Grey Rabbits imagination who could tell. But instantly a grand gold castle with aqua curved turreted came into Grey Rabbit’s mind.
Happy that the castle was in everyone’s minds. The swan urged the group to keep their eye closed and imagine a princess in a long pink ballgown with wavy blonde hair spiralling and twirling in delight. A princess pretty in pink with golden long hair and aqua tiara came to Grey Rabbit
The boat had slowed to a stand still. The swan waited building extra tension. after a second or two. The Swan requested ‘ Please all open your eyes’
The crowded gasped in alarm. In horror the crowd were greeted by a stone wreck. A ruined watch tower stood before them. Questions came from all directions. Calling once again for silence the swan comforted his audience by explaining. that before them stood the legacy of a knights fight with a dragon witch to rescue his beloved. Confirming a happy ending. He reintroduced his leading couple Queen Aurora and her husband Prince Philip.
SpotLight
Disney 100 Exhibition at London Excel — Walt Disney Archives opens a vault of historical and special treasures, original artworks, artefacts, costumes, props and memorabilia with the launch of Disney100: The Exhibition.
Kirbys Coaches- Kirbys Coaches offers Coach Day Trips, Holidays and Private Hire across the UK and Europe, with Pick Up Points across Essex.
Windermere Lake Cruise- Windermere Lake Cruises is a boat company which provides leisure trips on Windermere in the central part of the English Lake District. It is based in Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria. The most popular tourist attraction in the Lake District, Windermere Lake Cruises sails every day except Christmas Day on England’s largest lake.
