Cockermouth Trip
Thursday dawned cloudy, no blue skies above,
Storm Gareth left water where once green fields stood,
At Ireby Green we gathered for drinks and an excellent English breakfast,
Not to be deterred, only 3 MGs, the rest more suited the forecast.
With both cars and occupants now suitably re-fuelled,
Mick and Barbara took the lead and the scenic route ruled.
View obscured as we climbed, gushing water all around,
A brief stop, we looked down and saw much flooded ground.
We continued our journey without further delay,
Atmospheric conditions the whole of the way,
But before not too long we arrived at our base,
The Trout Hotel, Cockermouth, our pre-chosen place.
A night of rest and with breakfast fuelled, we set off at 10 o’clock,
The car park barrier challenged us all, as our exit it tried to block.
Out at last and on to Low Horton we go and then to Buttermere,
Up Honister Pass we’re squeezed into the grass, but we all quickly re-appear.
Through Whinlatter Forest – wow – such gorgeous views!
Into cafe for hot drinks, then of course visit the loos.
Down through Borrowdale Valley and Derwentwater shore passed
With the rain beating down, boy it really lashed
Next on to Watendale Old Bridge, up a twisty, narrow road,
More rain and hail, a glimmer of sun, photo taken on bridge, a memory stored.
Descending again passing Surprise View on the way
Towards Keswick, then Bassenthwaite without further delay.
Now havoc ensued, Road Closed Ahead, our planned route it did prevent,
New road found, but traffic was slow, as cars crawled past a bad accident.
Finally through, a tree felling gang, again made our progress slow,
So a quick decision made to stop for some lunch, into Pheasant Inn we all go.
Saturday dawned as wet as could be,
A hood down day we were not going to see,
But it brightened a little by half past eleven,
So we all set off then, our convoy of seven.
Onward to Maryport via Workington we go,
But with many roads flooded, our progress was slow.
We then head for Silloth feeling jollier and merrier,
To visit the home of Kathleen Ferrier.
This lady moved there and with her, her spouse
And opened a cafe, “Mrs Wilson’s Coffee House.”
We partook of refreshments, as my memory recalls,
With pictures of Kathleen displayed on the walls.
We then all departed and headed on back,
Some took the highroad and some took the track.
By dinner that night we had ended our roam,
After breakfast next morning, we all headed home.
Courtesy of Gail & Fred
