Crikey thought we stopped in a shipping lane

Now that was an unexpected turn up for the books. So there we were, having motored East toward Lincolnshire, called in for a fab lunch with Margaret and Dennis at Sleaford and then found a park4night site right next to the tidal River Nene, a mile from the Sutton road swing bridge. at a place called Walpole Marsh. The water was racing toward the Wash and river levels were dropping fast. I went for the usual explore in pursuit of all things wild, came back in time to notice the tide had changed and was now racing upstream.  Tea was eaten and we had settled down to an evening with Netflix and The Hunger Games when all of a sudden I spied a mast travelling past to the Beasts window. A loud expletive from me followed by a rapid 'grab the camera' and in time to see a container ship speeding upstream heading toward Wisbeach.

North West Main Drain

 Not every day one sees that! According to Ian, it returned on the ebbing tide around 10.45pm. I was long in the world of nod by then!

Back to today. The destination was Walsingham, a small village next to the Wells to Walsingham steam railway line. Margaret had mentioned how lovely it was and indeed we were pleasantly surprised to find it more than exceeded expectations. It took us a while though to get there because we became caught up in a cycle race not long after turning onto the Cromer road. Mile upon mile of speeding bikers all trying to overtake each other, without regard to traffic coming up from behind. After a good thirty minutes, they eventually turned right off the B road much to our initial delight. 5 minutes later and we also turned right at the sign for Walsingham and we were just congratulating ourselves on finally getting a bit of speed up, when a man with a mobile stop sign came into view. On red we had to stop and what was the reason for our stop? Those blasted road bikes had taken a short cut and we were once again stuck behind them!

Walsingham was every bit as lovely as Margaret had mentioned. This village is noted for the timber-framed buildings and also holds a unique place in history as a pilgrimage site in medieval England,  £5 paid to visit Walsingham Abbey Grounds which we thought very reasonable considering what is there and then after the visit we were handed the keys to Bridwell prison! The only two to step through the door it felt eerie, dark and depressing and not somewhere to hang about in. I nearly jumped out of my skin when something banged nearby and gave a small scream and then Ian,   behind one of the cell doors, admitted it was him all along!

Above is the only part of the original Priory that was left standing.

Bridwell Prison

The punishment was the Dark Cell

Time was getting on so we drove toward Blakeney. An NT nature reserve which we hoped to spend the rest of the afternoon wandering around. But it was so very busy we decided to call it a day and find somewhere to stop. A lovely farm campsite was found with all amenities and with the afternoon sun still very warm, the awning was put up, chairs and table got out and drinks poured. Loverrrly.

 

Goodness knows where the sat nav was taking us? Not long after this the road almost became a dirt track!

On my walk

Cinnabar moth caterpillar

This could be a Marsh Orchid but not 100% sure.