Lots of canal boats – had a chat with one chap who had been sailing up to Ware Hertford & Bishop’s Stortford. Seems a very restful sort of existence. Lots of wild flowers, buttercups, daisies etc – not very good on my flowers. Also birds in profusion, sparrows (said to be decreasing but seems plenty here), wrens (nice little birds), magpies (Reed had a rhyme but I can’t remember it ), Kestrel ( they seems to be everywhere having been rare), Pigeons and Canada Geese.

We got to Bishop’s Stortford at about 11.45 and had a coffee together with some rather fine rock buns that Rosemary had left out. Also a bit of fruit to get our 5 portions in. Just heard that you have to be wary about vitamins and minerals (proper food always did sound more enjoyable.

Set off again through a footpath going through the woods. John Oakley stopped to see if we wanted a lift ( it was a cunning ruse to avoid having to pay ).

We have lived around here 30 years now and its staggering to think that there are all these footpaths which we didn’t even know existed. Anyway followed the footpath to Birchanger and then onto Stansted. If you happen to be in Birchanger then try the fish at the 3 Willows.

The footpath from Stansted along the railway is very overgrown but lots of wildlife. Headed for Elsenham surgery for cup of tea and digestive.

Off again past the old vicarage (incredible what a size it is – how much money did they have? ) It’s tricky getting through the new golf course and the woods beyond – the footpaths don’t seem to correspond to the map. Eventually to Plegdon Green and then with some difficulty found the way to Broxted. Feet feeling rather sore – hope I don’t get blisters again!

Had shower and fresh clothes and then off to the Prince of Wales at Chapel End. Incredibly good curry if you are looking for one – highly recommended.

And so to bed as Samuel Pepys would have said – hope the planes don’t keep me awake.