A helping of sunshine beside the water.

Welcome back to another slice of The Lady’s Great British Tea Room Tour.

On this unexpected adventure I find myself pen less, paperless and Lady-less. Note to self always remember a pen & paper! Lady-less seems to be regular occurring theme on the blog of late.  She is having a rest after a run to the beach the day before.  However as much as I would like you to think that my exploits are mainly travelling the countryside in an old car. Sometimes modern motor intervention is sadly a necessity.

Basking in some rather warm and sunny February weather, very unusual for this time of year, comparing it to the snow of only a few weeks ago. I have found myself arriving at the Bridgwater & Taunton Canal for a wander about the scenery. My penchant for old things that move seems to extend to an appreciation of Narrow boats; What a wonder it would be to just to take off and admire the landscape by boat, working the locks, and travelling at a slow grace. Even slower than The Lady’s pace!

Walking along the path I am in utter amazement at the views along the canal, walking through such beauty, passing history and admiring wildlife. As far as I can see rich green fields which go into the distance, reeds lining the banks, hedgerows that follow the Canal path. The ding ding of bicycle bells as cyclists roll up and down the track. A couple in a dingy slowly paddling their way down the water quibbling as to which direction the paddle goes through the water. A gathering of Swans over the other side of the bank, two seemingly fishing for their lunch. In the back garden of a farm house situated along the water a Dovecote filled with Doves suddenly in flock after the backfire of a tractor.

Walking further along under bridges stopping to take in the tranquillity and stillness of the water. World War Two bunkers line the canal side, once forming part of the Taunton Stop Line defences now standing silent and sometimes hidden but a part of the many years of life of the canal has seen. All the more thought provoking when walking along side them enjoying majestic views. Before turning back to toward The Lock, I walked as far as where the Taunton mainline paralleled with the Canal side. It is quite a contrast; The still calmness of the water set against the giant iron railway bridge in background. You could hear in the distance of the tooting of trains running along the rails. I can only wonder what it would have looked and sounded like when steam was in service.

The Maunsel Lock Tea Rooms has been on my list of spots to bask in cake indulgence for a while now. Situated right along side the lock of the canal it provides a idyllic spot just right for the wonderful views of the activities on and around the water. Serving Light Lunches, Teas & Cakes and Ice Creams. Refreshing morsels to tempt land dwellers and sailors alike. There is something of a charm and marvel at the workings of The Lock gates. Closing the gates letting the water drain into the canal and watching the boat slowly rise and fall with water moving from one side of The Lock to the other. Along with some man power to work the huge gates to swing them open and close them.

I can only imagine back to its heyday of barges and tub boats. As I sat outside waiting for my tea and Lemon Sponge to arrive the sunshine had certainly brought out the people. Sitting outside the area was a hive of bustling people enjoying the relaxed atmosphere which seems to radiate from the water. The crunch of Ice Cream Cones against the sound of water flowing through the locks, in the background the thumb thumb of a motor boat could be heard just leaving its moorings. Such a wonderful atmosphere of people just enjoying a day out at the Canal.

My Lemon Sponge arrived presented with cake fork, a light fluffy sponge, topped with icing, with a yummy lemon filling. A small quaint china cup accompanied by a blue tea pot with a pot of hot water and a small jug of milk. I opted for having a black tea, refreshingly nice after walking along the canal.  Across from my enjoyment of this plate of indulgence, a narrow boat was loading up with a few people who were venturing up the water towards Bridgwater on a narrow boat ride. Bringing everyone to edge of the water for a look at the workings of The Lock. Even a few volunteers to work the gates.

The atmosphere of the place especially on a sunny day like this is enchanting, so much wonderment about the place, the curiosity of the canal, being in such relaxed surroundings. I am eager to make another trip here for certain. Another trip with The Lady next time, it would make for some lovely photos over the various bridges parked amongst the stunning scenery. Coming back especially for the cake and to take a trip along the waters by Narrow boat. Something to look forward to; Transportation of a relaxed pace.

I hope you have enjoyed my jottings of my excursions around the countryside.

Until next time on The Lady’s Great British Tea Room Tour.