Anyone for Croquet?

Gosh, we had some rain last night! A thunderstorm hit mid-evening, a few rumbles and a flash of lightning but hardly any rain. No, it was in the wee hours that the rain really got going, so noisy as to wake us up. Thankfully, as first light appeared, it dried up and by the time we were almost ready to leave a few rays of sun shone through.

Ian was doing motorhome bits (remove the power cable from the electric hook up, fill with water and empty loo) so I took myself off to have a look at a small pond near to where we had parked. Hmmm, there are times when I had wished I had my rod and line with me. The campsite had a fishing lake which could be used by the guests. Hmmm...note to oneself. Always carry a rod and line...just in case!

Carp in abundance

Finally got underway and made for Blickling Hall. Now, what can I say about this NT place? Only one word can describe it. Magnificent! Gardens, the Hall, the walks and lake, nothing less than spectacular. If you only visit just one NT property in Norfolk, I would highly recommend this be the one.

Blickling on the inside looks immaculate but it does have a serious problem with the Deathwatch beetle Especially in the library which, we have been told, is on borrowed time. NT launched an appeal to raise money to try and solve the problem and if you CLICK HERE NT shows the problem. One of the reasons for the scaffolding is to repair the roof to try and stop any leaks. The beetles love damp wood finding it easier to munch their way through and the larvae drop down from above and get into the pages of the books making a meal of the paper. We watched a video and was amazed at just how many of these insects there were. Millions of dead carcases littered the attic floors.

The library

Took us nearly all day to see everything which meant we had to forgo the bike ride around the estate but we did get to try our hand at Croquet and Tennis. And very badly to I must say!

 Struggled to find somewhere to park for the night driving around Aylsham and surrounds. Finally found a layby to stop. The road's a tad noisy but hopefully, things will quieten down once the rush hour is finished.

And wildlife today

I think this is a Damselfly emerging from its nymph stage

Chaffinch

Meadow Brown

Pondskater and Water Boatman