April 2021, Carole's birthday and first look at Quincey

 Jen came up for Carole's birthday, Carole, Jen and Becca managed a walk above Grasmere and the next day we had an Afternoon Tea at the Fizzy Tarte in Bowness, outside seating due to Covid, but the weather was kind.  Not sure what the name of the place says though.....

A great day on the fells.

Afternoon tea at the Fizzy Tarte.

A friend of ours, Dave Stainton, mentioned that a friend of his was struggling with his health and wanted to find a home for his dog, Quincey.  Jen was interested so we went to have a look, and then Jen came up to se him... and the rest is history as they say!

First meeting with Quincey.

We were off on a camper van trip to the Norfolk Broads later that week so we arranged to pick him up on our return and then keep him until Jen got her house purchase sorted in Sutton Coldfield.

The Norfolk Broads - we've never been before but its flat, watery, very very cold, and also unusual and pretty too.

The campsite in Wroxham was basic but in a prime spot, right on the waterfront.  Covid restrictions meant we had to be pretty self sufficient as far as facilities were concerned but restaurants were pretty much open for outside eating - pity it was so cold!

Cheeky heron joined us at a cafe

Skipper Carole

We went down to Framingham to visit Julia, a tennis friend of Carole's and on the way back stopped at Walberswick, took the ferry across to Southwold for some fabulous seafood.  The ferry across is a rowing boat ferry operated by a lady whose family have run it for many generations - shame I forgot to take a photo.

After week in the van we headed north and home but stopped at Ely for a night of quirky comfort in a 100 year old dutch barge that had been converted into a small hotel. A glass of wine waiting for us and a hot bath ( we needed that!) - fantastic.