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.