A good night's sleep, then a trip to Tesco Extra filling station to refuel for our two hour journey to the North Somerset coast. Then bag packing and loading the car while Clare cooked lunch. I did my Duo Lingo drill while Clare had a siesta, then at two thirty we set out.
The M5 going south west was busy, and there were a few slowdowns. Progress was much slower once we left the motorway for the last stretch of the journey around Bridgewater and onward on the winding undulating A39 to Minehead. Even so, it was an enjoyable drive on a country road which looks much the same now as fifty odd years ago when we last came this way. As we travelled we realised that we both were remembering the same student chaplaincy charabanc outing, a guided tour of the region with Dr Basil Cottle, an academic linguist enthusiastically decoding place names and recalling the history of the region.
Andrew, our holiday home host met us as we drew into the courtyard in front of our holiday cottage. He handed over the keys and briefed us before we unloaded the car. The cottage is well appointed, comfortable with all mod cons. We even have our own small garden, neatly kept.
After unpacking we went out to explore the town. We found a Coop grocery store five minutes away and bought the few things we'd forgotten to pack. We walked down to inspect the harbour, with its modern marina and promenade before returning for supper. Everywhere we walked gave an impression of a well cared for harmonious environment. No graffiti, no rubbish, no tasteless signage. A visual holiday in its own right.
After supper, we went out again in the dark, guided by low intensity street lights and the light emanating from hostelries and restaurants still busy with customers. The moon was still hiding among clouds. What an enchanting stroll we had, down to the harbour wall and back! A great start to our fortnight stay.
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