15-17.08 - Days 213-215 - Chelmsford
Thursday 15th August - Chelmsford (Day 213)
Gwynneth and Graham kindly take Sienna and Seb to Jimmy’s farm in Ipswich for the day where the kids have a great time amongst the meerkats, polar bears, butterflies and Arctic foxes.
Meanwhile Kate and I take ourselves for a bike ride out to Hylands House and to Roxwell, back to Writtle for some scones, jam and cream at Tiptree Teahouse. Only just able to find a free table in between all the slightly more serious and slightly older cycling groups that had taken over the quaint spot.
Still full from that we take Euan and Ethan out for lunch at Queenies in town. Thankfully Kate and I share a meal, as the portions are huge. Euan, fresh from receiving his excellent AS level results this morning, sees off his burger, but Ethan is outdone by his chocolate freakshake (complete with doughnuts) and his bacon maple syrup pancakes.
Friday 16th August - Chelmsford (Day 214)
The treats keep coming for Sienna and Seb, Friday (Day 214) Pete and Sonia take them to Colchester Zoo, complete with a ride on the shuffling miniature train that meanders through the grounds. Kate and I were only slightly worried about Seb vomiting in Pete’s brand new electric car.
Kate and I take the opportunity for another bike ride, this time following the river out of Chelmsford as far as the path allows. Time spent at Kate’s mum and dad’s in the afternoon before two exhausted kids arrive home.
Saturday 17th August - Chelmsford (Day 215)
A quieter day today on Saturday (Day 215) I run the Parkrun solo whilst Euan saves his energy for a 10km run with inflatable obstacles later in the morning with Graham and Ethan, Gwynneth cheering and laughing from the sideline.
A visit to Grandma and Grandad’s in the morning and a trip to the allotment in the afternoon which seems to deliver a never ending supply of lettuce, beans, kale and carrots amongst others.
We have a grown up dinner of the siblings Kate, Gwynneth and Pete with myself, Graham and Sonia at the popular and bustling; not to mention tasty Fete in Chelmsford. A great way to finish my time in Essex.
