Horsey

What a fabulous day we've had!
We went off to Horsey first thing. Nice and early at my insistence to ensure a space in the carpark. There was much eye rolling from Miss L as we pulled into the empty car park! 
And had the choice of spaces for perfect easy parking for Marshall I told her!!
We had a quick walk up to the waterpump and then down the staithe  (old English for Landing Place) for our trip with Ross's Wildlife Trips on the beautiful MV Lady Ann. We loved it so much last year and I was so excited for my mum and dad to experience it.
We saw a pair of Common Cranes (which aren't common at all!!! Only 40 pairs in the UK!) Marsh Harriers, dragonflies, swans, and - from a distance - Spoonbills in the trees.  Beautiful traditional sailing boats - the big modern cruisers can't get under the bridge at Potter Heigham  into Horsey Mere so it's quiet and unspoilt and beautiful!
Phillip the captain was as brilliant as he was last year, so knowledgeable and enthusiastic, His love for his home shines through. He's a local through and through. Although he was at pains to let us know he has been to other places: I have travelled. I'm not Kaleb he said!!!!
Gorgeous sunshine, sparkly water, the sound of the reeds rustling and warblers warbling. It was a wonderful hour!
The icing on the cake was the swallows nest on the wheelhouse. Last year the chicks had fledged a few days before our trip so we saw the empty nest. This year they're late fledging and all four were still there. So ready to go!! See extras. They were right by my seat.
We saw the parents feeding them while we were at the staithe before we set off then the chicks go cruising, then they come back and Mum and Dad get a rest for an hour! Absolutely amazing!
When we got back we had tea and ice cream at the National Trust cafe hut and then went for a look inside the windpump. It was all closed last year so it was great to get in. Incredibly steep steps up to the top and loads of interesting photos and information. 
They were having a bit of a pingdemic nightmare and here were only a couple of volunteers left so once we'd looked around they had to close the cafe and waterpump. As if they haven't had enough to contend with!
Phillip had mentioned that there was an Open Garden next to the church in Horsey so we walked the mile or so along the road and had a lovely time eating amazingly delicious cake and looking with envy at the beautiful house and garden. Pretty much my dream house!
My dad bought the most amazing carrot and walnut cake, Miss E bought a big pile of books.
We went next door to have a look round the church and it was one of the most beautiful churches I've ever been in. The ancient smell hit you as soon as you went in. Thatched roof, crumbling plaster walls, beautiful stained glass. Loved it!!
Then it was time to go back to camp for a scrummy barbeque - burgers with all the trimmings and hot dogs with Mr K's sensational onions!! 
And my dad's never-ending camembert and carrot cake. 
Then it was an early night!