Flixton, 15 October 2021 - Green, yellow and grey

This morning we found all the car windows at the same level, about half open. We are mystified by this, we cannot explain how it can happen. 

Today we 'did' Southwold properly. It was a beautiful day, only a few clouds in the sky, and the sun's heat was a joy to feel. We took a gentle drive to Southwold, and on arrival found a parking space in a local street without meters.  

We walked toward the beach, ending up on Gun Hill - real name St Edmunds Hill.

Gun Hill

In both WWI and WWII the cannons were buried, because the enemy attacked the town believing it to be fortified. A serious intelligence failure.

We discovered that dogs are allowed on the beach from October to March.  The first order of the day became Brody on the beach.  He played with the ball for a short while, and then his back legs became unstable, so I put him in his push chair, and we hauled him across the soft sand to the promenade.

Brody, not wanting to leave the beach

There followed a long, slow queue for a cup of tea.  Then across the road to the free, very well maintained, public conveniences. After that, we made our way in to town for Fish and Chips from "The Little Fish and Chip shop".  We ate their produce last time we were in Southwold,  it was very good then and remains so today.  Again, there was quite a queue.  What must Southwold have been like in the summer at peak season?  We walked to the top of the cliffs and sat in a seat close to the one we had sat on last time.  Sitting watching the grey sea and listening to the breakers is a timeless activity, I could stay there all day. By now the gulls were gathering, as they swarm and perch on anything they can find I am reminded of scenes from "The Birds" by Alfred Hitchcock. They leave us alone, which it better than last time, perhaps they're scared of Brody.

Now for a walk along the 'prom' to the pier.  The most interesting thing about the pier is the clock, there is a short video here:https://youtu.be/4xuIPusRDlA.

On the pier, the wind is strong and cold, and clouds cover the sky. People are walking up and down one side, the protected side only. At the end is a platform for fishermen, it is surrounded by rusty piles topped with concrete. They are entirely functional, but in some people's minds they also appear to be wishing wells!

We went back into town, where I bought some walking boots, then walked south along the coast for a mile or so to the Alfred Cory Museum. Sadly, it was closed, so back again and get some soup for tea, before leaving Southwold once again.

 

Flixton, 11 October 2021 - Blue and Grey

We decided to head for the beach, while the weather was good - it's a lovely bright day, with plenty of blue sky.  As always we have to find a beach that is dog friendly.  Walberswick seems to fit the bill, so we load up the car and off we go.  Today is a better day weather wise.  Again parking is cheap, but here the machine is too well-used, and the keypad markings are missing.  On top of that the machine will not accept coins - they fall straight through to the reject box. Eventually the card scanner reads my card and a parking ticket is printed.  These small difficulties are offset by the amazing beach.  The geese flying over make the scene, a picture is all I can manage.

Geese over Walberswick

Jo on the beach.

Brody had a paddle as we strolled along the beach, but eventually the sand disappeared, only stones were left, so he struggled up the steep stone bank that sinks underfoot as weight is put on it. Then we walked along a bank that looked like a sea wall.  Further along, we saw paths going inland through a marshy area.  The waymarked paths though went away from the town in the direction of the Sizewell plant.  There were other paths, so we descended the wall, crossed a bridge and turned for town.  Once back in Walberswick, we looked for somewhere to eat.  

We found "The Anchor" and found a table in their huge garden.  The meal was very good, and fairly expensive, and the service was very friendly.  It was also pretty busy, since opening up after the pandemic many establishments have chosen not to open on Monday, and sometimes Tuesdays too, so the places that are open are busier.

After lunch, we decided to investigate the ferry to Southwold.  It turned out to be a rowing boat from a jetty on our side to a jetty on the other side.  Brody would have to go in his 'pushchair' as he was showing signs of tiredness after his walk on the beach.  She said she'd give it a go.  So we set out.  Time was running out though as she closes at 4pm.  We nearly didn't get on the ferry as the pushchair was larger than she was expecting.  Then it was a charge into Southwold, a dash around the market, a quick ice cream, and an almost run down the hill back to the harbour.  We made it!  

A very big thank you to the ferry boat lady (captain?) for making a good afternoon, and also to the other passengers who helped to load and unload our ailing dog.