Brancaster beach

We left home by 6.30am and got to Norfolk just over three hours later, after stopping for coffees and to eat our breakfast. We always quickly unpack the car and then go directly to the beach for Xena to run around as she loves the beach. As we got out the car at the beach there was an unexpected icy wind, Xena promptly jumped back into the car, shivering with cold! The forecast was for about 11C which is not cold, but that sneaky wind meant it was quite different from that and we only lasted about 45 minutes before turning back to the warmth of the car. 

On our way to the beach we had spotted a Sainsbury delivery van parked up in the lay-by, so on our way back from the beach we stopped and asked if perhaps that delivery was for us - it was now 11.30am and we had a delivery ordered for between 12.00 -1.00pm. It was our order! We told the driver we were happy to take it off her now saving her having to wait, but she said she is paid by the hour so was quite happy to sit and wait :) Nevertheless we transferred the order from her van to our car (after showing her ID to prove it was our order) and drove back to the house. 

We had lunch at Thornham Deli, our favourite place, but today, totally out of character for me, I sent my cappuccino back as it was horrible. The waitress confessed they did not have the barista version of the coconut milk I had ordered so it was not at all frothy, so she made me another one with oat milk which was much better. 

Gavin worked all afternoon and then just before sunset we went out to get some more firewood for the fire. I find the house quite cold, it has one of the new air source heat pumps that our government want to make mandatory in the future, and the heat generated is just not as warm as that generated by gas or electricity. Or maybe it's just us but I can never get the house warm enough. The wood burner in the sitting room is very effective though so we use that to warm the entire downstairs. 

We planned to drive to the Cley marshes to see a possible sighting of the starling murmuration, but we got side tracked in Wells-next-the-sea where I took the extra photos - one of a pretty street, and another of the flocks of geese flying overhead as we walked along the sea defence out towards the beach. Just before sunset the skies are filled with geese flying to find a spot to roost for the night. I think these were Brent geese. Ah well, tomorrow is another day for the starlings.

I must now go make supper, tonight it is one of our favourite dishes, roasted (gluten free) gnocchi with peppers, vine tomatoes and shallots. Its easy and so delicious.