Glastonbury Tor

Prompted by some friends who went yesterday we decided a day out in Glastonbury was in order. We couldn't go yesterday as I was being recklessly self indulgent with my mountain biking adventure but thought it might make a good trip today.

After chugging down the A39 from Bristol on a journey that always seems to take a long time, we arrived at Glastonbury and headed, like proper pilgrims, straight up the Tor.

At the top, all 518 feet of it, we had a celebration quarter of a Wispa each and sipped some coffee. We could see the flooded Somerset levels out to the West and South and tried hard to feel some of the mystical earth energy flowing through us. Cynicism aside, it is a special place and must have been even more so when it was the dominant structure for miles around. The presence of Glastonbury down below takes away a bit of the magic.

We had a disappointing Veggie Burger in a cafe that had some good recommendations. The bank of microwaves visible through the kitchen door should have been a warning sign. It may be a sign of my age or progress or both but twenty years ago a disappointing lunch may have been par for the course but it says something about the vast improvement in cooking that the exceptions stick out all the more.

Mrs RB may have been witness to some of my Victor Meldrewish ranting about value for money and making a bit of an effort..

Glastonbury is an interesting town very much tinged with a new agey feel. It has a similar feel to the part of Mid Wales I was brought up in where people often adopt what you might call an alternative lifestyle. It's a bit more toned down in Mid Wales though - a bit more organic, sustainable living and a bit less crystals, tie die and ley lines...!

Anyway, after all this we practiced a bit of the new religion, shopping, by buying some shoes at Clarks Village in Street.

Son #1 got some new school shoes and I got some sensible dad shoes. I had a choice between two pairs and went for comfort over perceived trendiness. Am I sinking into middle age? Do I care if I am? Probably...!

Hope you are all having a good New Year.