Big Storm

 Saturday, September 26

We've been without power for much of the last three days. Gale force wind and driving rain has caused havoc in the garden too. Pears are littered around the tree and our very heavy patio table, umbrella and granite base were tipped over onto their side, barely missing the sun lounge window. Rai has had a tree down in the back garden, taking a cable down with it.

Peter next door brought us some candles on Thursday night. We were OK with torches - neither of us could remember where our Christmas candles have been stashed, nor the camping gas two burner portable. We were well prepared in the seventies when we moved in. Power cuts were regular. We had a coal stove, twin burner giant gas rings, a Gaz lantern and a gas heater.  We even had a long handled toasting fork so that toast could be made over the fire. Now? Oil fired central heating, everything electric. It did get very cold on Thursday night, we retired to bed at an earlier hour than I have  for years.

To-day, the power went off before 9 a.m and did not return until after 1 p.m. I switched on the TV in time to see Rashford's brilliant solo goal against Brighton, away. We won, undeservedly, by 3-2, saved by woodwork and a stupid handball by Maupay as the whistle blew for full time. Penalty. Rodroguez does not miss. Given time, 90+10 !!

Taking note of the weather forecast, although we'd visited Snettisham on Monday, we went again on Thursday as it was the last good day before the storm. Not a high tide, the birds were distant and did not fly in to the pits.We were there over an hour before its zenith, so had a chance to see the swirling flocks of Knot being moved along the shore by the incoming tide.

 

 

Pam also managed to see one of the Little Stints feeding on the near mud. She no longer has a telescope so her viewing is limited.

Socially distanced - segregated anyway - Redshank

 Our last visit to Holme was pre lockdown. The road has not improved. Neither did we see any birds of note.

Brancaster Staithe was full of cars, we stayed long enough to take a photo of a Curlew which appeared around the front of a boat until, startled at seeing us, it flew off. 

 

Maize in the roadside field overlooking Holkham Marsh is now too tall for us to see anything. Approaching the area, skein after skein of Pinkfooted Geese flew inland to feed, their call is a winter delight. The first flock flew over our home last Saturday.