It’s mainly about sea lavender

Each year I find myself heading towards the North Norfolk village of Stiffkey – you’ve got it the one with the dodgy vicar/rector,  The Revd Harold Davidson (defrocked in 1932).

That’s another story. Stiffkey marshes are said to have acres of sea lavender. People will tell you, “there’s lots of it!”

Of course there is – so we all arrive and take a few general shots of the lavender and then begin to think “what shall we do next?” One or two of our number became quite inventive and tripods appeared, but it seemed to me that many were pointing at the sunset or searching for some distinctive object in what is quite a featureless landscape.

There are, of course decisions to be made about where the best views of the lavender are.

Last time I came this way I thought the drone might give a wonderful overall view. That proved quite a waste of time because once the drone rises more than a few feet the gentle purple colour merges in to the bracken. (someone will tell me its not bracken – but that’s life). This year the whole area is very dry, pools have dried up and the sea lavender looks a dull uninspiring mauve.

One of our number pointed out some holes in the sand, which he said were being used by a beewolf. I won’t go in to details, because you can look them up for yourself, but this unpleasant creature makes its next in the holes, seeks out a prey, stings, rather than kills it and then stuffs it down the hole to be food for the hatched eggs.

Nevertheless sea lavender spotting is a good evening out – far away from the city – in an area that is not too taxing. Eventually I made off for my supper and one or two other pilgrims confessed to having a thirst. I am sure I don’t have to explain to you about “pilgrim comforts” on a warm summer night.

Have a cool weekend.