Sunday 19 May 2013

Away on holiday.

I am back from a lovely holiday on the North Norfolk coast at Blakeney.   We went away on Friday May 10th and stayed over night at my favourite hotel (The White Hart) in my home city of Lincoln.   I have put a photograph on for you to admire the wonderful Minster which stands on top of the only hill for miles around in what is essentially a very flat county.   We had a pleasant stay there over night, having called to see old friends on the way down - friends I had not seen for fifty years!

Then on the Saturday morning we went on to Blakeney - an interesting place where the sea has receded over the years, so that now it is separated from the sea by a vast salt marsh area covered in marsh grass and alive with birds - particularly Brent geese.

We stayed at The Blakeney Hotel and had a room on the top floor, with a balcony overlooking the marsh.   What we found fascinating was the way the tide came in so fast up the creek.   One minute there would be hardly any water there and five minutes later the water would be racing in.   To non-sea side dwellers like the farmer and I the sea is an endless source of fascination.

When we arrived the day was almost over and the tide was in.   I have put on a couple of photographs taken from the balcony in front of our room.   Had the weather been really inclement the whole week, I could have sat and watched the scene out of the window without moving far, other than for the hotel's delicious food.

As it was we seem to have fared better than most areas of the British Isles in that, although it has been quite chilly, it has been dry and we have not had to resort to rain wear or brollies.

Next morming we stopped to look at Blakeney church - it has the most beautifully carved pews and lectern and really interesting stained glass windows.   Then we drove along the coast road through Salthouse and I could not resist stopping to photograph these ducklings on the side of the road.

Which brings me neatly to my next point - the hen pheasant who seemed to be sitting on eggs in our front garden when we went away has produced at least twelve chicks which we keep catching sight of in various areas of the garden.   As everything has grown up well in the week we have been away she has plenty of cover for the chicks.   I will try to get a photograph for you if I can.   Meanwhile - back to the washing and ironing.

But if you ever want to trip down to Norfolk I can really recommend








The Blakeney Hotel - beautiful bedrooms with lovely views, friendly staff, gorgeous food (both the farmer and I have gained three pounds and are now on a strict diet to get it removed.)     

21 comments:

John Going Gently said...

3 lbs pah
I can do that in an evening

jerilanders said...

Wonderful to see friends from half a century back! I am sure you and the farmer deserved a nice break, and it looks as though you got it. But what I really love is that you came home to baby pheasants running about your place!

JoAnn ( Scene Through My Eyes) said...

What a wonderful vacation - lovely scenery and ducks - who could ask for more. I'm glad you had a grand time. Have you gotten any photos of the pheasant's babies?

Crafty Green Poet said...

Lovely photos of a lovely part of the country. Not been there for years myself!

Heather said...

Welcome Home - nice to have you back. How lovely to catch up with friends you haven't seen for such a long time. Wonderful photos of a part of the country I have never visited. You make it sound and look very inviting.

Reader Wil said...

What a wonderful holiday you had! You and the farmer deserved that!I also love the sea side. The sea is always fascinating.
It's sad that Whitsuntide is not celebrated anymore, because it is the beginning of our religion.
We also had new clothes on Whitsunday.Today was really very festive too.Have a great week !

Acornmoon said...

Enjoy your holiday! I have always wanted to visit Blakeney, my cousin often goes there, it is on my list.

Terra said...

Now that is a delightful holiday and your hotel has a great name The White Hart and view.

Golden West said...

How nice to have you back! I heartily agree about the fascination of the sea - even as a lifelong seaside dweller, it never ceases to amaze me.

Hildred said...

Welcome home, - have missed your posts but so glad you had such a satisfying and lovely holiday. Wonderful photos, - look forward to seeing some of the babies.

Elizabeth said...

So glad you had a super holiday at a such a lovely hotel.
Good that the food was excellent but so dull to try to work it off - but surely walking/gardening weather will be upon us all soon.
Pouring with rain all day today here.
We have yet to put in the window air conditioner -simply haven't needed it!

Em Parkinson said...

S glad you've had a good trip. I haven't been to that part of the country for SO long. We're doing so in August though and I'm so looking forward to it. Great to have you back Pat.

Robin Mac said...

Welcome home - I have missed your posts, but what a lovely holiday you have had. I have never visited that part of England, and now I probably never will, but I am glad to have seen it through your photographs. I hope you get photos of the pheasant chicks soon. Cheers

Lori at Jarvis House said...

Lovely post, and I am anxious to see the chicks too. Cheers from the Jarvis House Garden

angryparsnip said...

Thank You for the lovely tour.
Every photo is wonderful.
Lucky you that the weather was nice.
I'm with John I can put on 3 lbs in a day !
Did Tess miss you ? did you bring her a treat back ?

cheers, parsnip

Canadian Chickadee said...

It all looks wonderful. I will have to make note of it. Thanks for sharing. xoxox

the wild magnolia said...

splendid visit, i enjoyed the photographs.

Cloudia said...

How delightful to ride along with you!


ALOHA from Waikiki
Comfort Spiral
~ > < } } ( ° > <3

Heda said...

Pheasant chicks! Wow. How gorgeous, especially if they are as stunning as their father.

MorningAJ said...

Only three pounds? Staying at the Blakeney. You must have great self control!

Two of my favourite hotels, too. I love the White Hart, and Lincoln, and the north Norfolk coast. I'm glad you had a good time.

The Weaver of Grass said...

It is so nice to return and be greeted by so many old friends. Thank you so much for your welcome home.