Norfolk Broads CAMC Site (N52.70036 E1.51371), continued...

 Friday, 11th June 2021

Sunny with cloud, 24C, but, with a stiff breeze. Despite the cloud and the breeze, it is very warm.

A combination of having cycled a lot this week, plus the breeze, means we opt to walk.

Five and a half miles.

we manage to make a more or less circular walk, to Ludham Bridge, then, follow the river and footpath to How Hill.

Brief stop for picnic lunch and ice cream.

Then follow a small lane to Johnson Street (Ludham), then back to Ludham Bridge.

How Hill is an interesting place, a mooring place (free) for people cruising the broads,

very attractive grounds and forest walks (free). 

Donations accepted of course, and, there are items for sale, (ice cream, guide books, "novelties"). But, unusual, in my experience, to find something so attractive, in a tourist area, which is not "cashing in". Am I growing cynical in my old age?

This being Norfolk, obligatory photograph of windmill, and swan. Swan would not pose correctly, so, I didn't give it any bread. 

Saturday, 12th June 2021

An odd day today. Forecast is only for 19C, and, according to my phone, it is 19C, with a stiff breeze, but, it still feels very warm.

A short cycle ride in the morning (10.8 miles). Ludham Bridge - Ludham - Womak - Potter Heigham - Ludham - Ludham Bridge. 

The rest of the day a combination of lazing in the sun, and packing away in preparation for leaving tomorrow.

Sunday, 13th June 2021

A bright and sunny morning, 24C plus is the forecast.

Kathleen's traffic jam beating plan has us up at 7:00am.

Ablutions completed, final packing done, and ready to go at 07:45 (minus breakfast).

Breakfast is taken just north of Kings Lynn.

Approximately 270 miles to home, and, Kathleen's plan more-or-less works out, there are no holdups in the road works (I use that term loosely, no work is evident), on the A47, but, we do encounter a few stop-start stretches on the A1M, sheer volume of traffic it would appear.

Norfolk Broads CAMC Site (N52.70036 E1.51371), continued...

 Wednesday, 9th June 2021

Clear blue sky, not a cloud to be seen, and 26C.

I have a route to "bag" my "N" for the CycleChat ABC Towns and Villages Challenge. A place called Neatishead,  just over 5 miles away.

After a short distance on the A1062 from the site, we are on small lanes, through Horning, and on to Neatishead. 

We don't know it yet, but, the small lanes will be our (or my) undoing. 

The village sign is a bit neglected, almost missed it, with all of the growth on the verge obscuring it.

There is a much more imposing "traditional" sign, in the village centre, we discover.

There is a pub, The White Horse Inn, but, it appears to be closed, so, we take our selves off to the "village community shop", which has tables arranged outside, and, serves coffee etc.

A couple of locals (women or a certain age), who appear to be just sitting having a chat, but, have the prime shady seats, kindly move, to give us visitors the prime seats.

Surprise, surprise, one of them has connections to Newcastle (son went to university there). She is a fund of (local) knowledge, explaining to us how the shop was bought, and is run, by the community, mostly volunteers. While we are there, a large wagon arrives (how did he get along the small lane we rode along?), and delivered two large pallets, full of various stock. The driver drops the pallets off, and leaves. The two elderly ladies set to to move the stock into the shop, when I offer to help, I am told "re-enforcements" are en-route, and, sure enough, a few minutes later, a small group of villagers arrive to help move the stock into the shop.

I have only plotted a route here, no return. This is going to prove to be a mistake.

We set off, to retrace our steps, or, should I say peddles?

At some point in the labyrinth of small lanes, without signposts, my memory would appear to have failed me, because we emerge onto a main road, which I was expecting), but, I am not sure it is the correct main road (Nrwich Road), or, if it is, we are at the correct junction.

My (faulty) memory says turn right, then left

into School Road, which we do. It does not look right, so, we back track to Norwich Road, and ride further, the theory being, we have turned off too early.

We come to this rather magnificent church (Parish Church of Beeston St Lawrence), by the roadside, at the brow of a hill.

All very interesting, but, it proves we are going the wrong way, we definitely did not pass this, on our outward journey. That, I would have noticed, and remembered!

So, back to School Road, on the assumption it MUST be the correct turn (wrong, again, it turns out.

To make matters worse, I have come out, without my phone, so, cannot consult the all knowing Google. 

We eventually emerge from School Road, at another junction, three choices (four, if you include the one we came from), and, no idea which one to choose.

Kathleen's phone is brought into action, we (I)

admit defeat, and fire up Google Maps, to guide us back to Ludham Bridge, which of course, it does without fault.

We stop off en-route, in Horning, for ice cream, and, to sit in the shade, watching the boats go by.

Eventually, we return to the campsite (Ludham Bridge).

A grand total of just over 16 miles, 5.5 miles there, so, by a deduction, 11.5 miles back. 

A bit of a roundabout route, but, I suppose I can claim it was meant to be a circular route? 

Kathleen is gracious enough to say she enjoyed it.

Thursday, 10th June 2021

The forecast says sunny and 25C, but, what we actually have is sunny with cloud, and only 23C.

There is a partial eclipse of the sun today, hopefully, the cloud cover will not be so much that we don't see it!

It does cloud over, and we don't see the eclipse.

Basically, a lazy day.

We peddle along to Horning (6 miles, there and back), for lunch.

Our first choice, The Swan, is full.

Second choice, The New Inn, we get a table. Another indifferent meal. It would appear Norfolk is not the place to come if you want a decent meal and a bit of service.

`Sun returns by 16:00, so, lazing in the sun follows.

A bit of wildlife action, on my Trail Camera.

 

Norfolk Broads CAMC Site (N52.70036 E1.51371)

 Monday, 7th June 2021

Norfolk Broads CAMC Site (N52.70036 E1.51371)

Cloudy start, although, 17C, soon sunny and 21C.

An exploratory cycle ride to Ludham (about 2 miles away, but, just under 6, with our exploring). 

As we left the site, were behind two much younger cyclists (middle 50's at most, I would guess), both on electric bikes. After about half a mile, they stopped to let us pass, because, and I quote, we were going too fast for them. Not bad for two pensioners 73/74 years old ;)

We discover two pubs, which will require further investigation, The Dog Inn is nearest and walkable. The Kings Arms is in Ludham village, a bit further, but, cyclable or walkable.

Things must come in twos here, because, there are two shops. Shops have basic, but, not fresh fruit/vegetable. We do note a sign for someone selling fruit and vegetable, but, I suspect, it is from a garden or allotment, something else to investigate.

A bonus is, I get the "L" (Ludham) for my Cyclechat ABC of Towns and Villages Challenge, that is an easy one, at only two miles, compared to some.

We also discover a place called Womak Staithes. There is a shop, jokingly (I assume), called the Big Shop, a rather scenic area for boats to tie up, and a couple of small campsites, one a CAMC CL, Womak Water, the other a Camping and Caravan Club CS, Manor Lodge. 

After lunch, and, an hour or two lazing in the sun, the exploration continues.

We follow the sign post to the fruit and vegetable sales.

Not. exactly a supermarket, but, rather, someone's garden. 

There are a few cabbages, cauliflower and tomatoes. Perhaps, you have to be here earlier in the day?

We press-on along the lane, which is an alternative route to Ludham, a little longer I suspect, but, quieter and probably a good bet when cycling.

There are also signposts to St Benet's Abbey, which may be worth a visit, on another day.

Tuesday, 8th June 2021

Norfolk Broads CAMC Site (N52.70036 E1.51371)

A sunny and warm start to the day, 17C at 09:00 and 25C+ promised for later today.

We need a small amount of shopping (fresh fruit etc), and I have plotted a route to Martham, which has a small COOP, and, just happens to begin with an "M".

I don't mention this coincidence to Kathleen.

The plan is to eat out today, and, there are two pubs in Martham, which may be possibles.

A brief stop for a drink of water, at this rather grand Gateway, after about 7 miles in 23C+ sunshine.

We find the COOP and buy our fruit and vegetables.

The two pubs do not look as attractive in real life, as the do on the internet, so, a short rest, beside the village pond, watching the ducks, then, back toward Ludham, watching out for possible lunch stops.

Coming here, I think we missed a turn, and, ended up riding much farther along a major road (A149), than planned.

I am trusted to use my initiative and sense of direction, to get back to Ludham via Potter Heigham (an usual development), thus avoiding much, but, not all of the A149 section.

We stop at Ludham for lunch (Kings Arms, food good, service somewhat lacking), and, then detour to St Benet's Abbey, before returning to the camp site.

St Benet's Abbey is unusual in that, although closed by Henry VIII, during the dissolution of the monasteries, he did not grab it for himself,

and, instead, gave it to The Bishop of Norwich (perhaps, the Bishop had some good negatives?).

This generosity did nothing for St Benets, which was plundered for its stone (by successive Bishops), and, became a ruin.

A total of 16.67 Miles. Norfolk Broads CAMC Site - Ludham - Martham - Potter Heigham - Ludham - St Benet's Abbey - Norfolk Broads CAMC Site. 

An "M" was bagged for my Cyclechat ABC Villages Challenge, and, a couple of my bike in front of a gate (Cyclechat), and, my bike infront of something unusual (Cyclechat). 

A lunch stop at the Kings Head, Ludham.

Relaxing with a coffee, not in bad shape after approximately 17 miles, in the heat, two 73/74 year olds, on "real bikes" (ie no batteries).

Commons Wood CAMC Site, Welwyn Garden City (N51.780297, W0.189203) Continued

Friday, 4th June 2021

Mild, but, grey and cloudy, rains started at 10:00. Only showers, according to the forecast.

Looks as if the forecast is wrong (what a surprise), raining steadily all day.

Saturday, 5th June 2021

Bright sunny day, but, not too hot (21C).

Kathleen is game for a cycle ride, since we both sat about doing absolutely nothing, yesterday.

I have a little plan, Knebworth is within cycling distance, and, that will give me the "K" for my Cyclechat Towns and Villages Challenge.

We cycle to Knebworth, stop for lunch, then cycle back, just under 20 miles, mostly on Cycle Paths. 

I know the map says 17.96, that is due to User/Garmin malfunction, a small amount missed at beginning of ride, corrected from Kathleen Runkeeper recording.

There is slight dissent in the ranks, but, nothing major.

Sunday, 6th June 2021

The day starts dull and cloudy, then, it rains. Fortunately I had picked most stuff away yesterday, so, did not get too wet.

Unfortunately, the rain follows us to Norfolk, and, it starts raining en-route, then, again, more steadily mid-afternoon.

117 Miles to Norfolk Broads CAMC Site, Ludham, NR29 5NY (N52.70036 E1.51371), a mostly "cross country" route, very little motorway, A505 and A11 for most of the way.

 Our fancy new Sat-Nav (Garmin Camper 780), has a facility to tell you, miles in advance, of any traffic hold ups. Very clever. But, it doesn't actually achieve much, if there is no way to avoid the delay, it just makes you annoyed earlier.

There are massive hold ups on the A11, for little or no evidence of any actual work happening, similarly, the A47, except there, there is absolutely no sign of work, just a big hold up.

The site is almost full, first impressions favourable, clean, tidy and quiet.

  

Commons Wood CAMC Site, Welwyn Garden City (N51.780297, W0.189203).

Wednesday, 02/06/2021

Commons Wood CAMC Site, Welwyn Garden City.

Another sunny day, even warmer than yesterday at 27C.

Today is Gary's birth day, 49! where did those years go? 

Still doing my Cyclechat ABC Village and Towns Challenge, well, it gives a reason for a cycle ride (assuming, a reason to enjoy a ride on a bicycle is required?).

The next letter I require is "J", so, I plot a route to Jersey Farm.

A problem, or, user error?, with the Garmin, it fails to give instructions for the route, and, it would appear it cannot follow a route, and, record the activity distance, at the same time.

Not to worry, my homing-pigeon like navigation skills get us to the desired destination.

Some excellent cycling infrastructure in Welwyn and Hatfield, continuous, well maintained, no broken glass or other debris, South Tyneside Council take note.

It is so good, you could almost imagine you are in the Netherlands, except, the traffic does not give way to cyclists, here in UK.

I had actually plotted a circular route, back to the campsite, and, the Garmin had "come to life" by the time we reached Jersey Farm.

Kathleen was not up for taking any risks however, so, we took the "safe" option to navigate back the way we came, so 12.53 miles recorded.

There had been a problem at the site, apparently some clientele (presumably, the men) had not been obeying the Covid Rules, when using the facilities, so, the Wardens had closed the Male Facilities. 

A bit like being at school, I suppose, one person miss-behaves, and the who class get detention. There were mutterings of

discontent, threats to cancel Club membership etc. 

By the time we returned, after our cycle ride, facilities had re-opened.

A difficult choice, what are the wardens to do, if people will insist on ignoring the fairly simple rules?

Thursday, 03/06/2021

My phone says it is 18C, at 08:00, but, it feels slightly cooler than that, still very nice.

After yesterday's cycling, today is scheduled to be a walking day, but, first, a FaceTime call to wish grandson Gabriel a happy eleventh birthday. In the event, didn't get Gabriel, but, son, Gary, so, was able to wish him a belated happy birthday, for yesterday. Perhaps, I will get to speak to Gabriel tomorrow? ;)

Google maps comes good, to find the Morrisons supermarket, approximately two miles away, ingredients for this evenings salad duly purchased.

An otherwise lazy day, sitting in the sun. Weather forecast says we may get rain tomorrow.

  

Wyatts Covert CAMC Site, Denham, (N51.5934 W0.50826) contd

 Monday, 31st May 2021

Hazy start to the day, but, by 10:00 bright sunshine, and 21C.

A Cycle ride, to Hayes, just over 16 miles, there and back. We follow the route we took to Iver, but, at Cowley Lock, we stay on the canal towpath, past West Drayton and on to Hayes. The quality of the towpath is excellent in this area.

I forgot to take camera, so, will have to extract some stills from the video footage.

The route begins nice and quiet, and easy, downhill on Tilehouse Lane.

A tried section on a track alongside A412, not so quiet, then, into Village Lane and through Denham Village.

Then, alongside the really busy, and noisy, A40, for a short distance.

To Uxbridge, where we join the canal (Grand Union) towpath. Much quieter, except for walkers and worse still, dog walkers.

We pass this old sailing barge, goodness knows how that got under some of the bridges we have passed?

Passed, West Drayton, which looks very smart, at least the small section we pass through does.

When we get back to the site, new neighbours, arrive, shortly after our return, a couple, in caravan with two small boys. 

Although driving a UK registered car, they are clearly not Brits, cannot quite recognise the language they speak to each other. 

The elder boy is called Gabriel, like our grandson, the younger is called Alexanjra. Yes, I know that looks wrong, but, he insisted it was with a "j" and not a "d", we was very specific about it, although, he is only 4 years old.

Kathleen asks the youngest how old he is, he, with no inhibitions (as children are), then, asks her age, and expresses amazement that she is 74, that is almost 100 he says! Some training clearly needed if a career in the Diplomatic Service is to be a possibility ;)

Tuesday, 1st June 2021

Full sunshine and 25C. Hot for driving. 

Today, we head for Commons Wood CAMC Site, Welwyn Garden City (N51.780297, W0.189203).

First, a food shopping trip, by bicycle, only 2.4 miles, to Denham Green and back, but, hard going up a long hill, with two full panniers of wine, milk, potatoes etc. 

I am sure we could have done this shopping at Tesco Extra, Hadfield, in the Retail Park, where Kathleen managed to buy some new clothes. "Essential" purchases, you understand.

Only 43 miles, some delays due to HS2 works disrupting traffic. 

Fortunately, once through that, most people seemed to be going in the opposite direction, to us, particularly on the M25, which was in full "car-park mode", anti-clockwise, ie in the direction of Heathrow. But, we should be grateful for small mercies, at least there was no hail storm, this time!