The weather was warming up and we set up in the sunshine. J and A arrived shortly after us and by 6.45pm we were heading down to the local, The Chequers. This is a Freehouse, and used mainly by locals, who are always friendly. It seems to be a pub stuck in time, the food is good pub grub, the garden is big going down to the river, but just needs a little love.
We have a good meal, a catch up and relax. We are all looking to chill-out and after a pleasant walk back we sit out for a few glasses.
The next morning it's hot and windy, the weather forecast is for a scorching dry day. J and A head off to Minsmere early to avoid the heat of the day, and we head off to the coast at Southwold and manage to get parked near the pier. The temperature is pleasant here and we check out our little plaque on the north side of the pier and give it a buff up. We had always wanted to make our little mark here and we finally did it to commemorate our 25th wedding anniversary.
Suffering with the sun in our eyes we walk up to the Post Office where we purchased sunglasses. Ironically, exiting the shop the grey clouds had massed to create a massive thundercloud. Remembering we had left the roof light fully open on the caravan meant the Southwold trip was cut short, as we dashed back to try to limit flood damage at the van! All was well, and after minor mopping up we headed to Framlingham. Creatures of habit we walk up to The Castle and sit in the hot sun with a drink, and followed this with an ice cream from the ice cream parlour opposite.
After picking up the provisions for supper we returned to the van for a little R and R, and the inevitable snoozette. It really was hot, too hot to do much. When things had cooled down, homemade cheeseburgers, salad and new potatoes went down well. With strawberries and cream a bit later, accompanied with warm chat, ribbing R about on his late onset tightness with money, and finally we get to view fireworks display across the valley. from the comfort of our caravan.
Sunday was also set to be warm. We started with a proper caravan breakfast of eggs, bacon, tomatoes and toast.
Chores done, we set off to cool down in the car's air con. The roads were hectic so we headed off from Snape to Iken where we searched out the beautiful little church. Such a prettily located building with the estuary as a backdrop. On the way back to the site we stopped off at The Ship Inn at Blaxhall for a lunchtime drink in the sunshine. It was clear from the minute we pulled up that something was afoot. There were a crowd of folk dressed in strange outfits. Having sat down, a costumed lady explained that we were about to experience a play, to be performed on the pub forecourt, partly on the road. The leaflet supplied explained it was a group from Leigh on Sea who performed ancient folk plays. They were called The Thameside Mummers. The play included some combat scenes, some hammy jokes, some group singing and lots of booing and cheering.
Back at the site, we enjoy a buffet salad for tea and the rain set in. We have a game of pass the pigs, followed by the usual discussion about our plans following our inevitable lottery win. This leads to reminiscing about our 2013 Ireland adventures. Alf digs out the CD's bought at a music night in Clifton, Connemara. We remember and sing the songs. What a nice way to spend our last night.
Bank holiday Monday at Church Farm means Auto Jumble day! We hear the punters arriving from 6.30am. The Auto jumble is a sale of various auto parts and various other paraphernalia. There are probably 70-80 cars parked up and two fields of stalls. We empty our Thetford toilet cassette in the middle of the event, as we have twice before!
A quick walk around and we manage to find a metal ammo box for future use as a geocache container. Then time to head home. A nice quiet but hot weekend. Not long 'til the next one...
No comments:
Post a Comment