The storms..........

I expect we will all be talking about it. The thunder storms that hit parts of the UK today and the one  we had was no exception. Ian had just stepped out on deck with Jade when the first rumble of thunder was heard in the distance. Time was 7.20am. He unfortunately didn't make it back to the boat before the rain started but did get back before the storm hit. And I was so thankful about that because, by Jove, we were in for one hell of a storm. The lightning was spectacular, arcing across the sky before bolting down to the ground. I was sitting in the well deck watching the skies when I truly thought we had been hit. The boat shook as the lightning and thunder came within seconds of one another and was that loud that Jade (who is nearly deaf) shot to Ian, started hyperventilating, panting, shaking uncontrollably and tried frantically to get under the folding table. We couldn't do anything for Jade other then try and reassure her. After 5 minutes of thunder and lightning crashing overhead, it finally started to drift away and Jade started to calm down. I do so love a good storm, watching it is so exhilarating but I do feel sorry for all those animals that are terrified by it all.

With the storm disappearing into the distance and the skies brightening, Dennis, Margaret, Ian and myself took a walk to the farm shop by Great Hayward Marina. We left Jade behind as I felt she would be happier in home surroundings in case another storm brewed up. I must say the shop is full of wonderful goodies like the pies, cheeses, meats, vegetables and preserves. Strawberries are in season at the moment and we could have picked our own but Margaret decided to buy a punnet from the shop instead. We also came away with their pork, chilli and leek sausages and two huge Pasties which will do very nicely for dinner tonight.

I wonder if the ducks are partial to a strawberry or two?

We didn't quite make it back to the boats before the rain, which started as a fine drizzle, suddenly  came down in torrents. Even the cows had enough and were laying down.

It's been a funny old day, one minute heavy showers next the sun shinning, but at least for now the storms are a thing of the past. Forecast for tomorrow seems to be one of improvement so we may decide to move to Tixal Wide.

Wash and brush up after the rain perhaps.