Tor and Tour

Sunday, April 8. Packed up a snack basket, some maps, and appropriate apparel, then zoomed west along A303, past the iconic stone monument once again. The day was cloudy with intermittent drizzle, so we used windshield wipers front and back. Lina was my navigator, using her prepared route list and online maps, such as they were. Signage still maddening: they say route and town, often including places we care not for. Arrived at Glastonbury in one piece nevertheless.

Parked along the main way in, donned our rainwear, and missed the main trail somewhat. Stepped across a field where young lambs–mostly in pairs–cozied with their ewes or frolicked about. Climb up was a bit strenuous, ‘specially for Lina, who wasn’t as used to stairs as I. Gained the Tor’s summit and marveled at the views and ancient tower. Between the spattering raindrops and steady breeze, we snapped obligatory portraits and landscapes.

Back down, we paid to enter the Chalice Gardens, a wondrous place of quiet reflection and meditation. Drank from the Lion’s Head fount, the reddish, iron-rich waters not unlike that from RRR’s well. Spent wordless minutes under sheltered seats and by the Chalice Well itself, where pilgrims burnt incense and candles. Ammonites lay embedded in pavements, reminding me of the cover of Daniel Quinn’s Story of B.

Drove into the City Centre, parking next to the visitor building and Abbey. Strolled High Street, marveling at all the woo-woo shops and people. Stepped into the Goddess and Green Man boutique. Took tea cheesecake, and veggie burger at the Blue Note.

Entered the Abbey grounds, bought tickets, looked at museum items, awaited our guide. Brother David appeared in a hooded black robe and gave us the skinny on Henry the VIII’s Dissolution of the Catholic monasteries in this country and the subsequent ruin of Glastonbury Abbey. Yikes: The good king’s actions were less about divorce and more for wealth and power.

The abbott’s kitchen is the best-preserved building. Its four corners in turn held soup cauldrons, meat roasters, a baking oven, and the scullery.

Thanked Brother David and shared with him my own guiding experience. Hit the road again, retracing our route in reverse. Our last evening in Amesbury, we dined on squash soup, salad, and beef burger at the Bell–our favourite place.

Next: Bank and Ditch.