An introduction to the Greater Thames Estuary.

On our short stay with Angela and Dennis in Essex they were kind enough to show us the diversity of the Greater Thames Estuary which is on their doorstep. First stop was Thameside Nature Discovery Park which sits on reclaimed land on the mudflats, it offers sanctuary for wild life plus excellent views  over them towards the large container port and its ship to shore cranes. 

Next stop was Coalhouse Fort  built during the 19th century to guard the estuary.

Then it was further inland to Tilbery and its docks and its fort, an excellent way to spend an afternoon. 

Image courtesy of Wikipedia 

P.S.

You know I love a coincidence...we met fiends of Angela & Dennis in the carpark  at Coalhouse Fort who in discussion mentioned they had friends near Darvel in Ayrshre, where we had been staying with other friends on the 6th .

Mon banc dominical / My Sunday Bench (s) in 'Westly heights' Essex

A walk in the woods...in Essex.

When stopping off for a break on our journey home to France with Dennis and Angela at Horndon on the hill in Essex we managed to fit in a good walk up to nearby 'Westly heights' and around the 'Dunton Plotlands'.

View towards London.

P.S.

You know I love a coincidence, we celebrated New Year in Ayr with a friend who was married in the church in Horndon on the hill.

You know I love a coincidence...

Stopping off at friends Angela & Dennis' in Exeter on route back home to France. Sitting down to dinner last night I noticed my placemat was the same Parisian scene I posted on my Paris blog that day!

Monday walk and a last look at Ayr and Arran.

Yesterday we were joined by our very dear friend Bert for our last walk with Eileen to take in the views of a snow covered Isle of Arran and to show him some of the area that was new to him. 

We are heading south today for the start of our journey home to France. We have had a great trip but with. as ever. mixed emotions. We shared great times with friends and family with Rose and Michael's wedding an obvious highlight along with the joy that is Ada. Eileen's generosity as a hostess has made the trip so much easier and we will miss Arrol Gardens here in Ayr. The 'sisters' have been at their best and their  joint laughter will be missed. 

A last look along the Ayrshire coastline.

2nd day 2nd walk...around Dumfries House.

We spent yesterday walking around the beautiful gardens of Dumfries House just outside Cumnock here in Ayrshire.

First walk and next year's xmas card!

Yesterday Pauline and  did our first walk of 2023, a brisk 7 miles along the coast and back along the old railway line via  Alloway and Belleisle Park. In Alloway I stopped to take the above pic, of Pauline from across the street. An American tourist,who was on the Rabbie Burns trail asked if I wanted her to take one of us both.She was amused when I said I did not actually know the woman but took it anyway (below) - that's next years Christmas card sorted then!

 

Here is our walk in pictures...

Happy New Year !

At this time of year I like to trot out my wee poem:

Have a good new year,one and all Spend its every moment living We only get this one small chance One shot is all we're given. Don't look back at the might-have-beens Don't look too far ahead Live each day as if it's your last You cannot when you're dead!