Explorer and Independent Biologist

Thursday 24 February 2011

Windermere - quest for Bownessie

At just over 11 miles (18 km) long, Windermere is the largest natural lake in England. It was formed after the retreat of ice at the end of the last Ice Age.

Aerial  picture of Windermere
Internet picture source here

There are a number of reports over the years of a large aquatic animal (possible prehistoric) that inhabits the lake. The Windermere creature has been named Bownessie, hybridising the name of a village on Windermere (Bowness) and Nessie (the Loch Ness Monster of Scotland). A recent report (with photograph) prompted me to spend a few hours kayaking around Windermere today, to see what I could find...

A recent photograph of Bownessie. 
Read the full report in the Daily Telegraph here.


Looking north up Windermere through the channel between 
Belle Isle (right) and the west shore of Windermere


Windermere is a very popular place for boating and 
water leisure activities of many kinds
But who wants to be a tourist...


And who wants to be a millionaire...
 

When I can paddle off in my own little boat with perfect freedom...



...quietly, close to the banks of the islands,
sliding under the overhanging trees  in shallow water
watching the wildlife...


 ...and choose my own little island to pull ashore 
to brew a pot of tea with a picnic lunch...


Provided that it is not right underneath the Cormorant colony!


So, did I find Bownessie? No.
Not this time...

5 comments:

  1. top post and I agree about the vessel!

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  2. Really think you are so lucky to be able to kayak around such a place so close to you.
    What is that box that is in your picnic box?

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  3. Wonderful. Thanks for letting us imagine we are on the journey with you.

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  4. Wondrous place!

    So, did you or did you not camp right under the Cormorant colony? ;-)

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