Today we sleep in and later meet Clare and Dan for lunch. We are very happy to spend time with both of them. The “Heron at the Lake” is a really great pub with a terrace over the lake. In summer, this must be a fabulous place to be. But even now it is incredibly cosy inside, with the lit fireplace directly behind Gabi.

We have already taken a look at the menu on the internet and are happy: We would like to eat everything on offer! That is really the agony of choice with so many delicious sounding dishes. Finally, I decide on the chef’s recommendation of the day: a game pie with mash and vegetables. Which tastes as great as it looks. Gabi is also very satisfied with her sausages with mash and leek.

There is only little space left for a dessert. Gabi and I therefore share a wonderful brownie with vanilla ice cream.

After lunch, we say goodbye to Dan. He has to pick up his car from the garage and prepare for their holidays next week. Together with Clare we visit the garden centre in Fleet. And they offer much more than just things for the garden – furnishings, decorations, books, toys, and food. And of course they have a big Christmas section. I particularly like the curved wine bottle stand, which reminds me of deer antlers, the wine cooler in the shape of a fish, and the metal octopus, which holds small glass cups with its tentacles.

Talking of octopus: They also have them as a stuffed animal that Gabi finds fascinating.

At the fresh food counter, we buy dinner for tonight: a chicken and chorizo pasty for me and a sausage roll for Gabi. For dessert I get myself a fruit plate.