Today we pick up our friend and drive to the sea together, while Mickey the dog stays at home. And we take the scenic route. The beautiful road takes us over picturesque hills, along meadows with countless sheep, and under the canopy of yellow, green and red trees. In places, the road is so narrow that crossing is no longer possible. But fortunately there is very little traffic.

Dunster Castle, which we wanted to visit on the way, is unfortunately closed today. So we drive on, and up and down the steepest A-road in the UK to Porlock Hill. And that’s no exaggeration. The road really is incredibly steep, 25%. But no problem for LucY, of course.

Finally, we arrive in Minehead, a popular British holiday destination, at least in the past. Our friend used to come here often with her parents and sibling. The town lies by the sea, at the mouth of the Bristol Channel. We walk along the beach for a while and then stop for lunch in a café with a lovely miniature golf course. Gabi and I share a portion of fish and chips on the terrace.

We then walk to the small railway station in Minehead. The railway line to Taunton was closed a good 50 years ago, which the locals still can’t understand, as it meant that their best public transport connection was simply cut. Since then, nostalgic trips have been offered on the line with a steam locomotive and old carriages – although not now in late autumn.

After a last bit along the coast, we drive back to Taunton. We rest a little in the hotel before heading back to our friend’s house for dinner. Ollie is visiting her mum in Taunton this weekend and also drops by. We take turns to cuddle Mickey the dog until dinner is ready. And it’s really delicious: chicken in a cream sauce with potatoes and courgettes. And our friend has baked apple crumble for dessert.

Then, unfortunately, it’s time to say goodbye to the three of them. Tomorrow, we leave Taunton and drive to Fleet.