Saturday 25th May (Day 1)
So we were undecided whether to go away or not. The decision was, eventulaly , 'go'. So by about 10.00am we were off to collect Billina2 at Braintree. A 40 minute drive to collect the motorhome. Well what a journey. Over an hour stationary on the A12. (It would appear some wally was on the carriageway / threatening to jump / being a 'nuisance'.) Eventually we collected Billina2 and were off the 25 miles to The Crow's Nest, Sewards End, just outside Saffron Walden which was a West Essex District Association rally, part of the Camping and Caravan Club. By the time we arrived it was lunch time, well nearly 2.00pm. The rest of the afternoon was spent doing what we have rarely done ...... nothing. Just lazing in the sun and, for both of us, getting a bit too red. The evening cooled down quite quickly so dinner was had inside the motorhome, followed by a chat and a bit of TV.
Sunday 26th May (Day 2)
We woke to grey skies and the 'promise' of rain later in the afternoon so a slow start, not unusual to be fair for the Cumbers' household. After a cooked breakfast we were off for the 2+ mile stroll into Saffron Walden. The town's name derives from when this area cultivated the Saffron flower over a 400 year period which ended late in the18th century. This crop was used as a dye, flavouring and medicine. Cultivation of these flowers was superseded by the malting and brewing industries which contributed to the town's main prosperity. The walk into town was really nice along footpaths by the road but removed from it and within an arch / tunnel of trees and shrubs. Arriving in the town centre we were quite hot as the sun had burnt the clouds away. Saffron Walden has some lovely old timbered building and a nice 'feel' about it. A coffee was first on our list of things to do and sitting outside the coffee shop watching the world go by in the sun was very pleasant. We then opted to visit the local church, St Mary the Virgin. It was founded in 1250 and now can boast as being the largest in Essex - 183 feet long and 193 high. It also has 12 bells and so is one of the largest 'rings' in Essex with a 300 year history for its bell ringers. The tomb of the Lord Chancellor Audley is in this church. He was instrumental in dispatching Henry VIII's wife Anne Boleyn. (The day after Henry married Jane Seymour.) From here we walked to the Bridge End Gardens which were lovely in themselves. There was a maze in the gardens but we were unsuccessful getting to the centre and merely ended up exiting by another 'entry' point. By now we were getting tired and decided to return home. We had selected an alternative route back, slightly longer, and so off we trudged. On the way we passed a turf maze - the oldest in Europe as it is over 800 years old. We just passed by leaving it for another visit. Part way back the rain (predicted for around around 3.00pm) started. It was more mizzle and so quite refreshing. A walk across the fields with the rain getting a tad heavier resulted in our arrival back around 2.30pm and, while not really wet, my jeans were soaked halfway up my calves due to the wet grass. A nice warming cup of tea followed and while drinking it the heavens opened so we were quite fortunate, I suppose. The rest of the afternoon and evening was another real relax. Sit, read, watch tv and have a curry. Despite this lazy life, and perhaps because of it, we were in bed early for us around 10.00pm.
Monday 27th May (Day 3)
Another grey start to the day. We now know that when the light on our electric panel is showing two red bars we have very little or no water. It virtually ran out on Chris while showering and gave us a couple of centimetres to wash up breakfast things. We said our goodbyes to those around us and, before we left the site itself, we filled with water as we intend to go away on Wednesday. We took back roads to Billina2's home via the M11 services for gas (they had ran out). Parked up and swapped clothes etc and home by 12.30pm
