Going home, the homes of the Wordsworths' that is

Today the group headed to the two homes of William and Dorothy Wordsworth. William was a famous poet of the 18th and 19th century and Dorothy was his sister, who loved William very much. Our first stop was Dove Cottage, just outside the town center. We got a guided tour through the cottage, which was very small and very dark. Currently we are reading Home at Grasmere, which are the journals of Dorothy when she was at Dove Cottage. It's hard to believe she was in that house when she was writing the entries; put a whole new spin on the reading! We couldn't take pictures inside the house but I did snap one in their backyard garden:

After Dove Cottage we ventured in the conveniently located Wordsworth museum which had a Lake District landscape painting exhibition as well. I saw the mailbag which Dorothy so heavily relied on and also some beautiful watercolors and engravings of places that I have been too. Of course, I could have spent all day there, but our group was headed to our next stop, Rydal Mont. William and Dorothy only spent eight years at Dove Cottage; after eight years, William was married to Mary and they were having more children than that cottage could hold. So they moved a few miles to Rydal Mont. The route we took was a coffin route and it went above Rydal Water.



I really liked Rydal Mont. The house was much bigger and brighter; the front window has a great view of the garden and Lake Windemere. This house also has photos and letters from the descendants of the Wordsworths, which adds a nice touch. William also was a landscaper and made a beautiful garden, holding all sorts of interesting plants. Dr. Bob treated us to tea and treats afterwards, all were delicious.



The Trailblazing Trio then broke off and wandered back to Grasmere on our own. I stopped by the post office to pick up some stamps and we picked up a few items from the co-op. Back at the house, tacos were being made and then we had the night to read and write. Going to star gaze right now, let's hope the stars are out!



Courtney and I enjoying the view