Minehead on a Friday Night. Fish, Stars, and a Chat.

Driver Jatt

Minehead on a Friday Night. Fish, Stars, and a Chat.

It’s Friday night. Most city folk are either staying in or going out. This city guy ended up in Minehead.

It was an urgent job from Dudley to Minehead. A last-minute shout. I thought, why not. Much better than Friday night TV. Plus, I had not really explored anywhere this week, so this felt like my calling. A paid reason to see the sea after dark.

Fish, Chips, and a Clear Sky
As soon as I got here, I got my fish and chips out the way. It is tradition. When at the seaside, you must have fish and chips. Then I went for a five-mile walk along the front.

The sky was clear, bar a few light clouds. Very little light pollution. You could see so many stars. It was almost like being abroad. There was little to no breeze, even though I was right at the sea. The air was a touch cold but definitely bearable. There was a scent of sweet burning wood lingering in the air. The night weather was perfect for the time of year.

The Night Fishermen
The locals were either inside enjoying the warmth, or they were fishing. I spoke at length with random blokes parked along the sea wall with their rods. They would sit there until nearly midnight trying to catch something. Sometimes they get real gems out of the ocean, they said, and take them home to eat. I admired their dedication to the game. Some of the guys had tents and pretty much full camping gear set up.

I came across another guy who had a real fight with his fishing rod. He was hanging over the sea wall with his mate holding his legs. He managed to drag a two-foot long eel type creature out of the sea. A proper battle in the dark.

The Big Hill and The Local Youth
Then I noticed a very large hill in the background. It was so big I initially thought it was a cloud at night. I decided to walk up it, then remembered my ankle still is not the best. So I left it for another day. It was a fair walk to the top, but I am told the views from above, especially at sunrise or sunset, are to die for.

As I walked back to my van, I came across a gang of local youth. One of them said “hello” to me and tried to engage in conversation. The end result? I was suddenly surrounded by eight youngsters, and I am telling them to learn about stocks, money, and anger management. They told me the area is a lovely hotspot for tourists, but it has a fair amount of local gang issues and stabbings. All carried out by local youths. The same issues you get in the city, just on a smaller scale.

Ultimately, they were pretty bored with nothing to do. I gave them a mini lecture about making the most of what they have and appreciating what they take for granted. They listened. Maybe it went in, maybe it did not. But they were not hostile, just a bit lost on a Friday night with the stars out.

A Different Friday Night
A brilliant end to the week. Hope you all have a lovely weekend. Mine was a delivery, some chips, a lot of stars, a rescued eel, and an impromptu chat with bored kids by the sea. Beats the television every time.