Batemans & Another Lazy Day - 16th Oct ‘20

The Brunnehilda morning drill is well established by now- lots of nothing followed by a bloody big cheese and mushroom omelette! I did manage to squeeze a shower in this morning though so that’s good eh?

Up and at em slightly earlier today. We had a 1.30 to 2pm booking at Batemans. A Natural Trust property about 20 miles inland.

It reminded me a little of Canons Ashby. A bit younger (1634) but that same peaceful tranquil family home that, unlike so many grander houses, remains pretty much as it was when it was built 400 years ago. Unfortunately only the ground floor (and only 4 or 5 rooms at that) were open to the public.

It was the home of Rudyard Kipling for the last 30 years of his life and proved an interesting look round. The formal gardens were nice for a stroll around too.

I read up on Mr Kipling after our visit and, like so many of these historical figures he had some less than desirable views. In Rudyards case he was very anti Irish and some what racist in his views. With a lovely Irish daughter in law I’m a bit more sensitive to this nonsense now.

We headed home via Rye. We decided not to stop but just get on home to Brunnehilda. When back at Norman’s Bay I had a brief walk on the beach just outside our campsite. The tide was completely out and that totally changed the look and feel of the place. What was all pebbles on Wednesday was now a vast expanse of sand. Weirdest thing was, there were a number of anglers all set up and waiting for the tide to come back in. I reckon it would be at least a couple of hours to wait just sitting there in the cold and growing darkness - nothing as strange as folk eh?

Another quiet evening which was differentiated from the others by the fact Kim slaughtered me at backgammon. Something that hopefully was a one off and won’t be repeated.