Time to move on, Barn Owl Meadows next

Tuesday, 26th April 2022

Today, we leave Norfolk Broads CAMC Site and head for Barn Owl Meadow CL (N52.305835, E0.985973), Suffolk.

Only approximately 50 miles to go, and we have a very leisurely morning, packing up etc, with arrival time at Barn Owl Meadow set at not before 12:00 lunchtime, there is nothing to be gained by rushing.

The place is easy to find, and is appears to be very well set up.

It also appears to be very rural. We have a brief stroll, to get our bearings, definitely no shop or pub within immediate walking distance, but, I think there should be within cycling distance.

Activity today limited to a short walk (2.19 miles), to get our bearings.

Wednesday, 27th April 2022

Dull and cloudy, only 9C, definitely the worst day, so far, weather wise. It even has a little shower, as I am unloading the bicycles.

By shortly after lunchtime, we decide it is OK to venture out for a little bicycle exploring.

The main objective is to find a shop, to replenish some supplies, not essential, today, which is just as well, because we didn't find a shop.

The village of Walsham-le-Willows looks promising, the village website describes is at a "vibrant village". 

Well, it may be "vibrant", but, it doesn't have a shop. 

It does have two pubs (one permanently closed, and two churches. 

The C of E church, St Mary's, is quite impressive, and, only 2-3 miles cycle ride from Barn Owl Meadows CL, but, the Sunday service is at 8:00am! I don't think that is going to work for Kathleen, although, I do offer to set the alarm for 06:30am.

We clock up just over 11 miles, we could have

made a circular route, but, chicken out at cycling along the A143, after watching the traffic speed by for a few minutes. We only have "the view from the rear", because I forgot to press record on the front facing camera.

Not uptown our usual 16-20 mile rides, but, another little bit towards our self-imposed 150 miles / month target, just slightly over 30 miles to go, to achieve the target.

 

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

Saturday, 23rd April 2022

 Blue sky and sunshine, but, like yesterday, a very stiff breeze (20mph) from the North East making it feel a tad cool.

A walking day today.

Last time we were here, we cycled to a place called St Benet's Abbey. , we did a "there and back" route, at that time.

Today, reading the site information, I noticed there is a circular walk listed, and, yesterday, when cycling, I recall noticing the signpost to the walk, beside Ludham Bridge.

So, that is our walk for today, 3.36 miles, somewhat spoiled by the strong wind, blowing across the flat landscape.

St Benet's Abbey seems somewhat mysterious, it is unclear when it was first founded, but, King Canute (of holding back the tide fame) appears to have been involved. By the 12th Century, is was a flourishing and wealthy place. It seems that, somehow, it escaped being closed by Henry VIII in Tudor times, but, still, most of it's buildings disappeared shortly after the dissolution of the Monasteries. As someone of a sceptical frame of mind, I naturally suspect some skulduggery between the local Bishop and Henry.

Sunday, 24th April 2022

Blue sky and sunshine again, but, the wind from the North East is even stronger and colder, supposedly 14C, but, it doesn't feel that warm!

Sunday, so, Kathleen has to do her Church Duty. 

There is no Catholic Church within cycling distance, so, it has to be an online Mass or the C of E Church in Ludham (St Catherine's). 

Well, according to Google, the church dates from the 14th Century, at least the West Tower does. 

Therefore, it would have been a Catholic Church, before the wicked Henry VIII stole it, so, almost as good (history with a Catholic spin).

There is even a niche in the wall of the tower, where, presumably, a statue once stood, see photograph below.

A short cycle ride, only 3.47 miles. 

Only 10:00am, pubs not open, no coffee shop, so, I while away the hour touring the Church Yard.

Monday, 25th April 2022.

Dull and cool start to the day.

I use the Cycle.travel website to download a circular 17 mile route for our cycle ride today. When comparing it to my Sustrans Cycle map, I am puzzled, because at Horning, the downloaded route shows a crossing over the river, which is not shown on the map.

We set off for Horning, and, all becomes clear, it is a ferry crossing, the bad news is, at this time of year, it only operates at weekends! The alternative is a lengthy detour via Wroxham.

I don't think that turning a 17. mile route into a 37 mile route is going to go down well with Kathleen, especially since it begins to rain (fortunately, only a brief shower, it turns out).

Instead, we cobble together a ride taking in St Benedicts Church, Horning, and, then, a shopping trip (for milk) to Ludham, giving us 8.92 Miles. Ludham Bridge - Horning - Ludham - Ludham Bridge. 

Not quite what we had planned but, still a few more miles towards our monthly cycling target of 150 miles, we have only 43 miles to go, and five days in which to do it.

Just to ensure that todays outing is not too easy, I convince Kathleen to follow a small track through St Benedicts Church yard, signposted "Staithes", on the basis that is may be an alternative route to allow us to follow our original route. It turns out to be a very narrow track, too narrow to cycle, so, we have to walk, which just leads us to the river, but, no further.

 

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

Thursday, 21st April 2022

Blue sky, sunshine, 9C, with 14C promised as the high.

After yesterday's 20 miles, a day off from the cycling, so walking.

A 4.6 mile circuit, from Ludham Bridge, along the River Ant, to How Hill, then, back via Whitegates to Ludham Bridge.

A refreshment break at The Dog Inn, pub, next to the Camp Site.

The Dog Inn is advertised as "an award winning pub", and, in addition to meals and drinks, has a small Camping Area for Caravans and Motorhomes. Our verdict, fine, for a drink, but, I don't think we would want to stay there, and, for tomorrow's "eating out" plans, I think we will take pot luck elsewhere.

Friday, 22nd April 2022

Blue sky and sunshine, but, a very stiff breeze (20mph) from the North East making it feel a tad cool.

The plan today is to cycle to a village called Neatishead, and, have lunch at the pub there.

We stumbled upon this place about a year ago, after one of the Covid lockdowns, but, before pubs and eateries had fully re-opened. At that time, the pub was closed, and, we had to content ourselves with coffee and cake at the village coffee shop cum village store.

Today, I work out a route to give us 10-15 mile cycle ride, with a stop for lunch. Ludham Bridge - Horning - Neatishead - Barton Turf - Neatishead - Hoveton - Horning - Ludham Bridge. , which eventually gives us 15.55 miles.

The extra bit to Barton Turf is necessary because we make better time than anticipated, wind is not in our face, and, The White Horse Inn is not open, when we arrive in Neatishead.

So, pleasant and quiet half hour sitting in the Church yard of St Michael's and All Angels, just absorbing the silence.

The White Horse Inn is a pleasant surprise, from the outside, it looks like a very small, quaint pub, but, inside, it is surprisingly spacious, and, tastefully modern. 

Food was very good, and, an extensive range of real ales, no complaints.

Our return journey is not so pleasant, the wind has become even stronger, and, for the most part, we are riding into the wind, on the return journey. 

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

 Tuesday, 19th April 2022

A "spring getaway" after Easter, hopefully, the crowds will have gone home.

Usual pre-departure garden tidying.

I doubt Claire will need to cut the lawn, unless the temperatures rise significantly, of course, we are hoping for nice warm weather, sorry Claire, you may be "lucky" and get cold weather in Newcastle, while we enjoy warmth in Norfolk.

We enjoyed this site, last time we were here (June 2021), but, it is was not a pleasant journey last time, and, it wasn't a good journey this time, massive traffic jam at Sutton Bridge, on A17 (Bridge repairs), and, then, another hold up, accident on A47. 

Having left home at 09:00, we arrive 263 miles later at 15:30.

The good news is, dry and sunny, but, not too warm, at 15C, so, ideal travelling weather.

First opportunity to "test" the new 3 Router (ZTE MF286D, for the geeks).

It does work better (ie faster and better signal) than the "old" Huawei Router. Just have to get it to work on 12v now and all will be well.

Wednesday, 20th April 2022

A dry and sunny start to the day, a cool 9C, but, warming to 14C by 11:00.

A cycling day, we do a 20 mile circuit, making it up as we (well, I) go along. 

The CAMC Site is next to Ludham Bridge, we cycle into Ludham, mostly via a quiet back road, then, to Catfield and Stalham, before heading for Potter Heigham via Hinkling Broad, where we stop for a picnic lunch.

It is almost all on quiet country lanes, just a couple of major roads to cross, but, nothing scary.

We even manage to average just over ten miles per hour, which is slightly faster than our usual nine miles per hour. It must be the new, more expensive padded knickers I bought for Kathleen, doing their job.

In the afternoon, it is warm enough to sit outside, enjoying the sunshine.

Polstead CCC Site, Suffolk,... Contd. and Home

 Wednesday, 23rd February 2022

Today begins, actually, sunshine, dry, and, calm. A bit chilly at 3C, but, the weather forecast promises 11C.

By 10:00, the temperature is up to a reasonable 10C, and, we go for our first cycle ride of the year.

Just over 10 miles, to nearby Hadleigh and return.

Google maps suggests there is a route, avoiding the main A1071, but, although we make it most of the way there without going on the A1071, we end up on there for last 1-2 miles, not pleasant.

While we were looking for the supermarket in Hadleigh, I noticed a signpost to Lower Layham, which, I know from yesterdays walking, is a possible route back to the Campsite. We return via this much quieter route, through Lower Layham, then, on to Polstead Heath, a couple of miles further, but, much more enjoyable.

A photograph of my bike in front of a water tower, for no reason, other than, it is one of the amusing(?) challenges in on the CycleChat Forum.

Thursday, 24th February 2022

It is raining again.

The plan is to stop off at Newark, Milestone CAMC Site.

By the time we reach Newark, we re-think. It is cold and wet, and, only 12:00, we decide we may as well push on and go home, as sit in the van, in the rain, at Newark.

Approximately 280 miles, and we are home, at 16:15.

No problems, except massive queue for fuel at Grantham, I haven't seen or heard any News today, and, later, learn that Russia has invaded Ukraine this morning. Not sure if queue for fuel are panic buying, or, something more mundane, ie, tills broken down?

Polstead CCC Site, Suffolk (N52 1'31" E0 53'40").

 Sunday, 20th February 2022

Not raining this morning, just cloudy and windy, which, I suppose, given the weather over the passed few days, sounds rather good.

I have checked out the nearest pubs, as you would expect, we have a choice of The Brewers Arms, or, The Cock Inn.

We decide to walk to the Cock Inn, and, possibly have Sunday Lunch there. 

Google Maps says it is 1,75 miles, the signpost outside the campsite says a more optimistic 1.25 miles. Our circular route gives us a total of 4.2 miles, so, I think Google Maps is the winner for accuracy.

A pleasant walk, although, in places very wet, a little wading required in one section. 

Not a problem if you ignore the comments from behind. I don't understand the problem, I did offer to give her a Piggy-back through the water.

We meet a local couple, en-route who tell us the Cock Inn is closed, due to a power cut, as a result of Storm Eunice, so, it is going to be, Kathleen to the rescue, with a homemade Sunday Dinner.

We are in American Airbase territory here, but,

the only evidence I have seen so far is this rather out of place car, it is certainly a long way from Glendale, Arizona.

Monday, 21st February 2022

Storm Franklin arrived overnight, and, is still here this morning. According to the BBC, it should begin to die down by lunch time. In the mean-time we have leaden skies, 8C, and, a howling gale.

Tuesday, 22nd February 2022

It is not raining, the wind has died down to a stiff breeze, there is even a little sunshine!

Not wanting to waste a spell without rain, we go walking.

We manage 6.66 miles (a rather ominous number), all along very quiet country lanes.

We reach the village of Lower Layham,, before deciding it is time to make our way back to the Campsite.

Unfortunately we do not encounter a hostelry to quench our thirst, although, I do discover, too late, that there is a pub (The Queens Head), in the village, of Laytham, we just did not pass it, I also learn, afterwards, it is irrelevant, the Queens Head does not open until 6pm today.

Mostly dry underfoot, except. one rather large flooded area in Popes Green Lane.

This of course, is "my fault" for bringing us this way. The small detail that Kathleen has been

striding ahead and dictating the route since we set off is not relevant.

All in all, a very pleasant outing, we even manage to get back before the rain begins again.

Penn Hill CL, Bath (N51 23'35" W2 24'8").

Tuesday, 15th February 2022

 It is raining, again.

My first task for the morning is to clean the mud from our shoes, after yesterday evening's "short cut" through the mini forest. 

But, not before Kathleen has stood in the doorway and clapped her shoes together, scattering bits of mud over the immediate area outside the door, just where you step, before entering van. 

Count to ten, say nothing, life will be much easier.

I find a large coconut mat, attached to a wooden

pallet, behind our water and electric service point, so, I drag that into position as a first stage "feet wiping station".

Today, in daylight, but, still raining, we take the "sensible route" to the Park and Ride, only 0.7 miles, so, no big deal. Bus every ten minutes into Bath City Centre, and, the final stop is only five minutes walk from the Abbey.

We meet up with Susana, who has travelled here by train, then, off to the Abbey, for the Concert at 13:00.

A thoroughly enjoyable time, listening to the Concert, followed by a brief time to see and talk with Gabriel, before he is whisked off with his fellow choir members to their Youth Hostel accommodation.

Wednesday, 16th February 2022

More rain, overnight, but, not raining by daylight (only because it is blowing a gale). 

Last night, TV would not work on "3" router, or, using one of our Phones (Tesco/O2) as a "hot spot", speed too low for video. So, no soaps for Kathleen. Tempers are becoming frayed.

Decided we better organise our next stop over (after calling at Windsor). It is a good job we decided to do it, what a nightmare. 

First choice, Chertsey, CCC, is being refurbished, and not open until October 2022.

Second Choice, Oxford, CCC, is full! (in February).

Third Choice, Cambridge, Cherry Hinton, CAMC, is full!

Fourth Choice, The Willows, Brampton, Cambridgeshire, Independent, not answering their phone and no online booking system.

Finally, we plump for Polstead CCC site, in Suffolk.

This is no fun, roll-on the return to Mainland Europe and just turning up at a site!

Manage to get the TV working, via the Internet, using Tesco/O2 signal on my iPhone. Smiley face has returned.

Thursday, 17th February 2022

Approximately 90 miles to Windsor.

Great to see Gary, Susana, Gabriel and Salma.

Gabriel is home from his School Choir Tour, a little tired, obviously, lots of fun, and, not very much sleeping was had after "lights out".

Salma is at school, half term for her dressy begin until next week.

Plenty of fun time, with Gabriel, and, Salma, plus Gary and Susana, of course.

Friday, 18th February 2022.

The plan this morning is to drive to Polstead CCC Site, Suffolk, but,  Storm Eunice suggests otherwise. There is a Meterological Office Red Alert, do not travel unless absolutely necessary. The wind is already very strong, and, forecast to get worse.

Commonsense dictates that we do not travel, and sit it out here.

Gabriel is scheduled to attend a friend's birthday party and sleep over, so, we don't see much more oh him.

Salma's school is closed, because of the weather, so, we play schools, and spend our time, counting and practicing writing.

By evening, the weather has improved to just a strong wind, although, TV reports are full of extreme weather, snow, wind, rain, wild seas. There are no trains running, many trees down, no ferries running, from Dover.

Saturday, 19th February 2022

The weather has calmed down considerably today, hardly any wind, and, a hint of sunshine. 

Approximately 110 miles to Polstead CCC Site,Polstead, Suffolk. (N52 1'31" E0 53'40").

A pretty boring drive, round M25, then A12 (what a busy and boring road!).

We arrive at Polstead, just after midday. It will probably be a very pretty place, in the sunshine, but, it is raining heavily. Being positive, it is calm.

We are greeted by a very jolly warden who assure us she has selected a pitch for us, which will allow us to get all day sunshine. She is obviously an optimist, as she stands there in her waterproof, rain water running down her face. 

By 16:15, rain has stopped, and cloud is clearing, can we hope for a little sunshine?