Hullbridge
A change of place for me this time in the UK, staying Hullbridge, Essex with my nephew who very kindly agreed to host me. My childhood home is now on the market as my dad passed away earlier this year and my mum is in a care home.
There is a country lane behind my nephew’s house which leads down to the River Crouch, a walk I took a few times.
As I walked past the first house I came upon this cute display opposite. Not technically their property but apparently if no-one contests this after nine years they can claim it, good to know but not sure if I would want the hassle!
The lane is surrounded by fields on either side and is used for horse riders, so I made sure to step aside when I heard the canter of hooves.
I came upon this black cat every time I walked down this lane, he seemed to be lying in wait for me and stretched himself out for a stroke.
I thought I might see a few cows in the fields but imagine my surprise when I came across alpacas!
It’s not a long walk, around 25 minutes to the river, but the flies, bees and wasps are a nuisance so I was happy to get to the end of the lane.
River Crouch
The owner might be waiting a while to sail this boat.
I met an old friend for dinner one night at a pub called The Anchor, situated on the edge of the River Crouch. Small pods had been erected during covid and made very cosy dining options.
Pods at The Anchor, Hullbridge
I did enjoy the late summer evenings in England, something we don’t have here in Perth. Daylight saving was introduced a few years ago but after a referendum was cancelled. Some of the reasons given, too much sun fades the curtains, the cows didn’t like it and people would rather wake up earlier and not stay up late. Different strokes for different folks!
Fambridge
There are two areas of Fambridge, North and South, divided by the River Crouch. We had dinner one evening at The Ferryboat Inn.
The Ferry Boat Inn dates back to 1591 and its timbers are steeped in history. The inn has seen many a colourful landlord with tales of treachery and horse snatching. There used to be a ferry boat operating between North and South Fambridge.
One thing England does well and that is a country pub. Even better if the pub is not part of a chain and has its own menu with locally sourced produce. Too many pubs have become part of a chain and have the same generic menu.
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