TraceysTrek

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Best bits: crashing the painting party

Worst bits: speed walking the last 3 miles

Distance: 21.5 miles 

Blimey, when I was inspecting my shoes this morning, I spotted something stuck in the sole. I tried digging it out but it was firmly embedded. Eventually, I managed to get it out and was absolutely shocked by the size of a sharp piece of twig. I was even more surprised when there was a second one too.

Yesterday I had a cuppa at Starbucks at the station and so decided to do the same again today. Isabel (Izzy) my server was very enthusiastic and excited about my journey and we chatted and had a wee hug.

I got the train to Wivenhoe which was on the opposite side of the river from where I finished yesterday. Apparently there is a local ferry that runs between them. Wivenhoe is a cute little place, lots of gorgeous buildings a mix of old and new.

The tide was just starting to come in and fill the estuary of the River Colne covering the mudflats and improving the scenery no end, although there was still three more hours to go until high tide.

It’s quite exposed walking along the sea wall and although it was only just after 9 am when I started it was still quite warm. I was grateful that the path diverted into a woodland area for a while to get some shade and cooler air. Angela was never great in the heat of the sun as she was pale and freckly in complexion, she would always catch the sun.

The birds were very vocal in the wooded area and I bumped into Michelle who helped me identify the Nightingale singing. We also heard cuckoo’s and Michelle had heard over 30 species of bird this morning using her Merlin app. Michelle, if you’re reading this, I’m very sorry I didn’t give you one of the little hearts because we were distracted part way through our conversation.

Of course the river had a very large creek, so large it has its own name, Alresford Creek that I had to walk round. There was a church in the distance which I used as a marker of distance traveled.

A couple of days ago I passed fields full of new plants. Roger informed me that they were vines because that area has its own micro climate and so the grapes are wine making varieties.

Still walking along side the creek I got chatting to Marsh and Charlotte and their dog Lyra who gave me a kiss.

They told me that I would be walking past the newest vineyard in the area. We passed the fields with all the vines planted like soldiers standing to attention. The place also has its own shop and wine tasting.

Vic and Debby were standing next to the path with two dogs. Of course I had to say hello. I noticed Debbys jacket had England Triathlon on it. Viv was a coach and Debby an official. 

Then I saw the cutest thing, mama and dada duck crossing the path with about 10 little ducklings in a long line behind them.

Just after this there was a short section on the main road but fortunately there was a wide cycle path which was occasionally separated from the road by trees. Such a difference from yesterday. 

This path was going into Brightlingsea which confirmed my decision to take a detour to see if I could get a cup of tea there. I walked past the church on the way

Blimey the breakfast portion could have fed a family of four! Needless to say I only managed about half of it. This cafe only took cash. As Janette predicted you need to carry some cash for such situations. Don’t worry Janette I have a stash of emergency cash in my bag at all times.

Back out for more road walking when I saw a dead rat by the side of the road! I guess it wasn’t lucky crossing it or walking alongside it.

Fortunately, the path diverted into a country park and then along a series of paths through fields. These signs were everywhere. I guess there must be a lot of adders. I never saw one.

The temperature rose and so did my level of fatigue. I had to stop and eat my snicker before it melted. Then the sugar rush must have gone to my head!

This was much better walking. I saw lots of bright turquoise blue insects flying along at great speed. I think they were dragonflies but they were so fast I couldn’t get a picture or a good look at one. I did however get a photo of the strange cloud formation.

There was a painting party going on at the dockside. The Harmon family were giving Verne the van  a make over from white to green. Verne is a highly self-sufficient vehicle with four leisure batteries and a solar panel and Star link.

I crossed the creek then turned the corner and Bradwell Power station came in to view! It didn’t look look at any further away than yesterday!

A lot more walking and then finally I could see the sea wall. As I rejoined it I checked to see how long it would take to get to my anticipated tea stop. Oh dear 3 miles to go and it was already after 3pm. I decided to try running and managed about 3 km, nearly 2 miles. It was just as well I was running as a man was making his way up to the sea wall from the beach. He was nude! and definitely flaunted it. With his back towards me he bent over to lift up his beach trolley and I got an eyeful of something I didn’t need to see. Then he stood in side profile and for a full house I got a full frontal. He did have a big ding a ling. I wanted to shout as I jogged past ‘you are barking up the wrong tree mate’. I don’t have photos of this incident.

Back to jogging, I needn’t have worried as the caravan site bar area was jumping with live music on a stage. The cafe only took cash! I had a cuppa and a sandwich.

Then I checked the train times and distance to the station at Clacton. Agh the estimate was for a 1hr 30 minute walk along the sea wall and there was 1hr 15 until the train! So unless I wanted to spend an hour waiting for the following train speed walking was required.

I still managed to take a few photos of small beaches along the way.

There were a couple of Martello Towers along the route too which took me back to a couple of weeks ago when I was in the Folkestone area.

The pier at Clacton-on-sea was the finish point of my speed walk along the sea wall. Then I was to turn up towards the station. The pier appeared to grow in size as I got nearer to it.

Then it was a quick dash through town and past all the arcades and fast food establishments and I finally arrived at the station with 30 mins to spare!

Sitting on the train back to Colchester I realised that I had been bitten around both my ankles and behind my knees and they were very itchy!

It was registering 30 degrees in Priscilla when I got back so I opened the windows and door before jumping into bed for a rest.

It’s was Danny’s birthday today and yesterday he competed in the Ben Lomond hill race, Distance: 12.6 km / 7.8 m, Ascent: 960 m / 3149 ft. His time was an amazing 1:52:16. Like mother like son!! It’s also Bridget’s birthday. Happy birthday to you both.