It has all happened very fast. The date for the shackles to be firmly attached has finally arrived. With a five days notice from the hospital, it was decided to have a mini break, take the Beast and head to Norfolk. Needless to say, we packed into four days which we would normally have taken a week. So instead of the length I usually write, a shortened version of the mini-break, mainly with photos and captions, instead.
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| The pub at Gedney Drove End. |
So leaving on Wednesday and after stopping for lunch with Margaret and Dennis (nb Icing) we headed for Spalding, the first overnight stop was at a lovely out of the way pub at Gedney Drove End. A scrumptious steak with trimmings was enjoyed by us both.
Thursday am and off to Norfolk and
Castle Rising.
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| Castle Rising with the finest example of a Keep in the country. |
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| Jackdaws nesting in the stonework |
Next Hunstanton a typical seaside resort. The big problem with the Beast is the height. With bars across the entrance to the majority of car parks, it made it impossible to find somewhere suitable so we choose to stop away from the town and walk along the cliff top instead.
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| Miles of empty beach |
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| We did have the compulsory ice cream! |
Turning at Honeystones (bar and grill) this made me wonder though. Seen in their car park surrounded by roads and not a drop of water in sight, how did this Duck and ducklings get there in the first place unless she nested in the undergrowth. All she has to do is somehow get her ducklings to a pond.
The final stop of the day was at Titchwell Marsh nature reserve. Loads to see at the fresh water and salt marshes ponds, in my element and wanting to linger, Ian had to keep reminding me that we only had three hours to get around the 420 acres!
That night wild camping in a lane somewhere near Sandringham.
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| Very isolated but wonderfully peaceful |
Thursday evening and a sight to behold. Not every day we see Muntjac walking across a field full of Hares!
View from the Beast's window.
Friday and off to the Wells and Walsingham light railway
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| Plenty of Pheasants to keep the drivers on their toes. |
Mid-afternoon and we stopped at Sandringham camping ground. Another quiet place full of wildlife. There was even a nesting Tawny Owl near the main office. Even though I staked it out for a good hour, nothing was seen.😞
So onto Saturday at Sandringham. What a wonderful place to spend the day. It was about a mile from the campsite so we decided to take our bikes but then discovered we couldn't ride them in the main grounds. Good job we had the bike locks with us. Shame the weather wasn't better but hey ho we were viewing the house when the heavy rain burst came over. Spent a tiring 5 hours walking around but wow was it worth it. The church, St Mary Magdalene, where the Queen and royal family attend when in residence, was equally impressive. The silver pulpit and alter was a sight to behold.
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| Bikes all safely locked for the duration of our visit. |
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| And a camera selfie |
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| Some of the royal families dog graves scattered around the grounds |
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| St Mary Magdalene |
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| Silver Pulpit and Alter |
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| Royal transport. |
And wildlife seen on the Sandringham estate
Back to FS today (Sunday) Beast cleaned and put away and all heavy tasks completed. 6 weeks of inactivity.....stir crazy comes to mind!
