Saturday 29th June 2024

With the orchid season doing its pausing thing between the main and late seasons, what to do with the day?

Well, there's always Tesco. And some hunting and gathering.

And despite not having thing to really get up for, my stupid brain had me awake at half five again.

So, let's do it.

After coffee we drove to Tesco, filled the car and went round spending a large amount of money for what was really just a week's supply. Inflation may have come down, but prices are so very high. We're lucky we can cope, I have no idea how people with families are coping.

Back home then for fruit and a second coffee, before having decided that as the Marsh Helleborines were starting to flower at Sandwich Bay, we should go there.

And then to Sandwich for some stinky cheese.

And then to Ramsgate to photograph the glass in Pugin's church.

A plan, then.

We parked at Sandwich Bay, got permission to walk past the ringing nets, and onto the fenced area of dune slacks beyond, where the orchids were.

I know I said we were between seasons, but there's aways one or two to see.

Across the meadow and into the reserve, along the track where dragonflies and butterflies were already busy, but not settling much. A few Marbled Whites were about, and one was basking, so I crept up, pressed the shutter and got only one shot before the noise scared it off.

Off then into the slacks, and the colony of Marsh Helleborines is clearly spreading, and looks like, to me, that it has doubled in the decade we have been coming here.

The spikes themselves are about a week from being fully open, but looking glorious. We walk along the path, trying very hard not to step on a spike.

Also in view dozens of Southern Marsh, though most going to seed now, though a few worth a shot or two, and Ragged Robin, a plant that loves damp and boggy conditions.

I go to the far site of the enclosure, and stunned to find another 12 or so spikes of Marsh Helleborine, the first time I have seen them here, and as these were next to a track, easy to get shots.

Back then to the observatory, and after buying and consuming an ice cream, we drove into Sandwich as we wanted some cheese.

Not all cheeses are created equal. There are cheeses and there are cheeses, and here in east Kent, there is really only one place to gut the proper French unpasteurised cattle and goats cheeses, and that's NO Name Shop in either Deal or Sandwich. The original and biggest of the two is in Sandwich, on the corner of No Name Street.

We spent thirty quid on cheese, fresh crusty bread and fancy sausage rolls. Where should we eat them?

We realised the car parking ticket was about to run out, so went back to the car, then drove to Ramsgate to eat on the grassed area above the cliffs before going to Pugin's church, now the Catholic Shrine to St Augustine.

Their website said it would be open from half twelve, but in the church a service was underway, people preying and someone ringing a tiny bell. We waited for twenty minutes or more, with no sign of the service ending, elsewhere in the complex, a Christening was taking place, with people in the very best clothes.

We left, walked back to the car, and then drove back to Sandwich and home, getting back at two, with time for a late lunch of cheese, crusty bread and wine, which is as wonderful as it sounds.

Then, at five the football restarted: this time its knockout, the so called round of 16. Any mistakes and you're out.

Italy lost to Switzerland 2-0, and were terrible as the Swiss were good, then later, Germany beat Denmark, also 2-0, thanks to some very generous VAR decisions.

I drank wine and snacked on tortilla chips, while Scully snored beside me, happy to have company.