A fabulous morning for a walk. Wasn't really expecting any sun but it was out most of the morning.
We didn't get up at 5am to watch the morris dancers dance in May Day morning. Lie-in after a restless night on the too bouncy bed. Grace didn't get a great night's sleep either because of the noisy boiler in her room. Leisurely breakfast of toast and tea. Followed by a walk I cobbled together with the Ordnance Survey map. 4 miles-ish, it went up on to the West Hill past the castle and across to the East Hill for a stretch, through wooded tracks before coming out into the open and doubling back close to the cliffs.
Spring flowers were in profusion everywhere - bluebells, wild garlic, stitchwort, dandelions, red campion and gorse. The way back was characterised by lovely views of the sea and a steep descent and ascent before reaching the open sweep of land just above the old town. Great views over the pretty coloured houses and the fishermans huts and boats.
Grabbed some seafood from a shack and watched a little morris dancing before wandering up the old town high street in search of tea. Found the Land of Green Ginger where we enjoyed cheese and tomato sandwiches, Bakewell tarts and enormous strong pots of tea in their garden, trying not to get landed on my hairy caterpillars.
Grace went back and we queued to get into the church for the concert with the Copper Family - traditional singing family from Rottingdean, who have been singing the same songs handed down for 8 generations.
Back at the flat, found Grace napping and rested for a short while. Left Grace and Dave there while I went to the session at the Prince Albert. Busy enough when I got there, and I just managed to find a seat. It got progressively busier and louder but was a fun session.
Home for toast and too many nibbles.
3 good things
1. Unexpected sunshine.
2. Legs though grumbling coped well with the walk and felt stronger for it.
3. The Copper Family - a true national treasure, singing the same songs that were being sung by their great great etc parents in the late 1700s.
Hastings giant
https://365project.org/boxplayer/extras/2022-05-01
Copper Family
https://365project.org/boxplayer/365/2022-04-30
1 May 2022
Hastings, East Sussex
Ian