A Smacking Pace

I think it was airedaleknitter who said, "Thank Goodness for dogs that need walking." Our dog walk was a bit of light relief from sorting through papers for my sister and me.

This beautiful restored oyster smack Pioneer, built in Essex in 1864, is running with the wind and the incoming tide up the River Crouch at Burnham. A wet well was fitted to her in 1889. This made it possible for her to work further afield as she could keep her catch alive. Pioneer is thought to be the last remaining example of a UK sailing vessel with a wet well.

My sister and I were very taken by the clouds of sheep's parsley on the riverbanks. It seems to be particularly prolific this season.