I’m bracing to say goodbye to irreplaceable sights and sounds. It’s a wistful feeling.
For just over two years we’ve been living semi-rurally, at a stone’s throw from the River Chelmer. 24 months when I’ve walked up and down its banks, exploring its 11-mile length down to Heybridge, where it blends into the Blackwater estuary.
I can see its boats down at Sandford Mill Lock from the bedroom window. The river’s mists can cover that view some mornings. I have watched the waterway and its surrounds change through the seasons. Observed its wildlife, noted its bridges and locks, found the best nearby pubs. Walking and walking, alone or with companions, I’ve used it as an antidote to darker moods. It’s my territory, mapped and claimed mentally. Conquered by foot.
In a month or so, we’ll be moving to Clacton, on the northeast Essex coast. A more urban setting, whose treats and mysteries are yet to unveil themselves.
It will take time to process the changes. The pictures below hopefully give a sense of the unique and striking beauty that will disappear from our lives.
The Biscuit Factory 
Biscuits, that looks like a beautiful spot. I understand your reticence about leaving. For what it’s worth as a boy I used to holiday in Clacton. The walk along the front from Clapton to Jaywick was an integral part of many a childhood memory. It pleases me immensely to know it will be familiar to someone else who appreciate a good stretch of the legs. Travel well mate. I know that early 1980s Steve for the deaf remembers that route fondly
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Good to know Steve. I’ll be walking and biking along that front with some regularity, be sure. Backing away from the coast, there’s plenty of new green territory to explore. I’ve had a good thing here though, and it warranted a tribute.
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It’s been a pleasure…apart from the waterworks ‘scent’! We will make number 60 our home in no time. And explore pastures new together.
❤️
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That we will xxxx
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