Whimsical Kitten

Ben asked me what I wanted to do for my birthday, I said something quiet, perhaps a walk and then a meal and a cold pint of beer in a dog friendly pub. So after a bit of Internet homework, we set off for a walk with the dog, binoculars and camera, destination Fingringhoe Wick Nature Reserve. A word of warning for anyone planning on sampling the designated dog walk, the visitor centre where you are required to get a permit was staffed by a patronising and officious individual who made us feel very unwelcome for having a dog in tow. Having paid a compulsory ‘donation’ we were then guided out and away from the nature reserve towards a rutted tractor path alongside some farmland populated by bird scarers going off at frequent intervals and scaring the wildlife away. At the bottom of this track you turn around and walk up the road back toward the visitor centre, frequently stepping onto the verge as cars leaving the reserve drive past.

Undeterred we went on to the nearby Whalebone Pub as advertised on the website ‘Dog Friendly Britain’. However it looked very much like it was under new management, we both looked at the immaculate cream decor, the lack of dogs and dog facilities and the well-heeled clientele and decided that it no longer welcomed muddy dogs and their equally muddy owners.

So we stopped off at Tesco, picked up some provisions needed to prepare a Sunday roast and some cold beer, and ended the day in front of a roaring fire at home instead - champion!