Oh, Bother!

‘What day is it?’ asked Pooh.

‘It’s today,’ squeaked Piglet.

‘My favourite day,’ said Pooh.

So, deciding today was a great day and because we were close to Ashdown Forest (the inspiration for the adventures of Winnie the Pooh,) we set off on what was to be a VERY muddy walk! No gloves or hat today, the sun had some warmth to it and there was no wind. We only saw 2 other people on the whole route, but we were accompanied by the sound of woodpeckers and jays in the wood and the squelch of mud and the cracking of ice underfoot as we negotiated frozen puddles and waterlogged fields. 

After our efforts, we called in at the Anchor Inn where we had parked. There were as many dogs as there were people, including a black Labrador puppy called Logan that wanted to make friends with everyone! 

It was such a beautiful day, filled with calmness and lots of gratitude (as well as the MUD!) After a wash for Poppy, my boots and socks, it was time for a cuppa and to plan tomorrow’s adventure…

Five Hundred Acre Wood

How my morning began - someone sneaked under the blankets!

Forest Way

Five Hundred Acre Wood

Back at the van - time for tea!

The Landscape Trail

Pooh Sticks Bridge

Wealdway

South Coast Strolls

Our calling was to the coast again! Margate to see its colourful beach huts, Hastings for its shingle beach and pier, Broadstairs where the sun peeped through to warm us a little and the glorious stretch of beach that is Camber Sands. I also stopped off at the Battle of Britain Memorial between Dover and Folkestone. Such a peaceful place with views along the white cliffs and out across the channel to France.

On a wet day I also visited Leeds Castle (sort of by accident) and was very glad to be inside as the rain was relentless! I loved the library - sumptuous couches, armchairs you sink into, books floor to ceiling and views out across the courtyard from the huge windows. 

Also by accident, following a recommendation from an American friend, I ended up walking in Fredville Park which is home to some truly magnificent ancient trees. There is what is thought to be one of the best examples of a maiden oak in possibly the whole of the country on private land just through the park. You can usually visit ‘Majesty’ as the tree is known with the landowner’s permission, but sadly she was unwell when I went and so is not welcoming visitors at the moment. You can read more about the tree here and see some pictures: https://www.monumentaltrees.com/en/gbr/england/kent/960_fredvillepark/1720/

We found a campsite just outside Canterbury which was great and one evening we walked into town to see the Cathedral all lit up, with the sound of Evensong coming from within.

As I’ve written this and reflected back over the last week, I continue to feel such an appreciation for all the things I’m seeing and learning about our island home.

Broadstairs 

Leeds Castle

Hastings

Margate

Leeds Castle

Camber Sands

Fredville Park

Hastings

Rye

Camber Sands

Canterbury Cathedral

Leeds Castle

Being Inspired and Inspiring Others

From Norfolk we headed south, hugging the coastline and stopped in Aldeburgh in Suffolk. The sky is blue, the sun is out, a free parking space is easy to find and a beautiful walk next to the beach to Thorpeness and back along a disused railway line back to Aldeburgh where the smell of chips was too tempting to resist. Rounded off with an afternoon at Sutton Hoo, this was a pretty perfect kind of travel day. 

Unfortunately the following day was wet, wet, wet! That’s winter travel for you! I decided to visit Colchester Castle museum to stay dry. It has a very impressive collection of Roman artefacts, including the Fenwick treasure hoard. I enjoyed seeing the mosaics and the numerous items of intricately designed jewellery.  Well worth a visit if you like your history!

The rest of our week has seen both sunshine in Southend and showers as we crossed into Kent. It has been lovely to see and catch up with uni friends and their families in Essex and Kent. We realised it will be twenty years since we graduated next year - how time flies!

Finally, after being woken up most mornings by my youngest nephew whilst staying with them over Christmas, it seems the strange auntie he had sleeping on the sofa scrunched up in a sleeping bag is actually rather inspiring - see his back to school work below. I’m not quite going ‘all around the world’ on this trip, but tomorrow we are on the move again to Canterbury.

Goodbye 2022

As we left the south coast behind and headed north, we stopped off to visit Salisbury Cathedral and Stonehenge as well as the pretty National Trust village of Lacock with its dusting of snow. 

The cathedral was worth paying to go and see and was super dog friendly. The guide told me which way to go and also said when you get to the font your dog can have a drink which I thought was unusual. When I saw the font, I understood why she had said it and Poppy did indeed have a drink!

We had the pleasure of staying with new friends and old on our way back to Norfolk. First we spent a wonderful afternoon and evening in Box, Wiltshire (thank you Pete, Gil and Maisie) and then another lovely return visit to Buckinghamshire where Poppy received more love and lots of cuddles from Thomas and Emily.

Christmas in Norfolk was full of festivities including crib services, meals out, board games and gift sharing. We loved returning to woodlands and beaches to walk with friends (including lots of four-legged friends for Poppy.) The comforts of a fire, comfy sofas and warm cosy blankets were lovely luxuries that we were extremely grateful for.

Here’s to our continued adventures in 2023!