Last Saturday we went for a trip through to Cockermouth. I've been here at night since we moved up here, for a Knitting Club, not for the brightlights or nightlife. I thought it was about time I see this place by daylight. I never realised the place that we met in, the Trout Hotel, was right next door to Wordsworth House. Stop reciting 'I wandered lonely as a cloud, that floats on high.....' in your head and I'll try to as well. I didn't go into the house. I may do another time.
Here is my little Mary-Jane. She got rather tired during the outing. There was a lot of getting in and out of the car unfortunately. She did enjoy part of the day.
Down one of the small side alleys, that leads to some shops, there is The Cockermouth History Wall. I would have liked more time to read it all and learn. But here is a quick snapshot. In 2009, there was the worst floods for many many years. Up to 8' in parts. The floods went through the town itself and caused devastation. Talking to some of the people in the town, in the shops, there seemed a spirit of unity and community, of people helping each other during the 'mop up' operation.
The History Wall is quite long and informative. Another gem I learned was that Fletcher Christian was from just outside Cockermouth, Brigham I think. Fletcher Christian led the Mutiny On The Bounty. I can't remember many facts and figures at the moment, other than in a film he was played by a youngish Mel Gibson.
We had lunch in a place called The Squirrels Pantry, who serves The Most Delicious Home Made Apple Chutney. Highly recommendable chutney I must say! I also found the Wool Shop. I will go there again when I've got some pennies to spend. It carries stock beyond Sirdar and Patons, which is much favoured in these parts. There is a 'posh' yarn shop in Maryport, I've still to get to it, preferably when I've got some money to part with!
