I met the J-gang at the bus stop in Congresbury and drove them to the farm. With the rain still falling, we spent the rest of the morning in the caravan, chatting and playing board games. After lunch the sky began to clear, and it was time for the children to meet some of the farm animals.
In the pasture adjacent to the caravan were our two Indian Runner ducks, two chickens and a cockerel that have thus far managed to stay alive despite nightly visits by a persistent predator (likely a Mink), and a small flock of sheep. Further along the lane we found the herd of cattle -- among them a cow I raised from birth and call Panda. Such is the bond we formed as I bucket-fed her for the first few months of her life that, even after fourteen years, Panda still comes to me when I call and stands quite still to have her head and neck stroked. We didn't tarry long, though, since the bull and one particularly aggresive cow were making even me nervous as they advanced a little too close for comfort.
From there, in two cars, we headed for Cheddar, drove up and down the gorge to view the massive rocks then proceeded on foot to enjoy the delights of that quaint and, for the most post part, unspoiled village. We watched a batch of sweets being made and sampled some deliciously spiced Cheddar cheese. And near the entrance to one of Cheddar's famous caves we were pleasantly surprised to find and photograph a Gromit -- one more for the children to add to their collection.
Although the Costa coffee shop seems rather out of place and a tad too worldly among the smaller local businesses, we were glad to sit on the deck and indulge ourselves with drinks and cakes. From that vantage point, too, we marvelled at the mountain goats casually picking their way along the crags and ledges high above us.
Back at the caravan it was time for dinner, and we chose the easy option -- a takeaway from the local fish and chip shop. However, the fish was disappointingly tasteless and the chips not much better. For the J-gang's next visit, I'll make sure I have a nice selection of pizzas in the freezer!
That said, we all enjoyed the day.
In the pasture adjacent to the caravan were our two Indian Runner ducks, two chickens and a cockerel that have thus far managed to stay alive despite nightly visits by a persistent predator (likely a Mink), and a small flock of sheep. Further along the lane we found the herd of cattle -- among them a cow I raised from birth and call Panda. Such is the bond we formed as I bucket-fed her for the first few months of her life that, even after fourteen years, Panda still comes to me when I call and stands quite still to have her head and neck stroked. We didn't tarry long, though, since the bull and one particularly aggresive cow were making even me nervous as they advanced a little too close for comfort.
From there, in two cars, we headed for Cheddar, drove up and down the gorge to view the massive rocks then proceeded on foot to enjoy the delights of that quaint and, for the most post part, unspoiled village. We watched a batch of sweets being made and sampled some deliciously spiced Cheddar cheese. And near the entrance to one of Cheddar's famous caves we were pleasantly surprised to find and photograph a Gromit -- one more for the children to add to their collection.
Although the Costa coffee shop seems rather out of place and a tad too worldly among the smaller local businesses, we were glad to sit on the deck and indulge ourselves with drinks and cakes. From that vantage point, too, we marvelled at the mountain goats casually picking their way along the crags and ledges high above us.
Back at the caravan it was time for dinner, and we chose the easy option -- a takeaway from the local fish and chip shop. However, the fish was disappointingly tasteless and the chips not much better. For the J-gang's next visit, I'll make sure I have a nice selection of pizzas in the freezer!
That said, we all enjoyed the day.
I think the lack of rain was some sort of divine intervention too!
ReplyDeleteHa ha Nigel. You know how to push my buttons. :-P
DeleteIt was fun visiting the farm. I think, in the future, the kids might be happy to spend more time outside.
ReplyDeleteOr more time at the farm with JUST Grandma and Nige, and not with mummy and daddy nearby! :)
Delete