8^th January 2017

Dear All,

We had a very enjoyable 3 days in Norfolk over the New Year staying with Ian & Felicia at Pockthorpe near West Rudham. Sunday was wet so we only ventured to Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve. The birds were being fed from all the hides and were present in large numbers. We saw Woodcock, Bramblings, Goldfinches, Tits and Finches of all descriptions.

We failed to see the New Year in and retired to bed about 10 pm!

Monday was completely different with clear blue skies so we walked from Holme next Sea to Thornham for lunch and back again past the site of “Seahenge”. Apart from the expected shore birds we saw a flock of Twite. Twitchers were abroad in number looking for a reported rare duck.

With Ian & Felicia at Holme next Sea

Our Thursday walk was fairly local starting at Stapleford and picking up the Genome Path and the Roman Road around Wandlebury. There was a good frost underfoot so none of the usual mud nonsense! Kate managed the short walk but is still limping a little.

Genome Path

The Roman Road

We are still harvesting Brussels sprouts, leeks, parsnips, celeriac and beetroot from the garden and allotment and I have been reconstructing the propagator with a new heating cable.

Last night was the U3A Ramblers New Year’s party which was held in a new location this year at St Andrews Church hall at Chesterton as Newnham College, the usual venue, is being knocked about. Everyone contributes food which is excellent as it becomes a little competitive! I had the dubious honour of presenting a Power point review of the year.

Love

Mike & Kate