This proverb seems particularly apt as the skies remain heavy with cloud and the easterly wind blows cold as we look out across the landscape for the first signs of spring. The weather has certainly made an impact with several ferocious storms landing in Somerset (as they did elsewhere in the UK) over the last few months. Storm Darragh was particularly memorable for knocking out our power and communication lines for a couple of days in December. We had just closed for the winter and, as the lights went out taking us back to a time of our ancestors, the two of us were left in the dark with nothing to do other than reflect on how we really take the magic of electricity far too much for granted.
That was also the night Andy lost his mum, who died unexpectedly at home in Dorset. Due to the communication black-out, we did not find out about her passing until we decided to drive into Minehead the next day to pick up some emergency groceries and, thankfully, mobile phone coverage. Much of the rest of our winter break has been spent helping Andy’s father organise the funeral at the start of January and, of course, dealing with her estate. We always promised Mum that we would not just chuck everything out, and so Tanya has found a new hobby, gaining much expertise at selling racks of M&S clothes via the online marketplace Vinted!
We did manage to get away for a couple of weeks to reinvigorate ourselves and be reminded of the warm sun on our faces. Upon our return, we learnt that some of the local sheep had decided our lawns tasted better than their usual field and, having found us once, they paid us another visit this week. Sadly, Bella our wonderful chocolate labrador came to the end of her life in September, slipping peacefully away after almost fourteen years as a devoted member of our family, otherwise she certainly would have had something to woof about! At least we will not need to bother with the lawn mower for a while.
Sheep have a special importance here on Exmoor and farmers are committed to their care. So much so, they get to enjoy certain privileges at the expense of sheep dogs. Indeed, it has been known for sheep to travel ‘first class’ up front in the tractor while the poor collie, who is normally in charge, suffers the ignominy of having to hitch a lift in the pen at the back!
Finally, we wanted to share our latest accolade with you. Upon our return from holiday we received a Traveller’s Review Award from Booking.com, with guests staying with us via this online travel agent posting a review score of 9.3 out of ten. The rating system has changed recently with greater emphasis being placed on more recent reviews and we are delighted to be recognised for the high standards our bed and breakfast business strives for. We still hope more of our guests will book with us direct, but we are thankful for all of your lovely comments, either on Booking.com, TripAdvisor, Google, our website or just in our little guest book in reception. They really do mean a lot.
Whether we have yet to meet or you are one of our many repeat guests, as spring awakens why not find some rest and renewal while embracing the season’s beauty on Exmoor with us at the Dunkery Beacon Country House. You would be most welcome.
Best wishes
Andy & Tanya