After wrapping up my 12 Days of Christmas Precious Metals Challenge, it felt like the perfect moment to swap gold and silver for some fresh countryside air. We planned a mini break, packed the car, grabbed the kids from school an hour early in the hope of beating the traffic, and set off for our holiday home for the weekend. The weather had other ideas. The rain came down so heavily that it looked as if a shower head had been switched on directly over the windscreen, and the M5 was gridlocked from the moment we joined it. Even though we tried to get ahead of rush hour, it seemed the rest of the world had the same plan. On the positive side, we stayed crash free, although we did see a few cars spin out as we crept along.
By the time we finally arrived, we were all more than ready to settle in. We unpacked the car, sorted the clothes into cupboards, and walked over to the local lodge for something warm and comforting to eat. Afterwards, we all jumped into the hot tub even though the rain was still coming down in sheets. Somehow the pouring rain made it better, the steam rose around us, the water bubbled away beneath us, and the kids laughed nonstop as the rain tapped the surface like hundreds of tiny drumbeats. Later, with a warm drink in hand, we settled in for the night and looked forward to a full day of adventure on Saturday.
Saturday morning started with an overcast sky, although at least the rain had finally eased. We took a short fifteen minute drive through winding country lanes until we reached Ebbor Gorge, a remote and unexpectedly beautiful location carved into the Mendip Hills. Think of the Grand Canyon, but on a much smaller and greener scale. We climbed, scrambled, walked, and scuttled our way along the base of the gorge, following its twists and narrowing pathways until we reached the far end. From there, we climbed out and spent about an hour walking around the top edge, taking in the sweeping views and enjoying the fresh Somerset air. Another dip in the hot tub followed when we got back, before ending the day with a hearty meal and a well earned rest.
On Sunday we travelled to Wookey Hole, in the village of Wookey Hole funnily enough, where the famous cave system stretches deep under the Mendip Hills. The caves are rich in history and mystery. Prehistoric animal bones and Neanderthal remains have been found here, along with evidence of early settlements and activity from the Iron and Bronze Ages. Even the Romans left their mark as they passed through this part of Somerset. However, the most famous resident of these caves is the Witch of Wookey, a centuries old tale of curses and dark folklore that still clings to the caverns today. The kids loved the eerie mix of legend and geology as we made our way through the illuminated tunnels and underground chambers.
It was a wonderful weekend away and exactly what we needed. A chance to step back from the busy pace of modern life, spend some much appreciated time with Mrs Welshstacker and the kids, and make memories that will stay with us much longer than any rush hour commute ever will.