Lake House - Illustration

There is just something about being near the water, that is so calming, don't you think?
This weeks illustrations were inspired by those houses that sit by the Lake, places where you can watch the world go by and enjoy the simple pleasures in life...

Whilst we don't all own a house by the Lake, there are still ways we can enjoy a day down by the water;
Here are five that spring to mind without it costing you a fortune.

1. Simple pleasures such as an impromptu Picnic, with the weather starting to warm up a bit now, (fingers crossed), a simple picnic hits the spot, egg & cress sandwiches on homemade bread with dandelion and burdock brings back some wonderful memories for me...or for something a little less 70's and maybe a bit more interesting you can find lots of simple picnic recipe ideas here 
2. Wild Water Swimming - If you are in the UK, personally, I think you are quite brave going wild water swimming given the current state of our waterways, but if it's something of interest to you, this site has lots of useful information for wild swimming, including how to keep safe...
3. Bird Watching - Watching the wildlife, especially the birds on the water, can be a great way to pass an hour or two, the RSPB have a long A- Z list of Nature Reserves on their website, some near to water some not, but hopefully it might provide you with some inspiration for an interesting day out...I can recommend Bempton Cliffs not exactly next to a lake, but hey it's water as it's near the Sea!
4. Reading a good book!  Sitting on a blanket with a good book, with a back drop of dragonflies buzzing, and sound of the water slowly lapping to the shore, a simple and cheap way to unwind...
5. Or if you are looking for a more active day by the water, you may want to try some Water Sports... two places that come to mind are Rother Valley Country Park near to Sheffield or Carsington Water in Ashbourne, Derbyshire...both great places for a day of activities...

So whether you are lucky enough to be heading out to a house by the lake, or simply having a picnic by the water, I hope you have a magical time!

Thank you for reading!