Toad of Toft Hall

 We found this very large toad in a flower pot in our conservatory yesterday. Had fun photographing it before releasing it under some logs near the pond.

Bird-Watching Cruise on the Orwell

As there were very strong winds forecast on Friday, we weren't sure that the trip up the Orwell and into the Stour on the Thames Barge Thistle would run. A very skillful Skipper and Mate with the help of a small power boat to turn us, managed to get us out of Dock and onto the Orwell. We were unable to turn into the Stour or to get close to the banks so bird photography was a bit limited but here Herring gulls, Cormorant, Redshank, Blacktailed Godwits, Ringed Plover, Turnstone, Oyster Catcher, Widgeon, Bar-Tailed Godwit.

Afternoon of Rugby with Lots of Action

An enjoyable afternoon with warm sunshine and lots of action from both sides though Cambridge were rather overpowered by a Blackheath team playing very well. final score CRUFC 24 Blackheath 43. All the photos can be found on https://flic.kr/s/aHsmu5eEHc

Ipswich Welcomes Seventeen Dutch Sailing Ships

Beautiful sight of 17 saling ships, crewed by Dutch youth teams, anchored in Ipswich marina. They have been taking part in races for the last week but tonight was party night so the crews were dressed in fancy costumes and set off to 'hit' Ipswich. Fortunately we are staying a little way out of town!

 

Stowe Gardens - Touches of Autumn

There were just touches of autumn colours at Stowe, which I visited yesterday on the way back from Redditch. A real Indian summer day with temperatures up to 23 degrees.

Walton-on-the-Naze Concrete Rules

Walton, like many seaside towns, has large numbers of concrete structures - some quite elegant like the promenade and steps, some in need of repair including the pier supports! and some just weird like the upper storey of the Amusements building. I liked the economy of design for the Shelters - if you want it bigger, add a bay - bit like a stretch limousine.