I had been desperate to get away for a few days. Waiting for children to go back to school before planning a break, my husband received sad news. A university friend had suddenly had a heart attack and died. His wife arranged a memorial service last Saturday in Bristol.
I had never met the family so wouldnāt be attending the service. However, I did have a friend who had moved to Bristol last year. This was a perfect opportunity to meet up again in āreal lifeā rather than our bi-weekly zoom calls. I jumped at the chance of adding a few days on to our Saturday and visiting Somerset. Itās been many years since we walked parts of the Cheddar Gorge or saw the caves. I had never been to Bristol but have bypassed it many times. My brother once lived in Taunton and we still have friends in Paignton.
The challenge was finding somewhere to stay. Once schools reopened the āgrey brigadeā went on their holidays! Everything was booked up from the end of August through to November! Luckily for us there was a cancellation and we managed to spend three nights in a small hotel in a village a few miles south of Bristol. I also managed to get decent weather as part of the package so that was an added bonus!
We left home after the morning rush. After a couple of hours on the motorway we turned off and continued our journey along narrow country lanes, enjoying the beautiful warm sunshine. We headed for Weston – Super – Mare, driving along the coast road looking for somewhere to have lunch. Unfortunately the pubs were either full or didnāt offer gluten free options. However, back inland we found a quiet country inn that sold real ale and something innocuous for me!
Our hotel was situated in a medieval square with an impressive, church, built in the 13th century, standing in magnificent splendour at the top of the square. It was unlocked so we went inside. It was built of limestone, has six bells and retained some fascinating painted mediaeval panels. In the churchyard was a commonwealth war grave of a Dorsetshire Regiment soldier from the Second World War. Iām always fascinated with old grave stones and can spend hours reading them! Light was fading by the time we got outside so my husband was spared my morbid pastime!
There were a number of walks to choose from. On our first hike we spent four hours, which should have been three, to climb a hill for a spectacular view of the countryside! We managed to go off piste and had to retrace our footsteps, leaving the spectacular view of the countryside for another visit! We did see a lot of trees, cows, sheep and maize crops! We could have been at home in Cheshire! Seeing a young man with a teenager coming back along the path towards us my husband asked if he was also lost! He replied with a chuckle. He was a local out walking with his daughter. He and my husband poured over our map and redirected us back to the car.
After a light lunch we followed narrow lanes and overgrown hedges to a nature reserve. A large map at the entrance showed a few paths, all leading to a panoramic view at the top of the hill. We followed the āstrenuousā track which led us down into a gorge. Unfortunately the map omitted to warn us that we had to clamber up a step section of wet rocks to reach the panoramic view! I didnāt break any limbs or nails but my husband lost his glasses. We got off relatively lightly! We were able to appreciate the beautiful countryside on this occasion and found an easier track back to the car!
It was so enjoyable meeting up with my friend who took me on a scenic tour of Bristol, on foot! Fitbit was ecstatic as I managed 25,000 steps! I can now imagine my friend sitting in her bay window overlooking the quay and people watching. A pastime that I thoroughly enjoy and can keep me occupied for hours! The trip home was uneventful and my daughter had made a delicious chilli dish to welcome us.
So, back to our new normal again this week! Autumn has arrived. Itās wet, windy and much cooler. I do feel a bit more rejuvenated and am already planning another short break in October! That will leave November to fill and then itās December. If all goes according to plan, my son and his family from the US will be here for Christmas! My daughter and I have already started planning meals!
So, āout damned spot, COVIDā! Letās all get our booster jabs and go back to welcoming family and friends into our homes! This virus has messed with our lives for far too long! Enough is really enough! š
Jenny Burrell 