Making doggie friends in Essex

After visiting Wat Tyler Country Park in Essex last month and having a ball, we were desperate to return. Nelli had an amazing time being able to run around off her lead. There isn't really anywhere near to where we live that she can really run about off her lead so we don't mind driving for a while to give her a good run. Wat Tyler is in Basildon, which is so near to our friend Reece's. Last time we visited we called Reece to see if he was free and unfortunately he wasn't. But we swore we would come back again soon. 

A few weeks later we arranged to meet Reece at Wat Tyler one frosty Sunday morning. However, the road to Wat Tyler had been closed. Luckily Reece's local knowledge led us to another Country Park area. 

It wasn't as big as Wat Tyler and there was less to do but it was a large open space, lots of hills and lots of friendly doggies. Nelli has been a bit nervous towards dogs when on the lead recently so we were keen to socialise her. She didn't waste any time getting to know Reece's two beautiful dogs.  

She was really friendly to all of the different dogs she met. She also met another greyhound and she had a great time chasing it around. She wouldn't even come back to Rob when he called her! Nelli's favourite dog was a lovely little Spaniel puppy that she just would not leave alone. Her favoruite dogs are certainly the smaller ones. 

The best thing about the Country Park was how friendly all the people were. I wish we lived nearer. It was amazing to see Nelli enjoying herself again.

After our walk we dropped the dogs back at Reece's so they could sleep. Rob, Reece and I headed out for a carvery dinner. Although I ate far too much, it really hit the spot. We headed home with tired feet and full bellies. 

Wat Tyler

Vicki and I spent some time pondering over text about where we would next meet. We considered the beach but recently it has been terribly cold. Vicki also said she wouldnt mind coming up to Stevenage. However, there isnt really anywhere amazing to walk round here. Then I remembered Wat Tyler. 

Rob and I visited Wat Tyler Country Park just outside Basildon several years ago with our friend Reece. I knew it would be a great place to walk our doggies. Nelli has been a bit nervous around other dogs recently so were keen for her to socialise with Ted the border collier pup. We couldn't believe how much energy Ted had. Nelli was really patient with him. 

Not long after arriving we discovered a little field area that was mostly enclosed. It meant that we could finally let Nelli off her lead! She hadn't been off the lead since our holiday walks in Somerset. It is amazing to see her run and Ted chase after her. We spent ages in there until Nell was tired and Ted... well Ted was still full of energy.

Wat Tyler is huge. We walked around for around an hour and half. We came across kids playgrounds, wildlife areas, a marina and random cottages and houses. There is so much to see. We also came across a geocache, which was fun. 

After our walk and selfie session we put the dogs back into the car for them to get some much needed rest whilst we popped to the cafe for something to warm us up. The cafe was really reasonably priced, warm and the staff were friendly. I had chicken soup as I was feeling a little under the weather. The others had ham, cheese and onion toasties. We also had tea and cake. Rob and I both had lemon meringue pie - which was pretty good, but the tea was better.

We left soon after with tired legs, full bellies and smiles on our face. It was a really lovely day. We will definitely be returning again soon and definitely in the summer for a picnic.  

Returning to the Kent coast

Canterbury, and more specifically the coast running from Tankerton to Whitstable is my happy place. Whilst we were studying at university we took many trips to Tankerton and Whitstable. We would sit on the beach, play frisbee and listen to the waves - absolute bliss! I haven't been able to find another place makes me feel so relaxed so quickly. I don't tend to think twice when I get an invitation to get back to the Kent Coast so when Vicki mentioned meeting her at the beach we packed up Rob's car and headed back to our little place of calm.

We wrapped up warm as it was so windy on the beach front. Nelli certainly needed her lined coat. 

We had originally planned to meet Vicki, James and Ted but only Vicki was available in the end as James had to work and little Teddy the Border Collie puppy was sick. 

After a walk next to the beach huts and then along the beach, we headed to Tankerton High Street. As it was a Sunday it was very quiet. We used to do a lot of charity shop shopping along the high street. It was a shamed that they were closed. We noticed that there were a few new shops that looked lovely including a wine shop. There were also a few new cafes that we will definitely try on our return. However, we knew exactly what we fancied for lunch to warm us  up - proper English Seaside fish and chips! 

We headed to Ossie's Fish Bar - which is at the top end of the High Street. They have a restuarant and a takeaway. The resturant was very busy so we knew that the chips would be good. We sat outside with Nelli. I had sausage in batter, chips and curry sauce. Rob had Cod. It was all amazing! The food was lovely and fresh and it was some of the best fish and chips we had for a while. Nelli certainly approved. 

After our chips Vicki had to head back to look after her sick puppy. We gave her a big hug and then we took a short drive to Whitsable. Whitstable is another beautiful little High Street. There were lots of lovely independent cafes but as we were with Nelli we couldn't go in. In the end we opted for Costa coffee - they do the best decaf Americanos!

Before we left we popped into Sugar Boy Sweet Shop. We used to live round the corner to one in Canterbury. Rob chose Black Jacks and I chose strawberry Bon Bons. The Bon Bons were scale but the Black Jacks were good. 

We jumped back in the car and headed home after not too long as our girl was so sleepy. She certainly got comfy in the back of the car. 

Monday's Daily Depiction: 1st December

Monday's Daily Depiction 

A snapshot from the previous week displaying a moment of happiness: often quite ordinary, normal and everyday, but always special.

Where: Our House 

When: Saturday Night 

What: Pre-drinking before our yearly trip to Chicagos  

Who: Emma, Emily, Clare and Carys. We were also joined by Tom and Tom for predrinks. The girls went on to partyyyy at chicagos whilst the boys stayed in and played poker. 

Why (was it noteworthy): Rob and I really enjoy hosting. It was lovely to get our friends together and see everyone smiling and having a good time. 

Canterbury Countryside

We don't get to see Vicki all that often but when we do it's always wonderful. A couple of weekends ago we spent a lazy Sunday visiting Vicki and her boyfriend James on the outskirts of the countryside of Canterbury. 

Canterbury has a very special place in our hearts but we haven't spent much time in the countryside. Vicki proposed a dog/horse walk and it couldn't have been more perfect. 

First of all we introduced Nell to a horse. I am not sure if she met many horses in her racing days but she showed some interest... For about 15 seconds before being completely unbothered! First we introduced her to a smaller horse. This one was Percy. He is a little Shetland and a little babe!

We were then joined by Vicki's horse Evie and headed out on our walk. The countryside was very relaxing. The weather was also lovely. Fresh but not too cold. 

After walking for a bit we stopped for lunch at a pub. We all had sandwiches with chips and onion rings. Evie even got her own portion of chips. Nelli was very well behaved, although she was very alert and didn't really settle. Part or that was to do with the fact that Evie was sometimes a bit restless and almost walked into Nell whilst we were eating our sandwiches! 

After Evie decided to wee and poo right next to us, we thought it was best we left. When we got back to the farm we gave Nell a big cuddle for being so good. And of course we took a family selfie!

We headed home after a quick tea stop at Vicki's. Nell slept for almost the entire journey home. She normally sleeps for about 20 hours a day so she was exhausted.

We had such a lovely day with Vicki and James. They have just got a puppy! We can't wait to go back to see them and little Ted. We both felt so relaxed inthe countryside and are now planning a little getaway.