David, Oliver and Amy arrived on Wednesday 16th in preparation for holiday with Murrays. Dot went to the football match that evening, and the following day she did some interviewing at Diocesan House in the morning. In the afternoon Amy accompanied her into the city to get her (Dot’s)nails done and buy some food. At some point I went round Phil’s to return his keys and took Oliver with me.
The Murrays arrived at the station at about 3pm on the Friday, and after greetings we packed up the cars for Blakeney. David had borrowed Vicky’s car, and Dot went in her car with Barbara and a case in the boot. Every corner was occupied. I went with Roger and most of the cases in our new car. We all arrived at Blakeney at about the same time, sorted out the rooms (nice four-poster bed and ensuite, but rubbish mattress), and Dot and I walked out to the houseboat. There was a fair on the quay, and Dot and Barbara rather unwisely went on a ride. Fortunately the fair only stayed a couple of days: not really suitable for Blakeney. Dot spilled bright red nail varnish on bathroom tiles, which took two or three day to clear up. (5.7 miles)
On the Saturday we walked to Morston and had lunch at the Anchor Inn. Excellent. Walked a bit out one to the marshes, then back to Blakeney. Chilly wind, but warm sun. Very tired afterwards, probably because of bad night. Walked down to quay at sunset. (8.3 miles)
The next day Sophie was sick, but she soon got over it. Dot, Tim, Barb and Roger walked to Cley with Oliver, had drink at Antibes, looked at quay behind mill, then walked through town and back to fruit farm, then on to Blakeney. Eventually all congregated at house with assorted food. Sophie better. Barb and Dot drove to Holt and Amy completed the Treasure Trail I had put together. I wrote a poem, and Dot and I attempted to book a seal trip, but abandoned it after lack of interest from others. Evening meal in. Then watch film comedy starring Goldie Hawn, Susan Sarandon and Geoffrey Rush. (7.1)
Monday was warmer, with less wind. I drove Dot, Barbara and Roger to Burnham Mkt, calling at Stiffkey marsh, Wells quay and Burnham Overy Staithe on the way. While they looked around town I drove to Burnham Deepdale and walked into a rather muddy marsh, then part way along path to Brancaster Staithe. Picked the others up at noon and drove back to Blakeney. Unsuccessful stop for cake at Stiffkey. All walked to Morston for excellent late lunch at Anchor Inn. Afterwards Dot and I walk out across marsh to quite near Point. Watched tide turn as people waited for seal boats, then walked back to Blakeney. In evening watched average film, Hunt for the Wilder People, The Big Lebowski having been rejected. Bed latish after discussion about church. (7.7)
On Tuesday Dot and I walked out on the Cley path and into the marsh – very wet underfoot. Lunch in The Moorings. Best steak I’ve had for years. Took pictures of high tide. (6.2)
Got up early on Wednesday to get pictures of 9.1 tide at 8.30am. Then walked to Blakeney Point – Dot and I from Cley beach car park (free), others from house. Jackson and Seth not at all. Very long but stunning walk – Dot, Oliver and I reached lifeboat house, others stayed on beach. Exhausted at end. Bath. Oliver quite ill with allergy at evening meal (poss sesame in bread), but recovered. Completed watching five episodes of Normal for Norfolk. (11.3)
Yet another high tide on Thursday: grabbed breakfast croissant and went and took pictures. Later with Dot took bottles to recycling, bought a few things and posted Uncle Paul’s birthday card. Lunch at Anchor Inn, Morston, again (Dot and I took car, and I had to return to lock up because walking party took both keys). Failed to get Amy to maize maze before it closed. (3.7)
Left at 10am on Friday, missing another high tide; home by 11. Chrissy and David fetched her cousin and his wife and two children from Rose Lane car park. They had travelled up from Stowmarket and were staying near Fakenham for the weekend. After photos, all except Barb and Roger went into town. Dot and I took luggage to Caddington. Traffic pretty bad. Bought snack at co-op and had a cup of tea, then returned. Passed C, D and children near Duxford. They didn’t see us. Called at Waitrose in Wymondham and arrived home around 7pm. R and B waiting patiently. They had been in town for a while. (1.6)
Had been in touch with Redgraves for several days, as they were coming up to Norfolk and wanted to meet. Eventually made an arrangement for next Wednesday. On Saturday I rang Phil and Carrie to sort out some details on the new rota. Dot spent much of the day in Norwich with Barbara, trying to get their nails done. I took Roger for a walk down riverside path to New Mills. We were heading back when contacted by girls and diverted to meet for snack and cocktail (in my case) at Cafe Rouge. Afterwards bought chocolate for Joy – had earlier sent off for a couple of other items for her birthday. Walked home and had some time on my own. Others eventually returned. In evening walked up for brilliant meal at Bishop’s. At home looked through Harris Tweed book, then played a couple of songs on YouTube. Feel so near and Caught in the Middle. (6.3)
I have barely mentioned the weather, which is because it was pretty much ideal for the whole week: not too hot, sometimes sunny and almost no rain. Yesterday we were up early to take Barbara and Roger to Colchester to pick up their car. This went smoothly, and we returned to call at church after a brief snack and say hello to the attendant company. After much clearing up in the afternoon we walked to the Greens for a meal with them and Elwira and Jarek Zwolinska, the Polish couple at church. Very entertaining – and nice food too. Avoided rowdiness on way home by cutting through St Faith’s Lane. Watched some football. Late in bed, but had a really good sleep.