Friday 12th July
Somewhat hoarse and my knees felt like they been set in concrete after last nights’ fun. Fortunately there was very little left to do in preparation for our trip the following morning.
Sandra would be bringing her own car, not least because at the end of the week we’d both be heading home but also, the ‘girls’ – Sandra’s gorgeous two Westies; Skye and Iona would be joining us and there was very little room left in Hetty, thanks to summer caravanning gear and the visit to Costco earlier in the week.
A chippy tea rounded off a quiet but productive day.
Saturday 13th July
Sandra:
We have now moved into July and having sorted Patsy's service and Hetty’ new brakes, it was time to get going on our weeks holiday to the county of Suffolk.
This summer, unlike last year, has been broken up into various sections. My total hip replacement operation was in no small part to blame for this. However at the time of writing this blog I am pleased to report that recuperation continues steadily and in two weeks time I will be able to drive again. Thankfully my car is an automatic and as it was my left hip that was operated on, it will hopefully be straightforward. Anyway I digress but back to the weeks holiday.
The county of Suffolk is not one I am very familiar with, in fact I cannot remember ever visiting. I was a big fan of the Lovejoy TV programme when it was shown and it has always been my understanding that most of the outside filming took place in and around the county.
In order to keep costs reasonable and to locate ourselves as near as possible to the middle of the county, [Suffolk does not have any designated motorways and although distances may seem short, travelling times are considerably greater as a result]. Having perused the list of CL sites, we found one, Buck House Farm CL and it offered all we needed for £9 per person per night. We were not disappointed.
On the Saturday, cars loaded including my two Westies, we set off for the not inconsiderable drive to the site. We had an uneventful run, the A14 and A12, for once, behaving themselves. We paced ourselves and had several stops along the way. It was a warm but not particularly sunny day.
The first stop was at Norton Canes – dedicated parking for caravans, and the length of the bays were such that Sandra could park in front of me and we weren’t in anyone’s way. With the girls and us toileted and caffeine procured we were soon on our way again.
The second stop was at Cambridge services. Again, dedicated spaces for caravans – well a few – all of which were initially occupied. We pulled up alongside, considering our options when a space became free. I jumped back in the car and whipped around to grab it. It only became clear when I turned back into the parking area that I’d entered the one-way system around the petrol station the wrong way – as there was no visible signage to indicate such. Those plastic red and white barriers, filled with gravel had been strategically placed to prevent any right turns into the parking area. As soon as I’d started to make the turn this became very clear indeed. Patsy was going to have a very close encounter with them unless I did something. By this time cars were now also approaching – from the correct direction – and I needed to do something before being lynched!
With a strength I didn’t know I had I heaved the barriers closer to the kerb – fortunately some were broken and the gravel was spilling out. Eventually there was enough room for Patsy to swing round and she made it past the barriers with a fag papers width to spare. I brought her to a halt in the parking bay and emerged rather shakily, through effort as much as anything else.
I was fully expecting someone in a hi viz to appear and mentally prepared myself for a tongue lashing at the very least but no one did. We had our sarnies, attended to the plumbing and were soon back on the A14. I must admit to feeling a bit of a numpty, but some more signage wouldn’t have gone amiss.
Sandra:
On arrival at site we quickly gained access to the field and had the choice of four out of the five pitches. Although the field slopes slightly, our choice of one of the two pitches at the top of the field did not necessitate the use of ramps. Richard quickly had Patsy settled with her legs down and a quick cup of tea was very welcome.
About a month or so ago to this time, when we had been discussing what to do over the summer, Richard had expressed interest in buying a slightly larger sun canopy. We had used the smaller one the previous summer and it had come in very useful indeed, not least with the girls in tow. We enjoy sitting out of an evening, particularly if the weather is nice, and having the shelter is very pleasant indeed. My local Winfield’s had the canopy in stock and I was able to get it delivered in less than 24 hours! It had been happily sitting in my lounge awaiting Richard’s return and the opportunity to try it out. It turned out to be a very good purchase indeed and the extra space most welcome. We managed to put it up very quickly and the end result mirrored the picture on the box pretty well.
First up was Beccles, a pretty little market town nestled by the banks of the River Waveney. After a couple of laps we found a parking space and had a walk around before heading down to the quay, about a 15 minute walk away. Very pleasant and a coffee and teacake was enjoyed by the waters edge.
One in particular caught my eye, however a few weeks into the season and they’re clearly having trouble doing just that:
Next up was Lowestoft, once a thriving fishing town, then a hub for North Sea gas and oil exploration. It is the most easterly town in Britain and has the most easterly railway station too. A few years ago, whilst staying at Kessingland I took a train from here to Norwich and was delight when an old class ’37 loco appeared on the horizon and growled into the station. I spent the whole journey in the corridor with the window down listening to those amazing old engines.
This time we did little more than devour our packed lunch before talking a pleasant walk along the prom.
Monday 15th July
A reasonably prompt start to the day as we were heading to the furthest of our list of destinations – Felixstowe – the trundle along the A12 then A14 was paused only by a stop at Farnham Leisure for that least exciting but most essential of caravanning paraphernalia – toilet fluid.
Bypassing the town centre we headed first through the docks area to Landguard Point, home of the old Fort which is now a museum, though sadly closed on the day we arrived.
The area is popular though as it does afford a great view of the docks – apparently Britain’s biggest and busiest container port. A café had appeared since Trev and I were last here and they were doing a good trade, added to by us for the usual morning coffee and teacake.
We paused briefly in the town before heading through Old Felixstowe to the little hamlet of Felixstowe Ferry, a cracking spot overlooking the River Deben.
A foot and bicycle ferry takes you across to Bawdsey during the busier months.
However we decided to drive around, the journey taking us across the massive Orwell Bridge and passed Run Cottage Touring Park in Hollesley, where Trev and I stayed a couple of times. A bit remote but importantly there’s a pub within walking distance.
We continued down to Bawdsey Quay and took in the view back across to Felixstowe Ferry before partaking of an afternoon cuppa on the balcony of a café.
Tuesday 16th July
An overcast and much cooler day, with the threat of rain, however we loaded the girls in the car and set forth, rolling up at the gates the East Anglia Transport Museum a little before opening time, we weren’t the only ones though. It was a return visit for me but a first for Sandra and I knew she would enjoy it.
Working trams, trolley buses and a train set in a delightful little oasis depicting times past, sheds with old cars, tractors and commercial vehicles. It’s well worth a visit and the bowls of chips that were coming out of the café smelt and looked yum.
That evening we had a drive to a pub that we’d passed when initially on the way to the site. The Queen’s Head at Bramfield was dog friendly and with a great and changing selection of ales. We would return for a meal at end of the week.
Wednesday 17th July
First up was a vineyard – yes in Suffolk. Sandra was keen to procure something for her sister and, whilst there was no merlot on offer, I came away with a red too.
We took morning coffee in Framlingham, another very pretty market town, though quite busy. Good to see there were still some independent shops alongside the usual chain store suspects.
With time to spare before our booked activity later we headed Snape Maltings, which was very busy. The return of the sun had clearly brought people out. Maybe the schools had packed up in some areas too. More independent outlets here offering an eclectic – and sometimes expensive – range of items. Free parking though.
On to the main event at Orford which was a cruise circumnavigating the RSPB reserve on Havergate Island and passing Orford Ness where you can still see the buildings used for testing atomic weapon triggers during the period of the cold war.
It was a fascinating trip with a knowledgeable skipper, the small boat was comfortable and there was plenty of room. A trip I’d certainly recommend.
Back at the site we met with my cousin Andy and wife Jan who were staying for a couple of nights on the way home from an epic trip around Scotland. The wine, procured earlier in the day did not last long!
Thursday 18th July
A lazy day on site, much needed and much enjoyed, the only outing being into Halesworth to fuel up Hetty for the journey home. A disposable BBQ was lit and a couple of cheap steaks were cremated, which in fact turned out to be very tasty indeed.
Friday 19th July
Another fine day and Aldeburgh was first on the list, always a pleasant place to visit.
Lunch was taken at Sizewell beach, probably better known for it's nuclear power stations. Judging by the posters there is a lot of opposition to Sizewell C development.
The afternoon was spent in good old Southwold, or Kensington-on-Sea as it’s often know thanks to second home owning Londoners. It was very busy and it took a couple of circuits to get a parking spot near the pier. An afternoon cuppa was taken before a stroll.
Saturday 20th July
We’d decided to stay another night so there was no rush to get the awning down, so we had a lazy morning. Very necessary showers were taken later before heading back into Bramfield for a lovely meal at the Queens Head. A fitting end to another great trip.
Sunday 21st July
Sandra:
All too soon the week drew to a close and although we had extended our stay by one night I had to head north once more as the slight issue of having my hip replaced two days later was bearing down.
It had been a very restful, relaxing and enjoyable time: just what I needed in the run up to fairly major physical surgery.
I took a slightly different route home, cutting off a rather large corner of the A12 / A14. Having driven it; it was quite clear why it was not suggested as an access to the site. The run was uneventful and I duly arrived back at base in time for dinner.
Apart from my operation I had the target of the week of Richard’s birthday to be able to walk short distances etc. as Richard would be returning back north, this time on the train so we could celebrate his birthday and also attend the wedding of two very good friends of ours in Dorset. Richard driving skills were tested greatly whilst he was here, but I owe a huge debt of gratitude to him for all he did to help me during that time.
Thanks for reading, until next time,
Cheers
Rich