After our spate of house sitting and then spending Christmas with the family we were eager to get back in the van so, on the 28th December we set off to a little CL site called 'The gatehouse' in Peldon, near Mersea island. The gatehouse has electric hook up, water, waste facilities and toilets if needed. The price was reasonable at £18 per night inclusive. It was quiet and there was only one other van on site which left on our 2nd day, (something we said?) Andy sent the drone up to get an aerial view of the area.
The next morning we got the bikes out and sat 'D' in the trailer and headed off to Mersea island, 25 minutes and mostly flat said Google. Not true! It was ok on the way to The Strood but once on the island it was mostly up hill. Andy was towing 'D' in the trailer and by the time we got to The Coast inn he was ready for a pint of Yo Boy.
After that we took a slow walk along the front and marvelled at the number of sea food cafes, (mainly sheds) that were all along the coast road. Apparently the best place for crab is The Company Shed but it was closed when we got there so we carried on until we found 'The Fox' a nicely refurbished pub and restaurant where we both had a pint of Old Bob!
Soon it was time to get back across The Strood and home to camp 'mcwillie' as we were aware that the tide was rising and it was getting dark. As we crossed over the sun was just setting into the river blackwater and Copt hall saltings in the distance.