For
us, February is a month of birthdays. In the extended
family we now have 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 all sewn up.
This year Malcolm's (10th) and Bridget's (15th) both
fell within Lent - not good as we've both given up chocolate
for the "40 days". Matthew thought Daddy needed
some help with the candles which, fortunately the number
was symbolic (or algorithmic). Bridget had her birthday
portrait in Chedder Gorge - more on that story later.
February
is also half term, and with James now in full time
school we took the opportunity of a few days away.
First we went to Bristol, to meet up with friends
Alex and Anna. James last met them at their wedding
when he was 6 weeks old.
First stop in Bristol was the SS
Great Britain, Brunel's famous iron ship which
is being beautifully restored. Alongside the SSGB
was a newly-built replica of a 500 year old "Fouding
Fathers" boat, name The
Matthew. Our rather younger Matthew was very taken
by it, and loved clambering around the decks.
As
is traditional during half term trips, we had to visit
the zoo. Bristol
Zoo is not very large, but has some fine animals
in good conditions. Only the lions looked a bit cramped,
but this was because their enclosure was being rebuilt.
The penguin and seal pool is quite magnificant with
a long walk-through glass tunnel - great for taking
video during feeding time. The twilight zone was also
a treat, an opportunity to see nocturnal creatures in
an active state. The sand cats were particularly interesting.
The zoo also has its share of cute animals, like these
prairie dogs.
Our
visit to Clifton
Suspension Bridge was brief, and we nearly got blown
off in the srong wind. We also went to the @Bristol
exhibiton, a bit pricy but some good hands-on exhibits,
a fine planaterium and an enteraining Mission to Mars
talk.
Final
destination was Cheddar
Gorge, where we stayed in a great B&B
close to the village centre and right next to the gorge
and caves. We were able to walk to the top of the gorge
and climb the observation tower, then down Jacob's Ladder
to explore Gough's
cave. Even James was quite happy in the dark cave,
audio guide in hand. Sampling the cheese and cider were,
of couse, obligatory. In our final drive through the
gorge we spotted a little lamb that seemed to have lost
its mother, so the boys gave it a bit of brotherly love
instead. Later a warden said a sheep had hurt its leg,
so we hope the two were reunited.
