Up and off in glorious sunshine this morning but the clouds came over and we bumped into a shower in Wells. We had started the town trail but were near enough the cathedral to visit this and shelter. A really attractive place with the sculpted figures on the front, Gothic arches inside ( I've learned that Gothic arches are better at load -bearing than Norman arches!) and the second oldest original working clock in the world- the oldest with original dials! We were there just as it chimed and the knights on top jousted as they went around.
Scissor Arches
Apostles at the very top of Wells Cathedral
Weather brightened up and The Walker was keen to be on his way, so I investigated Wookey Hole and then went to meet him at the 'Strawberry Special' pub. We were lucky it was open as they are closed lunchtime most weekdays. There I was chatting to three very friendly locals and the chef, who were all keen to hear about Lejog and gave donations to the charity. Lovely people!
Cheddar looks really interesting so I'm looking forward to walking there tomorrow - and buying lots of cheese!
From Bernie:
Today's walk 9.0 miles : Cumulative 291.8 miles
Another shorter day but, as Les has said, that was mostly because we spent the morning exploring Wells & its cathedral. Should really have been a rest day but the miles added by the diversion to Wells, added to today's short walk, gets us back to one day ahead of schedule!
Likely headline in tomorrow's papers: MAN SAVES RODNEY STOKES
Who, you may ask, is Rodney Stokes? Answer: a small village between Wells & Cheddar.
Wandering down a narrow country lane into the very smart but apparently deserted village I spied a group of, perhaps, 10 sheep nibbling away at a flowery/bushy entrance to a driveway. As I approached I could see more of the rampant flock all over other gardens, trampling immaculate flower-beds, munching carefully trimmed hedges & despoiling bowling-green lawns! Fortunately, they were only sheep & the alarm was soon sounded: the gardens emptied & I was quickly herding some 50-60 of the beasts down the lane & back to a field - haven't a clue if it was theirs!
But where were all the people & who will they blame for the damage?
Likely headline in tomorrow's papers: MAN VANDALISES RODNEY STOKES
Highlight & Theme of the Day: Strawberries!
One of the reasons for my route going through Rodney Stoke & Draycott was to trace the route of the old railway line whose trains were known as the Strawberry Special, quickly carrying local fruit to the nation's markets. I hadn't expected the dozens of plastic dome-structures alongside the old track, the farms obviously still producing tons of fruit but, more interestingly, numerous small-holdings & even individual households giving up almost their entire property to strawberry production.
Waiting at the side of a narrow track to allow 3 vehicles to pass, the first 2 loaded with strawberries, the driver leaned out to thank me & declared, 'It's as busy as the M5 down here today!'
The pub stands opposite old Draycott Station, now a smart private house, & Les has written about the people there!
Beer of the Day: a pint of 'Butcombe' bitter from the brewery of the same name - a nutty-flavoured, darker bitter; pleasant but nothing out of the ordinary
Lee: Happy Birthday, Kidder!
Chris Yates & Mike Toms from the 'Strawberry Special': thanks for your generous donations
Grant from Cheddar: thanks for the pint!
Julia: good to hear from you! Glad we made the diversion to Wells: I didn't really know anything about the cathedral before we came but when I arrived, yesterday afternoon, just looking at the building from outside in the glorious sunshine, was quite overwhelming. Here's a fine Wells duck for Maddie; I invited him home for a barbecue but he was distinctly unresponsive!
Nathan: as you can see I'm not good at 'days off'! Started our Wells Town Trail in the Market Square & the cathedral is magic!
Pam: sorry we haven't been receiving your comments - if anyone else has tried to comment but I haven't acknowledged the message please try the email. I think I've replied in the Blog to every comment we've received.... but it's not the most reliable!
Cheddar Gorge
why are you two keeping all of the rain to yourselves, we are desperate for it here, the lawns are cracking up, see if you can send some of it our way. You are doing you bit for the west country, brightening up ladies days with your brown legs and preventing the Lord of the manors lawn being chewed up and having an early dose of manure. Looking forward to tomorrows comment on the walk to chedder and the cheese tasting. take care pamx
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