Norfolk - Fosdyke Bridge

 Less than two weeks after returning from Chatsworth, we were preparing for off again in Dame Shirley Bassey. This time it would be for a week in Norfolk, taking in a game of football of course. The match was in Norwich and we decided to take our time in getting there by stopping off in Fosdyke Bridge. The site was to be our first foray into the world of Certified Loctions. Obviously only one dog could come with us, and that dog would obviously be Misty. This meant a trip to the kennels for the other two. As usual Ian has a client who owns a kennels so off  they trotted without a care in the world. Poor things. Having dispose of the naughties we loaded up and departed before midday. Being a football trip Vicky was tagging along and following along in her car. Less than two hours later we pulled into Suffolk House CL at Fosdyke bridge. A little old lady rushed out to greet us and open the gates. She removed the fake chain (to deter the gypsies!) and told us to pick anywhere as we were the last for the day. A CL is only allowed to have five pitches so they are only small, and there was just one other caravan parked up. They can have no facilities at all, or loads of bells and whistles. This one had no toilet block but did have electric (more on that in a moment!) Ian reversed in to our chosen spot, Vicky pulled alongside, and I settled in to make some lunch. A little old man popped across to give us his card, for emergencies, then left us alone. The sun was shining and the birds were singing, it was heaven.

 

A master of all he surveys

Due to the gloriousness of the day, we got the table and chairs out and sat outside for dinner. Misty could wander all over as there was a huge lawn and just us there, the other caravan people having gone off for the day. 

Picnic in the sun

Misty running free

Replete, Ian set to connecting the electric and gas. A cup of coffee was soon on the go on the gas stove, but the sophisticated operations panel above the fridge was not happy. ‘ERROR, ERROR, NO ELECTRIC CONNECTED’ was the message! Well, we’ve been here before haven’t we? ‘Surely you just twist that knob?’ I supplied helpfully. As you remember, on a previous trip we had the same problem and said knob was the answer. Apparently not. Ian pfaffed and the little old man soon rushed over again, as did the lady. Much head scratching ensued before Bob the electrician, was called from across the road. ‘Ah. Just twist that knob.’ Soon the electric was flowing and the operations centre had calmed down.

We sat about in the sun for a bit then set off for a walk along the river Welland. We crossed Fosdyke bridge and walked down the other side to a small nature reserve, before returning the same way. Misty was in her element, Ian handily had his bird spotting binocs, and Vicky had her hood up. We saw very few other people on this busy Easter Saturday. 

By the river Welland

A random Twitcher

We’re on these two ways you know

Once back at Dame Shirl we rested for a bit before driving over to Weston (10mins) to The Chequers Of Weston, where I had booked a meal. Misty was allowed too and snuggled under the table while I had Chicken in Apricot and Tarragon sauce, Vicky had fish and chips, and Ian had a wonderful looking fish platter. The Chequers Of Weston was heaving, good job I booked, and it was a very convivial evening. I did put the serving girls back up by asking prematurely for a menu, but Ian redeemed things with some witty repartee about mint sauce so all was well. 

Three pints, two Singapore slings, and a lime and soda later (the last one being me!) we returned to Dame Shirley to watch match of the day, and Ian promptly fell asleep.

Strava watch

A lovely 4.6 miles to add to my walk 1000. We are the green blob. Very unfortunately the ship Inn is closed for refurbishment

Neighbour watch

Just the one. A man was sat outside reading the paper as we returned from our walk, but soon went inside when Misty arrived.

Nature watch

Loads! Ian saw some Hares running in a field but I missed them. Three oyster catchers were shouting in the sky above the River Welland. Lots of pretty Shell Ducks were paddling on the mud (it’s a tidal river). Peacock butterflies were flitting about. Three types of raptor says the twitcher, sparrow hawk, buzzard and kestrel. A beautiful White Egret in flight. Goldfinch. Mallard. Black headed gulls (summer plumage)