CatherineB, MarionK

We arrived at Sandringham parkrun with plenty of time to spare and were impressed by the willow corgis and crown themed additions to the mini golf.   We followed others and ended up at the stable block toilets where we chatted to a man doii g his first parkrun before making our way to the start.  It was a beautiful, two lap course which started on grass but was mostly on trail paths and which passed through some beautiful woodland.

I walked and had a chat with Tom and his son Daniel, visiting from New Zealand.  They asked to take a picture with me at the end so they must gave enjoyed it.  Marion, despite having forgotten her sports bra, managed some running and finished way ahead of me. At the same time as we were running,  Nat, Al and several million others were trying to buy oasis tickets and over 6000 people were taking part in the 1000th parkrun at Bushy Park, the place where parkrun began..

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_VSRsZNkKg/?igsh=MmFubXRpenBtcjFl

After a coffee we headed to the ticket booth where we found out that our RHS membership allowed us free entry to the house and garden.  Marion proclaimed that this was very pleasing and we used the same remark as a commentary throughout the day.

We explored the formal garden in front of the house first.  Clipped yew hedges, roses, mazes, terraced lawn,  hundreds of newly planted trees, brick pier building, overflowing planters.  Our next chat of the day with 'grandad'   who was waiting for his wife to complete her house tour whilst daughter and grandson explored the maze.  Marion tried to lose her glasses at the centre of the maze but someone called after us and returned them.

As we turned the corner to the courtyard at the other side of the house we spotted the lady  who had been tailwalking at parkrun, seated and sketching on one of the many, painted mostly blue,  benches in the garden.  We spoke about urban sketching and she showed us her book from a recent trip to Provence.

Next we went inside.  Our pointing and my floaty dress triggered the perimeter alarms several times.  Highlights for me were the Wentworth wooden jigsaw, sine sketches, the book collection and the Japanese 'football' screen. I was  less enthused by  large collections of jade and guns.  There was also a 'sustainable fashion' exhibition

https://sandringhamestate.co.uk/events/vin-omi-from-royal-gardens-to-fashions-future/

Next up, transport. Cars, a child catcher, a bicycle and fire station.  The child catcher was actually for hanging birds during shoots.  We spoke to a friendly and knowledgeable man who we named Mr Shooting brakes. 

Then it was the rest of the garden.  The highlight had to be the lake.  We briefly wondered if we'd be locked in the tower for jumping in. We sat on the steps for a while, marvelling at the different colours of nature and enjoying the sound of cascading water.  We spoke to a man sat in a tiled observation room who we named picnic Pete.  The King has planted lots of trees.  We spoke to a group of girls visiting from Essex and a Chinese lady, we dubbed marriage wrecker on account of a story she shared about her sisters bouquet.  We chose to leave without having visited the church as we wanted to swim.

We stopped at Holkham. It was a long walk across, mostly compacted sand,  to the water  and very windy.  The waves were crested with white. We deposited our gear in a dip and headed into the sea. Invigorating. 

We stopped next for battered fish, chips and black garlic mayo. In a box and delicious.  Then it was a visited with Iris for tea. Even though it was later than planned and Marion was sandy, I hope she was pleased.

Then another early to bed, with tea.