On the ferry

One of the places I like to visit for a day out using my bus pass is Burnham on Crouch. It's a quiet little town on the river with lots of boating activity. There is an on demand ferry which goes across the river to Wallasea Island and I have been saying for years that I will take that trip. Well for the last few years circumstances have stopped me even getting to Burnham. The ferry runs until the end of September and even in season doesn't run on Wednesdays or very bad weather. Last week I had a lot going on every day except Thursday when I should have cleaned my home but I felt a need to get away to clear my mind and relax. So I finally got on the ferry. A cyclist was already waiting and had phoned the boat man and he was on his way over. The journey takes ten minutes as the quay on the opposite bank is a little way down the river. 

 Wallasea is a funny place. The ferry goes into a big marina and seems quite industrial with cranes and big equipment but it is also very rural. I went into the marina cafe first for a cuppa then walked along the river bank until I saw some plastic chairs placed right next to the path so I sat there and ate my salad and watched the river. A bit further on the path turned inland on the other side of a creek which ran along side a caravan site. The path was high up on a bank so I had good views on both sides.

The caravans had really pretty gardens. I couldn't work out what these structures were of rotten wood and rusty metal but decided they must have been a quay at some time. 

Once I was on the road I turned back toward the marina. There was a sign pointing to the RSPB reserve but I thought I wouldn't have time to walk there. Once I was back on the river I started walking the other way but it was obvious not many people had walked that way as it was quite overgrown and the wind was strong. Also a heavy jug had fallen on my foot two days before and it was very painful so I was walking slowly. I could see the ferry coming back up the river so made my way to the quay and went back to Burnham. Everywhere had run out of scones so I ended up with a toasted teacake with Tiptree jam and a pot of tea. It was definitely more crowded than I had ever seen it before even during school holidays so a sign of more people on staycations. 

I had a wander about taking a few more photos. The cinemas building dates back to 1931 and is surprising for such a small town to have one. The clock tower was erected in 1877 in memory of a local oyster merchant and philanthropist. 

There seems to be a very good bus service with the bus to Chelmsford every half hour although most of the time I was the only passenger. From there I took the bus home. I feel after one of these days out that I have had a holiday. 

Clacton and foraging

I spent some time with dd in Clacton and the first couple of days weather was beautiful so we took the dog to Jaywick beach one day and then to Holland Haven where we sat on the beach with lemon meringue pie from the little tea room. I saw these new notices near the old sign post.

 I don't remember seeing them before but the trail looks interesting. I have walked most of the Tendring coast in segments more than once. I think the only bit left is from Walton Pier to Frinton. Maybe next time. I also explored some new paths near to DD's home and saw peeping over the fence this roof.

The beaches we go to always seem to be empty even when its hot although nearer to the pier is crowded. 

On Saturday I did some wombling and nearly filled a large litter bag in a short time. The next day I decided to fill the bag and then find some blackberries. It was mainly along cycle tracks then down to the pond. 

I was planning to go a bit further for the berries and to check out a mirabelle tree I had noticed last winter. However I thought I would just look at the brambles nearby first and they were disappointing but then I saw the mirabelle tree loaded with plums so I filled my two large icecream boxes instead of the berries. Little GD and I had already picked plenty of berries a couple of days earlier. I made crumble adding some pears to the berries. GD couldn't wait to get home to have hers washed so she could eat them as they were. This photo of the mirabelles has a funny blue reflection as it was taken in the kitchen.

I spent the evening destoning them with the cherry stoner DB bought a few years ago. Some have been frozen. It was an enjoyable satisfying afternoon.