Mr Brunel's bridge

I have had one of the best Mother’s Day/weekend ever in Bristol with my lovely daughters and their offspring, even the weather co-operated. After breakfast Lily, her Mum and I drove over Mr Brunel’s stately and historic Suspension Bridge, parked up on the other side and walked back and up the steep slope to the Observatory high on the hill* where the views were even more spectacular.  We climbed the steps up to the Camera Obscura and enjoyed the bird’s eye views all around us, then down to the caves.  Lily was very brave and went all the way down the steep, narrow and very low steps* to the lookout, her Mum had a bit of a wobble as the cave walls closed in on her, but she did go all the way but I’m ashamed to say that Grandma let the side down and wimped out ¾s of the way down – she’s not at all good in tight spaces. Climbers on the way back down to the Bridge*

 Granddaughter Natasha (28) and her Brother Ben (25) and fresh back from travelling in the Far East, still live and work in Bristol after being there at Uni several years ago, chose the venue for lunch today and what a choice it was, a fabulous culinary experience at ‘The Gallimaufry’, A large, quirky wine bar with lived in furniture, outdoor terrace and a fabulous restaurant serving the most eclectic choice of food.  A bottle of Prosecco accompanied  5 Small Plates (starters) from which we all shared amazing new taste experiences, one of which was cuttlefish and Gurnard served on a bed of tiny rods of pasta dyed with squid ink – Needless to say Lily (6 but nearly 7, as she keeps on telling me) wasn’t having any of that ‘sort of thing’!!  After all that tasty excitement we all went for the Sunday Roasts accompanied with a bountiful array of interesting and beautifully cooked veg.  Can you believe it, we had puds as well,  ooops, but I only had a blood orange sorbet.

A brisk walk back to Natasha’s house, a cup of tea for us and a play in the park for Lily ended a perfect Mother’s Day.  I feel very blessed to have been so spoilt by my lovely family and the best part about it was being all together again. 

Then the downside of the weekend took place:   instead of a 2 and a half hour journey home from Bristol for #1 daughter and me, it took us nearly 5 due to a lorry carrying a large load of hay going on fire and closing the southside of the M5 near Stroud for 16 hours.  The northside of the motorway remained open but had restricted lanes and the tailback was immense.  It took us nearly two hours to do just 4miles.  Never mind, these things happen and we understand there were no injuries or babies born, so things could have been very much worse, although the wasted time and expense must have been a nightmare for many.  #2 daughter and Lily sailed back to Cambs in under 3 hours ……..

 

* Extras