CYHA News

Saturday morning dawned, the sun was shining and I was looking forward to meeting the group at Blaxhall, a short drive from my house. I had a guest for the weekend, Trudi who was skipping around the living room wanting to swim, cycle, walk and visit an art exhibition - by teatime. I was exhausted already.

 At the hostel we found a colourful array of lycra clad cyclists and a more chilled out group of walkers, in various floppy sunhats. Cressida had planned an excellent walk from the hostel taking in Snape Maltings, sculptures, waterside, an ancient thatched church, forest and heathland. We were glad of the shade of the trees towards the end. As the Hostel came in sight I suggested there was some kind of fete on in the village and there may be tea and cake, just along the road. Unfortunately Blaxhall is a very spread out village and the cakes were at the chuch, almost a mile away. A group of usually happy walkers began to mumble and moan. I felt quite guilty making everyone walk further after 9 miles in the heat.

 Arriving at the cake stall sent the church committee in a flap. Nine people counts as a crowd or even a riot in Blaxhall so they had a bit of a panic serving us all. The cake was delicious and tea so refreshing that most people had 2 or 3 cups. I think I was forgiven especially as it was only 60p an item.

 Trudi went off to see the art exhibition as I freshened up and drank another gallon of tea before joining the group at The Ship pub. A lovely evening in a traditional country pub, sharing tales with the cyclists.

 The following day it was my turn to lead a walk. Those of you who have known me a while realise this is quite rare. I am the slow plodder at the back who is absolutely useless at map reading so I was a bit nervous. I did know the walk really well as I do it regularly so it should be ok.

 Parked at my parents' house then set off through poppy fields, pausing for Marion to take some lovely photos. Passed Aldringham Church, some farms and lovely holiday homes. we arrived at Thorpeness Golf Club and the famous House in the Clouds (converted water tower). Time for tea and cake at the cafe, Carol was very excited at the range of gluten free, I think she could have bought the lot. We used up some calories striding to the shell sculpture on the beach, more photos and time for a rest.

 Trudi got her swim in the sea. Cressida, Andrew and Carol had a paddle but managed to get soaked up to the waist. John was disappointed he forgot his trunks. Time to move on again to look around Aldeburgh with its Moot Hall, boating pond, lifeboat and Martello Tower. The heat was really building up and it was time to head back, through the RSPB reserve, along an old railway line and through the woods, shade at last. Suddenly Cressida jumped in the air, not just for fun but she had found an adder. Andrew got a great photo of it before it slithered away into a garden.

 As the walk came to an end at my house everyone was hot and tired but again, it was a little further to get to the cakes and the cars. My parents had set out chairs and much needed shade for us to enjoy cool drinks and cake. A chilled-out end to a hot and sunny weekend. Trudi got her walk, swim and art gallery but admitted she was too tired to cycle. Worn out at last!

 Everyone made their way home and I came back to my little Suffolk house. I enjoyed sharing Suffolk with the group and happy that we got the cake in the end.

Thanks everyone. See you soon.

Sarah.                   

Biking in Suffolk

Thanks to Jim for finding some particularly fine routes for our cycling around Blaxhall. One of the highlights was taking our bikes on the smallest registered ferry in Europe (a rowing boat across the Butley River). The weather was beautiful, perfect for cycling along dappled rural lanes and relaxing outside quaint country pubs. There might even have been a tea room or two.

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Roaching in the Rain

Not to be put off by a rather dismal forecast, five of us turned up for the first half of the Roach Valley Way. We started from Canewdon with beautiful views from the hill top churchyard, but very shortly we were donning waterproofs which were to stay on for the rest of the day.

Sunday we were joined by another five souls and a bit more sunshine. Entertainment was to be had watching Mike struggle into his new waterproof trousers, but we sheltered from the worst of the showers in a Paglesham pub.

I don’t know about a “Roach Valley Way” badge – a medal for completion, perhaps?