TraceysTrek

Best bits: ice cream, doing my dance

Worst bits: walking on shingle

Distance: 19.4 miles

After saying goodbye to Kathy and Barney, Viv and I drove partway to our end point for today dropping Priscilla off in a layby.

As I was trying to limber up my shoulder this morning it made an amazing loud crack! It seemed to be ok, time will tell. We then returned to Southwold pier for the start of today’s journey.

After leaving Southwold I was initially walking on paths through fields. Then there was a long section on country roads. I didn’t see anyone for a long time. It gives you a sense of isolation even though realistically I probably wasn’t that very far from houses and civilisation. This barn has seen better times.

In one of the fields that I walked through this morning there was a poly tunnel with crop pickers sitting having their breakfast. It must be really hard labour picking crops from the fields.

I made a call to Bev. We talked about falling over prompted by my antics on the cannon yesterday. We reminisced about Angela falling up the steps in our garden the day she was discharged from hospital whilst Bev was supposedly supervising. Will and I were unaware of what had happened and just saw them both sitting having a hug on the top step which we thought was really cute and we took a photograph! I had a little cry as I miss Angela so much and can’t believe I will never see her again.

Yesterday, Emma and I were discussing the large skies that you can see here. Today the clouds are making them look even more dramatic.

No turf today but many of the huge fields have potatoes in them, obviously we eat a lot of potatoes in Britain.

As I approached the morning cuppa rendezvous, I wasn’t sure if in the distance it was Viv or a postbox as she was wearing a red top today. Obviously, as I got closer it was Viv and Frank who were waiting for me with a flask of tea. There was a conveniently located bench for us to sit on and watch the world go by. The remote lane suddenly turned really busy with cars, people and dogs. It was like rush-hour.

After detouring inland round a the Benacre wildlife reserve the sea suddenly came into view. I spent some time chatting with Julie and Lee. Julie had followed other coasters and so was familiar with the concept.

Viv was waiting for me at he waterfront cafe in Kessingland. We had a lovely feta cheese salad which was enormous and very fresh. The staff there were fantastic providing my lunch free and also making a donation.

All the way along the beachfront was decorated with knitted bunting each one was unique.

I made my way down to the beach and for the next 4 miles or so I walked along the shore. Initially over quite deep shingle which was hard work on the legs and then through sand dunes before it turned to a more familiar type of beach with compact sand and shingle. This was easier walking. It was fantastic to hear the waves crashing against the beach this time so close to me. Oh how I have missed this sound.

There were more people around mainly walking dogs and some people with metal detectors. Most of the beach huts here were traditional, but there were some that were a refreshingly modern take on beach hut.

There was a teenage boy throwing pebbles at the red metal marker on top of one of the groyns in the sea. It made a loud ping when he hit it. Danny would have done exactly the same.

Lorna was getting ready for a swim and sensibly Trudy was observing. It turns out that Lorna has been walking sections of the coast in England.

I followed the beach up to Lowestoft seafront to the pier with the vibrant amusements, ice cream parlours and fish n chip shops.

Then I crossed the bridge to the docks. I have come across several of these Sailor’s and Fishermen’s Missions on my journey.

The marker point for the East Cardinal Point – most easterly point in Britain was in the most unappealing place by the docks and the gas works. There had been an effort made to create something special, but unfortunately, some of the plaques on it have been stolen. It was interesting to see where I have come from,

and where I am headed.

Of course I also had to celebrate with my dance 5000 miles.

At last, I feel like I’m making progress north instead of in and out of all those awful F*estuaries. When I look at the map and my schedule combined, it seems crazy that I’ll be in Scotland quite soon.

It was almost 5 pm and the tide was in the sun was going down. It was still reasonably warm although windy breezy. There were families sitting on the beach or just strolling along taking in the last bit of the day.

I was craving an ice cream and so I sent Viv in front to investigate. She found an ice cream van and the kind man gave us our 99s for free. Things are so much more enjoyable when you get a freebie.

Thankfully it was only about another mile or so to Corton for the finish. We then drove back to collect Priscilla and moved to Great Yarmouth. Poor wee Frank was exhausted.