We checked out of Hotel Cromwell Stevenage just before picking H from work. Then we were back again (!). Breakfast this time is at Lola Bistro. All of us had an excellent breakfast/brunch.
We went back to H's flat so that she can wash up and get her things for the next 6 days with us.
11.30am. We set off for Horsey Gap, where seal sightings happens at this time of the year.
The drive to Horsey Gap took 2 hours. We had to give the windpump a miss as the Natrust facility was undergoing renovation last minute.
A narrow gravel road led us to Horsey Gap. 1.30pm. Horsey Gap at last! It was 3.50gbp for 2 hours of parking. It was the grey seals pupping season. What a sight! The number of seals with their young stretched through the entire beach and beyond. On their count, there was already 3000+ pups that were calved that month!
I have always thought of sand dunes as boring but this particular coast is very beautiful, with its lush grass and soft sands. I particular like the feeling of soft sand, compacted just enough for a light feel on the feet.
2.30pm. We did not stay the entire 2 hours because of the early sunset at 3.30pm. We headed to Dunes Cafe Waxham Barn, a 400 year old food barn now converted to a cafe and events venue. We had a late teabreak of scones, tart and coffee (15 GBP)
I had to keep watch to avoid driving in the dark to Blakeney. We left at 3.20pm, siated and properly rested.
The 1 hour drive to Blakeney kept us on edge because the sun was already dark and the narrow B roads were pitch black. The speed limit alternated between 60mph to 30mph and oncoming traffic had their headlights on which blinded Pat. A lot of concentration was required which made it very tiring for us.
4.45pm. We reached The Pastures at last. There were no street lamps and we drove in complete darkness. We could not find the Brancaster or 2 The Pastures. Finally I found the unlit front door because of the lockbox. ' The Brancaster' ,labelled in small font on the door, was facing the main driveway at the upper end of the Blakeney hotel carpark.
The Brancaster is a beautiful house, with backyard and a porch for 1 car. It is one of the best holiday houses we have stayed. We have 2 rooms, 2 shower rooms. The house is fully heated, from doorway to toilet. For 150 GBP per night, it was a steal, even if this should be the lull season (booking.com)
After settling down in The Brancaster, we dropped by Spar to stock up on some food and detergent for washing. (19 GBP). Then in pitch darkness, H guided us back with her head lamp. We dropped off the grocery, hang out a while and went to to White Horse Blakeney for a seafood dinner.
There were only 5 tables occupied until a bunch of carolers came in. Food was served after 30 minutes. H and I had snapper on chowder and Pat ate turkey dinner.The damage came up to about 80 gbp. It was expensive and not very value for money. I was determined to cook the rest of the nights.
Finally back for good, it was laundry time and some catching up with my journal. Mostly, we were glad to be in a warm, bright place, compared to the howling wind from the sea and the pitch dark street and a quay with the sound of lapping waves that we could not locate in the dark.
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