Think Essex. Think Seaside.
You probably aren't thinking of a view like this . . .
Today Cliff and I drove down the Stour Valley along the Suffolk/Essex border and then South through Colchester and beyond to a causeway over The Strood to Mersea Island. On the way we stopped to collect Su (of Living on the Edge blog) who was joining us for our day out on the coast.
From East Mersea looking across the Colne Estuary you can see the coloured beach huts of Brightlingsea and yachts silently drifting by.
Then flocks of Wigeon took off from the marshes and gave us an aerobatic display accompanied by their high pitched fluting call and the low vibrating sounds of hundreds of wings (the RSPB has a lovely video here). It was an unexpected natural spectacle.
We then drove to the other side of the island to the village of West Mersea. After lunch at The Victory inn overlooking the Blackwater Estuary, we wandered down the lanes of the original fishing hamlet, the tiny cottages dating back to the 16th century.
After rummaging around an antiques and vintage emporium we were ready for tea and cake at the cosy Art Cafe before heading home.
A lovely day out on the frayed edge of Essex where the land and water mingle and time seems to stand still.
Celia
xx
It was a lovely day out and I can't believe that I've never visited there before! I definitely want to go back in the summer and walk around the island. The wigeon display was fantastic.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, and not that far. We ought to check it out, sigh so much to see...
ReplyDeleteBrightlingsea - evocative name.
ReplyDeleteWe have a little row of brightly painted beach huts further along the coast.
How lovely. This is still somewhere I have not visited but it is on my list. Happy new year Celia!
ReplyDeleteCelia, your photographs have intrigued me. I would like to see this frayed edge of Essex myself.
ReplyDeletePerhaps something that might take plsce in the New Year.
xo
Look out for the Art trail, usually held in September. You have the added bonus of seeing the artists studios too.
ReplyDeleteIt's many years since I was there.Thank you, Celia, that was a little treat. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year
ReplyDeleteLove Mersey Island. Lunch at the very famous Company Shed and a dog walk along the beach is one of our favourite outings. The East of the island is magical too. Happy New Year Celia.
ReplyDeleteThat all looked rather lovely, I must try to get OH to drive east for a change.
ReplyDeleteSuch gorgeous, fresh pictures! That looks like a really lovely place to take a new years walk!
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ReplyDeleteLovely pictures and city!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and about as different from here as you could get!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures!!
ReplyDelete