Thursday 8th May (day 1)
Not looking good for the next few days but we are hardy so by 12.30pm we were loaded and off to Lavenham. A good run, with the exception of on part of a road which was two way. We came around a bend to see an artic lorry coming toards us. We slowed and he locked his wheels and slid about and we missed …… just. Onward to the Six Bells in Preston St Mary. Filled up with water, levelled the motorhome and then a quick pint. Then we ordered a cab to take us into Lavenham where we had booked Afternoon / High Tea at the Swan Hotel. This was a gift to Chris when she retired from school last July. The cab arrived early and we had to quickly change and then off. The Swan is a really old 15th century hostel. The staff could not have been nicer and the tea was really good. While it didn’t look much it was very filling. Two hours later we had finished and chatted and then time for a cab back. All this time the weather changed from rain to really raining. A brief rest in the motorhome to recover a bit from the tea and then we had a nice real ale in the Six Bells ph. We were two of only five on the bar, including the publican. Not only good beer but a good chat also. Then back for a wine and bed.
Friday 9th May (day 2)
After a good nights sleep, with no rain, we had breakfast and then moved off to the next site where we were meeting with Resa and Eric. A short 21 mile journey to set upon the edge of a golf course just a couple of miles outside of Ipswich. What a great site.While out of the way of wayward golf balls we had great views over the course and countryside and were over a quarter of a mile from the car park / club house. We had a quick lunch and then Resa and Eric arrived. Soon after we set off on our bikes for Ipswich. We have been to Ipswich several times – for rugby matches – but never into the town itself. We rode around the marina and along the river path before following a cycle route back towards the golf course. We stopped when almost back at the motorhome at The Swan for a pint which after thirteen miles felt well earned. Ipswich is a very cycle friendly place. Back to the motorhome for tea was next on the agenda followed by a good chat, a drink and a game. Before we knew it the hour was 11.30pmso we said goodnights and went to bed.
Saturday 10th May (day 3)
Hmmmmm. Did it rain during the night. So much that the desire to rise any time early was a definite ‘no’. Eventually, a bit after nine we showered, dressed and had a good breakfast. The weather was, by now, drizzle and then sunshine alternating every ten to twenty minutes. The decison was made that it could go on like that all day (or not) and that as we had waterproofs etc that a cycle ride back into Ipswich was to be undertaken. The god of rain allowed us to ride in the dry and we arrived at a place called Christchurch Mansions. We parked up (in the sunshine) and found the Mansion to be free admission. Nearly two hours were spent walking around this amazing building looking at paintings, furniture, toys and even the building itself which was a marvel to see. Paintings; from local artists through the centuries but also by Matisse and prints by Picasso (very grotesque and lewd). Furntiture; through the ages from lacquered chests to wood chests (16th c) to washing ‘machines’ and mangles (late 19th c). Toys; lead soldiers, boxed games – one where you start off enrolling as a scout and, if you win, become a King Scout – dolls houses, even an automaton of a french soldier ‘eating’ a Russian soldier. The building had carved wooden panels, painted ‘story’ panels, and much more. Eventually we saw all we wanted to and coffee was calling so, after an aborted attempt to see the church next door (it was locked), we cycled into the shopping area and had scones and coffee / tea. A further walk about, including seeing the statue commemorating ‘Giles’ the cartoonist, a typical rotund lady with hat and umbrella, then a cycle back ‘home’ as Resa and Eric were off to see Jethro Tull this evening in Ipswich, leaving us to our own devices. They had to change and then we were both going to eat beforehand at a local pub (The Swan from yesterday). Having got back we just got in the MH when the heavens opened and the rain was torrential with driving wind also. A lucky escape for us. Again we were lucky as we had another heavy rainfall a few minutes before we were to walk the 1.5 miles to the pub for food. As we left the sun came out.We had a pleasant walk along the lane and then a nice meal. By 6.45pm Resa and Eric were in a taxi off to see Jrehro Tull. We walked back to the MH and settled down to a sneaky drink and to watch the Eurovision. This being on the basis that if Eric has to suffer so should we. The show was the usual mix of good, bad and damn right ugly songs (what were the French thinking). The Uk were 17th, better than for a long time with a song that was in the top five with the bookies. Eventually the bearded drag queen, with a good voice, won for Austria. The highlight was not the singing but the boos when Russia scored from its neighbours. Resa and Eric returned earlier than we expected and recounted a really great evenings entertainment. Very shortly we all retired for the night.
Sunday 11th May (day 4)
We woke to drizzle, which seems to be a theme for the weekend, well it was generally more than drizzle. We were both going to move on to Mersea, however, as Resa and Eric are off to Ireland on Wednesday they decided to return home to get sorted rather than come with us. After breakfast we moved to the Victory Pub on Mersea Island (strap line for the pub is ‘A great place to sink a few’). We arrived and there was a motorhome where we should have gone but we were invited to park in their main car park until space appeared to the rear of the pub. We had a chat and a pint and then decided on a walk along the beach. This was undertaken with a strong cool wind behind us. After about an hour we started our return and then realised how strong and chilling the wind was when it was in our faces. As a result we decided not to walk along the beach but took some back roads and looked and discussed the different houses and bungalows we went passed. Back at the van, now two hours and six or so miles on, we had tea and a rest of the legs. The wind was getting stronger and the MH was rocking from side to side and the threat of rain was in the air. We had a farewell pint in the pub and by the time we returned to the MH the wind had dropped so sleep came easily.
Monday 12th May (day 5)
Another good night (and no rain). After breakfast we went for a walk, fairly short, just a couple of miles along the front and around a few streets. Then, after a coffee, we moved off. We stopped fairly quickly as we could not get the rear camera to work, which we use to check everything is ok with the towball bike rack. The journey avoided all the main roads and was much nicer for it. Another near altercation with an HGV occurred, but we missed each other. A brief shopping stop at Maldon and then off to our final nights stop, Battlesbridge Antique Centre Showground. We were not alone on this site as two others were there with a third to join us later on. A cycle ride was on the cards and we had a nice country lane ride, a ten mile circuit with a brief tea stop at Hanningfield Reservoir. A brief doze in the MH before we srolled up to the the Hawk pub for a meal. On way there was some thunder and lightening, giving us pause for thought that, perhaps, we should have brought the umbrella. A good meal and then, yes we needed the umbrella, for the walkback. As we got nearer the MH the rain got heavier and, for the first time since leaving last Thursdsay we got quite wet. However, considering the five day weather forecast before we left home last week, that was definitely a result.
Tuesday 13th May (day 6)
Well today it was like being at work, well nearly. We were up and had breakfast and ready to roll by 8.30am. We left the site and made our way to Rayleigh where we left the MH to be serviced and MOT’d. We walked to Rayleigh and perused the shops, had coffee and scones and sat for a while and read while the work was done. We even visited a windmill that we did not know Rayleigh had and a sensory garden. By 1.30pm we were on way to put the MH in store until our next trip in about twelve days. A good few days away.
Cumbers Travels 