Our August weekend trip was to Darsham in Suffolk, staying in the old railway station. It was planned to have a mixture of cycling, walking and canoeing, but the weather had other ideas. The cold, dreary weather of July threatened to follow us into August.
The forecast for Saturday was less than promising. The canoe trip Jim had organized on the River Alde had to be cancelled because of the strong winds. And it’s no fun cycling with a constant stream of dirty cold water going down the back of your neck, so most of the cyclists donned walking boots instead, while. Jim and lily wisely went to the cinema.
Cress had planned a train trip to nearby Saxmundham for a poke around this charming Suffolk town before walking back to Darsham. Initially it wasn’t too wet, but the weather didn’t hold and before long we were seeking refuge in the town museum. With a pile of damp rucksacks left in reception we were free to explore the exhibitions and learn all about Saxmundham. The museum was opened in 2004 by local celebrity, Peter Purves, in an old bakery. It included lots of old photos of the town, paintings by local artists and the history of Strada cars. There was even a little cinema.
After we’d exhausted the delights of the museum it was time to go back out into the rain, but only for as long as it took to get to a very nice café for some restorative coffee and teacakes.
Eventually we had to start the walk back to the centre. The weather continued to be somewhat cool and showery, but it was a lovely route and we had the promise of a barbecue to get back for. At last the sun shone for us! Just as Jim lit the barbecues the rain stopped and the clouds cleared. A meaty feast followed (with veggie options) crowned by a fabulous banoffee pie and fruit salad.
The Sunday weather was rather nicer. The cyclists were back in the saddle and pedalling to the coast for Southwold fish and chips. Suncream was required, but there was plenty of evidence of high water levels caused by the excessive rain. At one point we had to re-route due to flooded roads, and the quayside at Southwold had several cars up to their wheel-rims in water.
Thanks go to everyone who made the weekend such a fun trip, although not so good for the waistline!
Ali
Skreens Bouldering
Mid July saw a group of us testing our bouldering skills at Skreens Park Activity Centre. With no head-spinning heights and some precautionary crash mats (although Doug did manage to miss), it was a chance to try a bit of climbing without having mountain rescue on speed dial.
The Spiderman award goes to Mike, who got the furthest without falling off, but, hey, you’re supposed to fall off, that’s the point! Clearly all too easy for Mike - before you know it he’ll be rappelling to his next pitch searching for a crack big enough for his offset nuts.
A Darsham Ditty
Hurrah! We cry for banoffee pie.
The queen of puds, it tastes so good.
An absolute winner to finish off dinner.
Do you do tiramisu too, Sue?