Bristol day 4: Avalon & A Dragon's Egg

Another leisurely start and then we went for it! This is going to be a long entry, just for me really so feel free to skip! 
First stop Avalon and the Somerset Levels. We parked in the visitor’s centre and headed off to find the remains of the Sweet Track - a Neolithic walkway through the reeds and marshes which once covered this whole area. The reconstruction was a bit dilapidated but was a narrow wooden walkway above the wateriness. Everywhere looked amazing and we were accompanied by a cuckoo. We ended up in a bird hide overlooking a beautiful lake which had once been the monks’ fishpond at Glastonbury abbey - a view of the Tor could be seen in the distance. I was madly hoping to see a bittern having never seen one before. We got out the binoculars and viewed. Suddenly the couple next to us observed - ah, there’s a bittern! It was slowly flying down the other side of the lake and I was thrilled to see it. We continued viewing when suddenly the bittern came back, flying directly towards the hide and then it did a sort of fly by in front of us. We were all left speechless - how fantastic! We also saw great egrets, glebes and shelducks.
After a large lunch and mooch around the craft shop (very good art on sale) we carried on to Glastonbury - first visiting what turned out to be a large but abandoned well ( I have a very understanding and indulgent son).  In Glastonbury we were just in time to visit a few shops, including the wonderful Star Child shop - full of goddessy aromas. This is their blurb: Star child space aromas are a blend of fine quality essential oils and absolutes potentised with our Lunar prepared magical Infusions. I purchased White goddess, Source and Avalon Mists!  Sadly we just missed the remnants of the Sile na Gig festival, one of the events being titled Lift Your Skirts. We did spot one Sile who was wearing men’s Y fronts with a sile drawn on the crotch.
Then it was on to the White Springs - they gush forth at an amazing rate and were covered over in the Victorian period by an arched wellhouse. There is no natural light and everywhere is lit by a profusion of candles. There’s one large central immersion pool and smaller pools and little shrines all round the edge. It is utterly mind blowing. A woman was singing, almost ululating, a man was playing a flute, two men climbed naked into the pool, another woman sat and splashed herself on the edge, others sat in quiet meditation. Photos strictly not allowed. Whatever your beliefs, this place has something going on. 
We emerged and then crossed the road to drink from the Red Spring - this one full of iron with a strong metallic taste.  
Then it was on to see Gog and MaGog, two seriously ancient oak trees - around 1200 years old, all that remains of an avenue that led up to the Tor. Goddesses were already surrounding them - I felt seriously underdressed without a floral garland - and were being administered to by a tattooed shaman with a staff. We then climbed the Tor and marvelled as always. The day was beautiful and it was incredibly clear in every direction. Then we skidded down to find the mighty and secretive dragon’s egg. As you know, Glastonbury Tor is meant to have a dragon curled around it, sleeping until needed (as is King Arthur, and wouldn’t now be quite a good time to spring into action). On the side of the Tor is a mighty stone where no stone should be. We took it in turns to climb up, barefoot. It was warm and had a texture of suede, really extraordinary. Near it three hawthorn trees had been decorated with ribbons and other offerings. I added a St Gobnait’s ribbon. 
Wrecked, we staggered down back into town and found somewhere to eat - sitting outside and watching the continued sights. There had been a mediaeval fair in the Abbey and the streets were still full of small children with bows and arrows, wandering monks, armoured knights and mediaeval maidens.  Goddesses in gowns of flowing red, a pair of self-conscious Goths, a man in a white robe and free range children entertained us. I could easily go the full Glastonbury I reckon, so could Will. 

Home, wrecked and straight to bed!