8th January 2023

 

Dear All,

I started the week helping Adrian digging his plot as he is still not 100% fit – there again I cannot remember when he was sadly!

Kate and I then spent a couple of days on a short break in North Norfolk. We headed for Snettisham and after coffee had a walk round the public footpaths at Wild Ken Hill of Autumn watch fame. The site was not fully open which might be as well as guided tours start at £25 a head!

 

 

Wild Ken Hill

 

We moved on to Heacham for a look at The Wash at low tide then to Hunstanton to “Sea Life World” which was a welcome indoor session as Hunstanton on a drizzly January day was not too alluring!

 

 

Large Pacu

 

Next stop was Old Hunstanton which although bleak has very attractive cliff formations.

 

 

Old Hunstanton

There was then just time to visit Brancaster Beach before the light faded,

 

 

Brancaster beach

 

We had booked B&B in the Hoste Arms in Burnham Market home of Admiral Nelson – it was easy to see why he spent so long at sea as the house prices would have made his eyes water!

 

 

Burnham Market at night

 

Wednesday was a much brighter day and we headed initially to Holkham beach via the windmill at Burnham Overy Staithe where we had stayed a couple of times organised by the sadly missed Sue Colquhoun. We saw the New Millennium in on the beach at Holkham but there have been significant changes since as the sand dunes have been drastically reduced by the sea and a new restaurant and information centre has been erected.

 

 

The “Lookout” centre, Holkham

 

 

Holkham Beach

Last stop was Blakeney. Seal trips were out of season but we walked a loop of the Norfolk Coast Path to Cley next the Sea. It was clear and sunny but with a lively breeze. Arriving back in Blakeney the church tower was open so we tackled the 136 steps and the views made it all worthwhile.

 

 

Blakeney Quay from the Norfolk Coast Path

 

 

 

Cley next the Sea Windmill

 

View of Blakeney Quay from the church tower

 

 

Back home the Thursday walk started at Nuthampstead taking in Barkway and Reed. It was fine overhead but a little sticky underfoot.

 

 

Nuthampstead War Memorial

 

Nuthampstead was the site of an American Air Force base in WWII and the pub had numerous mementos.

On Friday it was a haircut followed by a ZOOM practice for an 80 year old who is guesting for the Biographies group next week. Over were back in action Saturday afternoon and beat Cherry Hinton 2 v 1 – a good day with both Ipswich and Colchester winning as well!

Love

Mike & Kate