Monday, July 12th
There was a short, sharp climb out of South Zeal, which all of the "superior" group seemed to make comfortably, before joining up with the rest of our group at Whiddon Down (their overnight stop). First stop today was Tiverton where we found a lovely tea housecalled Four & Twenty Blackbirds (no pie on the menu). Here's Andy with Teresa and me just before going inside.
Being Europe in general, and England in particular, there are churches everywhere, including in the middle of the contryside, and often with spectacular views.
Could this be the grave of a long lost relative...?
Who knows! But he certainly rests is a fine location.
Another thing one expects to find in England is railway lines, and railway historical societies running restored locomotives and carriages. We happened upon this scene as the road crossed the tracks somewhere between Tiverton and Taunton.
Then there are the numerous castles, mansions and country manors. I particularly liked this one because it was so visible from the road.
And the entrance gate was also so inviting. In the background are the Quantocks - some impressive hills between here and our eventual destination of Bridgewater. If I recall well, the climb up the Quantocks included at least a mile of 12% to 15% gradient!
Once in Bridgwater, we left the riff-raff behind and headed for the "superior" B&B a little way out of town.That's my room over the main entrance (again) with a lovely view of the front garden. I took a walk into town to explore and buy some provisions, and dinner was in the B&B restaurant.
The sky was becoming overcast, and the weather forecast was of impending rain. From now on, and for the best part of the next week, we had rain each day.
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