10-Jun to 16-Jun 2012

Sun 10-Jun: Here's everything that's best about North Norfolk on a warm sunny day... wide open and unspoilt coastlines. We walked a good way along this beach, sitting for a while imagining with the sound of the surf we were marooned on a desert island. Then wandered into Old Hunstanton and finished the afternoon off with soup and a roll at The Salad Bowl Cafe overlooking the sea at Hunstanton.

Mon 11-Jun: With rain all morning, a brief respite early afternoon when we walked around Hunstanton town centre, and more rain later, the only relief was a 1-1 draw by England around teatime in their opening Euro match against France, during which one of these cans was consumed... the nearest I'd get to a Scottish appearance in the competition. Managed an evening walk around the caravan site and, yes, you've guessed it... Hunstanton town centre.

Tue 12-Jun: Walked to Norfolk Lavender this morning as the day gradually grew sunnier and warmer. By the time we thought about lunch, having sat amongst the gardens and wandered around the various shops, the sun was out. Ate outside, very pleasant. While I ordered the meal a chaffinch hopped onto our table to see if there were any scraps and a dunnock skipped around on the floor. In the evening had a meal at The Waterside Bar, where somewhat amazingly they've had the same menu for at least four years! At least they do a good pork chop. Ambling back to the caravan, here's just one of the amazing sunsets so common over The Wash.

Wed 13-Jun: Another long walk today, from Brancaster Staithe, across the wide open salt marshes along Peddars Way. Here we are approaching Burnham Overy Staithe where we had lunch at The Hero, so named because Nelson was born and lived nearby. During the walk saw avocets, a little egret and two hares. Then walked to Burnham Market to view the posh shops. As usual spoilt with cars parked all over the place. When on holiday I often yearn to have one of the stone and flint cottages overlooking the salt marshes. I imagine having one not in the Summer, but in Winter... wrapped up warm in front of a log fire while looking out at storms rushing off the North Sea and wind howling round the cottage walls.

Thu 14-Jun: Here's one of the few places inland along the North Norfolk coast where, when my premium bonds come up with the £1m win, I'd love to buy a holiday haunt. The Buttlands, in Wells next the Sea, is a peaceful tree lined square surrounded by Georgian houses. My favourite abode is one of the houses in the red bricked building near the centre of this picture.

Fri 15-Jun: All week it had been forecasting rain and grey skies, but again this morning there was blue sky and sunshine so off we set to Norfolk Lavender the other way round, along the sea front to Heacham. Across The Wash we could see rain clouds skudding. Here we are sheltering on the beach... the wind was blowing strongly, rain suddenly pouring down and sun shining too as we hid behind our £1 brolly getting soaked from the knees down. Soon on our way again and dry.

Sat 16-Jun: Back home safely, and in the afternoon went to the allotment to catch up. The canterbury bells had all burst into flower down one side of the front allotment path, in the flower patch in front of the shed and around the pond. Huge, beautiful flowers. Hope they stay out long enough to be admired by the judges for the best allotment competition.