Last day in Southwold

 

 Friday 23rd October

Another lovely day on the beach. We met the little pooch which had been there the previous day. There were two people on hydrofoils. At least one of them is owned by this sweet girl.

Alf had a nice time. He got a bit confused at one point and galloped over to this young couple for a game.

The weather was perfect in the morning. Blue skies, wall to wall,  and a light breeze.

I parked in the estuary car park with the rear door facing my favourite approach to the Denes.

Alf has got used to the van. He thinks it is wonderful, especially the huge bed behind the front seats.

Levant II

The clouds began rolling in as we made our way back to the van after our walk to Gun Hill

I'd decided to have fish and chips for lunch from The Sole Bay Fish Co. I took the van down the Quays road just as the heavens opened.

Waiting for the lunch order. The road is being rebuilt. Frequent floods have damaged it, making travelling along it treacherous. Deep potholes, filled with water proved challenging.

Social distancing is strictly enforced. Even the pavements have a one way system

Alf managed to shrug off the car harness so had to wait in the van while the fish and chips were being cooked. Trestle tables were set up outside, making navigation tricky.

I drove back to the estuary car park to eat lunch with a lovely view.

Alf had his own share of the cod. Sole Bay Fish cooks only one size - enormous.

Despite the fact that it was raining, I could keep the rear door open.

We had another brief walk after lunch, until the clouds bubbled up again.

Having the van is a boon. We watched the waves and the rain from the comfort of the van.

Afternoon tea was from the second flask, with biscuits.

I must get to grips with the gas stove soon so that I can brew up fresh tea. 

The gas bottle also powers the fridge when the car is stationary. It runs on the domestic battery when moving. The van also has 240v hook up with which I needs to get to grips.

Final picture on the beach. It's just the two of us now - me and Alf.

Levant II in Southwold

 

Spent the day at Southwold the Denes Beach. I parked Levant II in the estuary carpark, paid for a full day, then set off with Alf for his first walk of the day.

We walked to Gun Hill and back. There was a lot of activity and many opportunities for greeting furry friends. One little pooch was at the water's edge for the whole of the walk. Alf played with her for a while but she was reluctant to leave the shoreline nearest the Estuary. I suspect her owner was sailboarding to and fro.

 

I'd never seen a hydrofoil before until a couple of shots captured the board well clear of the water. There was a small tent at that end of the beach. I think that may have sheltered more of the family from the strong winds.

After about an hour we made our way back to Levant II and lunch. I set up the benchseat so that there was a good view if the Estuary and Walberswick. 

After a share of my lunch and a drink, Alf settled down for a nap, but not before checking out the car that pulled in beside us.

For much of the afternoon, it was warm enough to keep the rear door open. The interior was well sheltered from the wind and the warmth from the sun came in through the triple glazed window. The van was parked beside a rubbish bin and, everytime someone posted rubbish under its lid, the gulls came in for a scavenge. Alf watched, with great interest, and in silence, the big, noisy, flappy things that he couldn't resist chasing a long the beach. 

Alf has been quite subdued on the beach walks this trip. I think he is worried because I'm still in quite a bit of pain. He's very reluctant to venture far from my side.

Marie and Mary arrived after their walk, and offered to take Alf for his second stroll to Gun Hill Beach Kiosk and back. He was constantly turn8ng and looking for me. I'll have to do some work boosting his confidence as I begin to regain my stamina.

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Marie and Mary then returned to the house to catch up with the Cricket in India. Alf and I stretched out for some afternoon tea and a rest, watching the tide roll in. We even caught a glimpse of a seal making its way up river as the sun began to set. I knew there would be no chance if capturing it on film, and was content to watch and enjoy the end of the day.