Knodishall

Having been confined to Earith since we made our run from Spain 4 months ago, we are at last off again and continuing our trip around Europe, well the UK is on the European continent. I had forgotten what camping in the UK is like. I only put in the summer quilt, and since arriving our various wet weather clothing has all been wet! The new waterproof socks do not work! We have ventured to Suffolk, 2 hours away from home, to a site we have been at before. It’s not the best, too far from places and at £18 a night it makes your eyes water. We are not used to English prices. The toilet block is open but we played safe and used our own facilities. Aldeburgh (30 mins ride or 2 hours walk) is always a nice place to stroll and eat fish and chips, with nice colourful houses. It was a regular place for me to spend my evenings when I stayed in Ipswich for work. This trip we have both cycled and walked there. Thorpeness (20 mins ride or 1.5 hours walk) is a lovely place to get a take away tea and watch the ducks and rowing boats. We have both cycled and walked there.

Dunwich and Minsmere are an easy cycle ride. Minsmere still had all the hides closed and the cafe which was a shame as my plan had been to sit and watch the birds while avoiding yet another soaking. We watched some birds, got a few soakings and watched stunning lighting. Southwold (1.25 hours on the bike) is one of my favourite places – nice green bits, nice sand, pier, cafes where you can sit and watch the sea and not too commercial. Shame it rained on us. Snape Maltings was busy, no evidence of Covid worries here (except in the cafe) we passed through on a 15 mile walk which had an amazing variety of scenery.

We debate daily whether to go to mainland Europe this summer, we are certainly missing the travel and the weather. Given that next year Brexit may mean we need visa’s for mainland Europe and have time restrictions it is very tempting to just go now. Bloody Brexiteers!