WWE – Travels with Ali

~ Enjoying Essex – Hullbridge and Fambridge ~

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.

Linked to:

Jo’s Monday Walk
Water, Water, Everywhere

~ The Changing Seasons – Springing into September 2022 ~

September in this part of the world heralds the beginning of Spring and the hopes of warmer weather. Although there wasn’t much sun about in the first week of September, torrential rain as I recall. I’ve had a pretty busy month with days out at vineyards and aquariums, a concert, the cinema and of course Bridge.

I visited AQWA, a storied aquarium featuring a walk-through underwater tunnel & interactive touch pool, with my daughter and the munchkins for a lovely morning. So much excitement running from one tank to another. I remember taking Elena and Laurence when we first arrived in Australia at ages 9 and 12.

Lunch in the cafe after and then of course a visit to the shop!

The same weekend I bought tickets for Anthony and myself for a “Stevie Wonder” tribute band. I had the best evening singing and dancing away with half of the audience. We both got an absolute soaking walking back to the car after.

Superstition

We had a family day out at a winery one Sunday. Oakover on the Lake is a great one for kids as there is a playground and a small “beach” at the edge of the lake. I noticed one pedal boat on the lake and people queueing for it! Anyway Lachie and Rose were very patient waiting their turn and everyone was mindful not to take too long for their go.

Rosie turned two in September and we had a small celebration for her. What an amazing wonderful little girl she is. Having suffered through her first year with severe silent reflux and being tube fed, she is now thriving and the cheekiest cutest girl in the world.

I had an afternoon cinema date with friends and dinner after, always a treat. We saw Ticket to Paradise with Julia Roberts and George Clooney. A feel good fluffball of a movie, set in Bali. We all enjoyed it, how can you not with those two in it.

Delicious dishes from a Thai restaurant

Evening walks with Anthony and the two boys along the river, watching a glorious sunset.

And so to Bridge! I played with a new lady this month and we partnered in a competition which ran for two Tuesdays. We were both surprised to come fourth out of 24, so feeling quite pleased with myself. She then invited me to play at her golf club, Bridge that is, not golf! This was a treat indeed, as the club has the best views and is very exclusive! I had a marvellous afternoon chatting with all these fit and active 70 and 80 year old women, so inspiring.

Views over the city and ocean, a perfect way to spend an afternoon, especially with a chilled white wine at the end!

Posted as part of Ju-Lyn of Touring my Backyard challenge of The Changing Seasons.

For Jez with Water, Water, Everywhere

Sunset Heritage Precinct, Dalkeith, Western Australia

The Sunset Heritage Precinct is situated just a five minute drive away from where I live. The buildings and area surrounding this precinct have stood empty and derelict for many years. First opened as a Men’s Hospital in 1906, it finally closed its doors in 1995. Even now the old buildings are still closed off with wire fences. However the grounds have now been beautifully restored. The location is just perfect, sitting above the Swan River and surrounded by enormous mansions. I took a walk there the other day to see how it was progressing.

**At the start of my walk heading into the precinct**

From the above photos you can see how derelict and delapidated the buildings are and all closed off with barbed wire fences.

This whole area has been a bone of contention between the residents and the council for many years. Whether to knock it down or save it. I’m not sure why it is taking so long to finish, if they don’t start soon the buildings will just demolish themselves!

However the grounds are beautiful and it’s a lovely place to take a picnic or just have a wander.

A couple of the photos that have been produced to decorate the wire fences. I’m not sure if the photo on the right is of a wedding or a funeral!

As it was such a glorious day I headed off down to the beach, there is another staircase on the beach back up to the carpark.

Walking down to the beach I spotted this sign!

The beach edges the river and looks gloriously clear, although I wouldn’t take my chances on a swim here. The jelly fish are everywhere small, large and huge.

I didn’t fancy my chances of climbing over any rocks with this sign warning me off.

The stairs leading back up to the carpark, with the sun beating down. Actually it wasn’t that hot, a perfect 21 degrees.

At the top of these stairs there are two enormous mansions. I remember when they were being built many years ago.

**The Sultan of Johore’s marble clad house**

I hope you’ve enjoyed this historical walk with me and a sneaky peak at some of the mansions that overlook the Swan River.

I’ve linked this to Jo’s Monday Walk, Jez’s Water Water everywhere and Hammad’s Weekend Sky!

~ Anyone for happy hour at Sunset ~

There’s nearly always a fabulous sunset at Cottelsoe Beach and so we treated ourselves to happy hour at one of the pubs along the seafront.

On Good Friday we were kindly invited to a friend’s place for dinner. The house overlooks the Swan River and the evening was just perfect, balmy with fabulous views and a full moon too. A wonderful way to start the Easter weekend.

Posted for Six Word Saturday Water Water Everywhere and Weekend Sky

Have a Choc filled Easter everyone!

~ Enjoying Essex – Canvey Island Esplanade ~

The last time I visited Canvey Island was around 40 years ago, and then that was only at night to a nightclub or disco as it was called then, The Goldmine! It was a regular haunt for many years, such fun nights were had.

I have recently downloaded an app called Go Jauntly, which gives you different walks in whatever location you are in.

The walk I am taking you along in this post is along the Esplanade on Canvey Island to take a look at the murals on the sea wall. The Esplanade is lined with benches and each one is dedicated to a loved one with an engraved plaque. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did and maybe you will have a favourite.

The three murals below depict the changes on Canvey Island over the decades. The sun was out therefore so was my shadow!

The murals are all about the things in life for whom the mural was painted for.

**A beautiful carefree life shown in the above mural.**

My favourite

All of these murals are so intricately drawn and beautifully painted, and have stood the test of time. Unlike many murals I have seen there is no graffiti anywhere to be seen.

My favourite is the ship with the elegant dancers in the foreground, did you have one?

It was a lovely sunny day and I also took the opportunity to snap some photos of the views from the Esplanade. They are interesting more than picturesque! Mud flats and rocks as far as the eye can see with an oil tanker in the far distance.

Multi coloured rowing boats

Click to enlarge above photos

Canvey Island

It is separated from the mainland of south Essex by a network of creeks. Lying only just above sea level, it is prone to flooding at exceptional tides and has been inhabited since the Roman conquest of Britain. A flood in 1953 from the North Sea devastated the island, killing 58 islanders and leading to the temporary evacuation of the 13,000 residents. It is now protected by modern sea defences comprising 2 miles (3.2 km) of concrete sea walls. Between 1911 and 1951 it was a popular seaside resort.

As much as it is residential here there are large oil tanks on the island and it is noted for the relationship with the petrochemical industry. Source – Wikipedia

As is our habit on these outings we always end up at a pub, and today was no exception! My dear husband stopped a lady walking her dog and asked her for a recommendation. She suggested The Lobster Smack.

Such a wonderfully old pub to end our walk with lunch, a pint and a cold white wine.

It is said that there has been a pub on this site since the 1580’s and was believed to have been a model for Dickens’ Sluice Farm in Great Expectations. I found a very interesting history of this pub in this link – The Lobster Smack.