Covered in gorse, yellow bush lupine and criss-crossed by creeks from the river Blyth. We heard interesting sounds from a kind of warbler and some hidden bird in the rushes - also a bush completely covered in hairy brown caterpillars with orange spots - apparently brown tail moths. Similar to oak processionary caterpillars in their capacity to cause irritation.
Woke up very early in the comfortable Airbnb bed with the light and the blackbirds singing their hearts out - I grumbled at them and dozed off till a more sensible wake-up time. We showered in the shower shack, a corrugated shed under the lodge - a refreshing experience in the cool, showery morning. The hosts them brought us the most delicious breakfast of avocado on toast with creamy scrambled eggs (presumably from their own hens) together with fresh tea and coffee.
We hung around a while taking advantage of the late check-out time hoping the showery weather would improve but in the end drove off through the sunny intervals and spitting episodes. Route was mainly down tiny single track roads through the mainly flat farm land.
Parked by Southwold Common and walked towards the harbour. This was very picturesque with the river Blyth flowing out to the sea, lined with boats and old wooden fishing shacks. We walked past the pub and the fish stall heading for the Sole Bay Fish Company. The inside restaurant was full but they had plenty of space at the outside tables with canvas covers in case of rain. Finally I got my overdue birthday oysters. We went the whole hog and had cod and chips also. We'd got there just in time - barely had we sat down than groups of people started turning up and there were queues and the table space dwindled.
Walked back to the main town via a path across the common and the promenade. Some fine beach chalets and a nice sandy beach. Mooched in the shops - they've started going to town with the red white and blue - bunting and flags everywhere . Dave spent a fair bit of time in the Adnams shop but oddly didn't buy anything. I also resisted the gins - a fine collection they have now. Stopped for scone/almond croissant and tea and a toilet stop before starting the journey home. Trouble-free drive with odd spells if rain again.
Ian