A postponement

The wind had been blowing most of the night but by morning, it had abated somewhat. Our decision last night was to wait until about lunchtime and then if a 'go', set off southwards and then westwards, to anchor in the Roach estuary. However, after breakfast, we went to chat to the marina staff and were advised that it didn't make too much sense to travel westwards in order to anchor for the night, it would be better to start off earlier and make it down to the Medway in one hop. We therefore decided to stay put for the day and to take up their other suggestion, namely to take a circular walk from the village, out to St Peter's Chapel and then back to the marina along the sea wall that protects the adjoining farmland from the encroaching sea - 7 miles in total.

Thames Barge

A Lot of Sky - the Sea Wall, Bradwell on Sea

After lunch and a short wait to catch up with the latest from Ambridge we were off by 2:30. It was a breezy ( F6) afternoon but the wind was warm, so walking was a pleasure. We did catch a few drops of rain as the clouds scudded by, but in general, it was a bright sunny afternoon. Blackberries abounded and we sampled dozens as we walked out to St Peter's Chapel. The chapel dates back to round about 660 A.D. and was founded by St Cedd upon the invitation of King Sigbert of the East Saxons (Essex), who wanted his subjects brought to Christianity. The original wooden building, erected in 653, was soon replaced by the stone chapel that exists today, though I assume that it has been modified and extended over the centuries. Certainly the roof is not 1400 years old! Here is my picture :-

St Peter's Chapel, Bradwell on Sea

but there are a few more here, including a picture of a super cross depicting Christ and St Cedd - it was too dark for my camera and I didn't want to use the flash.

http://www.bradwellchapel.org/spviews.htm

Having left the chapel, we then started the walk along the sea wall. I do love this part of the world, there is so much sky. Out on the Blackwater, a Thames Barge sailed past, they truly are a fabulous sight.

The walk continued in this vein, we all enjoyed ourselves thoroughly and we got back to the boat for a cup of tea and a piece of Ben's lemon drizzle cake to round off the afternoon.