I think that spring is now officially my most favourite time of year.
Summer is nice for the bright and warming sun, while autumn is a rhapsody of ever-changing colour. Winter nights in front of a crackling log fire make the biting cold worthwhile.
But as winter gallops into the distance, and spring appears over the horizon, the natural world lets it be known that it is finally coming out of its long hibernation.
The glorious weather let us get out and discover all sorts of places this weekend. Yesterday saw us explore the countryside near Woodbridge, which, upon reflection, seems to be involved in our Suffolk-based activities more than we thought.
Revisiting a previously-attempted geocache in which we couldn’t find the remaining coordinates to the treasure, the rolling landscape and sunny skies proved an enjoyable combination. While we trekked across the lush meadows by the glimmering streams, it was hard not to be seduced by the seemingly never-ending swathes of green, occasionally broken up by the brightest yellow of neighbouring rapeseed crop fields.
We found the treasure this time around, although only really after we’d diverted our route to stop and keep a solitary horse (with an almost 1980s-style crimped mane) company. Our other reward was savouring the peace and quiet. It really was idyllic: really away from the hustle and bustle of city – or even town – life.
Walking back to the car we passed what could have been numerous scenes from The Archers, with endless farms littering the twisty, leaf-lined lanes. The sun painted the landscape in glorious colours, and I’m sure it used all of the brightest shades from its palette.
Arriving home, we headed off to the park to hunt out more treasure in a location which we had walked past many times. The Woolpack, a local and pretty roadside pub then lured us for a drink, and, as we sat relaxed and happy contemplating the day’s events under the setting sun, we enjoyed our first outside tipple of the summer.
Today was just as much fun.
An early start meant that mum and Bart could call in for breakfast on their way back from the overnight Netherlands ferry to Harwich, and it was really nice to see them. I’d enjoyed numerous long weekends last year at their cottage in the country before they moved back to the town, so returning the favour at my place was truly enjoyable.
Deciding to head for a part of the Suffolk Heritage Coast for the rest of the day, we chose to explore the path near Leiston and Sizewell. That was not before I’d started the herb seeds off on their merry way to become home grown meal accompaniments, though. To complement the salad vegetables at the new house, four herb varieties had been chosen to grow on my sunny and very warm study windowsill at the flat.
Opting for a peat pot propagator, the sacks of expanding peat were watered and the seeds dropped into them. Once established and shooting, the seedlings can then be picked and easily planted on, into proper pots. I’ve not grown anything before, so it’s exciting to think that in a few short weeks, I could have a herb crop of my very own.
Post herb-planting, Orford was out first choice of destination. The Ness was of course closed, but it was still enjoyable to walk around the town in the sun. The smokehouse was a worthy visit, the fish lying outside on what appeared to be large griddle pans, their silver skins slowly turning a burnt copper as the smoke slowly enveloped them.
The King’s Head pub was definitely the right spot for lunch. The Montgomery Cheddar and tomato sandwich was very tasty, and the homemade chips still had slivers of potato skin on them and were equally good. As was the thick Stokes Sauces tomato ketchup, made in the Suffolk countryside near Woodbridge.
It was a good day for taking pictures, too.
The walk around Leiston and Sizewell took in sandy coasts, grassy dunes, gorse-covered heaths, and tree-lined fields. The home of Sizewell A and Sizewell B nuclear power stations, away from the whirring generators, it really is one of the most scenic parts of the Suffolk countryside. Sizewell Hall’s balustrades lie undisturbed among the ivy-covered walls, while the heaths atop the coastal cliffs are home to all sorts of flora, fauna, and birds. Farmland heath and scrub fields even saw sheep greet us, too.
The bright yellow gorse bushes seem to characterise the Suffolk heath and scrublands, and looked perfect today set against the bright blue and cloudless afternoon sky.
Just as the day before, the circular walk took in disparate farms, one of which was harbouring a secret. Stopping for more horse chat, I peered through the open-ended barn, and spotted yet more motoring treasure.
Like the Anglia we found last weekend, this was a potential classic. A Mk 1 Golf sat shorn of its front grille, bumper, and headlights, and left me wondering if it was a GTI in need of restoration, or a standard model, which would still be worth saving. Fear of a disgruntled owner put me off exploring further, but it did look like it could have been on the road to a better life.
The brighter weather has brought out all manner of old cars over the last few weeks. An old MG Roadster sat in the car park when we got back, and of course, was happy to oblige for a photo shoot, the slowly fading sun reflecting nicely off its paintwork.
I hope the weather continues like this for a little while; I’m enjoying nurturing nature.
