West Mersea

Early morning dog walk before breakfast.  Made coffee for thermoses and packed a picnic lunch for humans and hound.  We set off at 9.30 hoping for a smooth journey.

Overall the journey was just a bit slow in parts but no horrid bank holiday queues.  We arrived with plenty of car parking spaces.  Lunched before locating the open studio we'd come to see. 

The first stop was Jane Hunter's printmaking studio.  Fabulous house, from the outside, garden, studio and artwork.  Jane Hunter recommended we drop in to see 91 year old Elizabeth Morris's prints.  This amazing little woman with bright eyes and terrific prints inspired by Mersea and her cottage in Ireland.  Inspiring!

The hound was pretty good as the sun was hot.  I did seek shade for his comfort.  Apart from jumping up with delighted excitement at anyone who gave him eye contact and nearly stealing a little girl's ice cream behaviour wasn't too bad.  

The sun was out all day after a cloudy departure from home.  There was a refreshing northeasterly breeze.  Crowds were picking up as we left.  I think we were lucky as visitors were after the beach so our open studio visits were peaceful.

It was an interesting day.  Hopefully the first of more visits.

Hound slept on the whole journey.  He had a big dinner and a large bone-shaped biscuit.  We should all sleep well tonight. 

Pleasant evening everyone.