Sunday 9th August – bike **** – cuppa at Landguard – sunny.

Our plan was to head over to Bradfield again today to hopefully make the most of the good forecast ENE breeze so we had plenty of time in the morning so when Mag suggested we go to the old jetty at Landguard for a cuppa I jumped at the chance. We were a little late leaving home around 8 heading straight down to the prom which was busy with joggers, personally I think they should give it up as I have never seen so many pained faces and do something that brings a smile to your face, it’s much more fun on a bike! The caravans are still parked at The Manor car park:( along with a large campervan with a big generator, personally I can see no please parking up for the weekend in a busy car park, where is the pleasure in that? Through Landguard Nature reserve or as we call it ‘Bunny Heaven’ to sit on the old railway sleepers for our cuppa to watch the boat action, no ships but loads of yachts making the most of a good NE breeze:) Then back into a good headwind which boded well for a good windsurfing session later!

Sunday 9th August - Windsurf **** - River Stour at Bradfield – sunny and hot.

Exocet RF 91 AST with Slingshot Hover Glide 76 with Tushingham Lightning 8.5m.

Foil – 16.05 knot max, 14.95 knot ave., 8.41 knot hour, 11.54 knot mile, 36.95 km., 11.23 knot alpha.

After the nice short but sweet bike ride this morning, we had breakfast and while I did my exercises in the back-garden Mag prepared lunch and dinner for our afternoon in Essex as we were not really prepared for yesterday! A few were already at my local spot, The Dip but I thought it would be nice to head over to the Stour to get away from the crowds in Felixstowe and tide water here is not always the best. We left home just after midday day with the hope of doing an hour on the fin with wind around 20 knots in Felixstowe I was expecting loads more on the river as the wind usually funnels through increasing its strength! Sadly, after yesterday’s real bonus foil session when I was not expecting to get flying todays session was a bit of a let down as it was probably lighter than yesterday! Super keen Neil was there and itching to get out but the wind was very light, so we set up as yesterday and had lunch and watched the action. This is a wonderful spot to while away the hours even if the wind doesn’t play ball, the farmer who owns the field seemed to be hosting a family get together and it was lovely to see all the kids having a great time, swimming and on Stand up Paddle boards, there was even a small dinghy launching and a few canoes! Loads of windsurfers had turned up in hope of a sail and not just foilers, with Neil again the first to hit the water closely followed by me. Sadly, it was very light to start with and it must have taken three crossings of the river before there was enough to pump up and fly. Then we had a good spell of flying as I beat down the river with the hope of making it to Shotley. You had to rigorously pump to get flying which does take its toll on a poor old pensioner but that is the only way to fly. Once up you could keep it going for nice long runs but you did need a little more for really good upwind angles but good fun none the less:) Then just past Wrabness the wind dropped off and I had t slog back only flying in short bursts! Once back at the beach I had a couple of more runs across the river but it was hard work and I was absolutely knackered as I had been out well over three hours so time to call it a day. Mag had had a lovely time sitting under our big red garden parasol, reading, knitting and socialising and being entertained by the fun on the beach in front of the van, it was like a scene from ‘Swallows and Amazons’, she loved it:) Never has a cuppa been more welcome as I was gasping! We had cake time with Andy and Neil which was lovely just sitting in the sun before packing up. Mag heated up the enchiladas which were yummy as everyone left and we had it all to ourselves as the sun set. The wind could have been better but you just can’t beat a day out on the River Stour at Bradfield and we had the most amazing sunset as we drove back to Felixtowe – top weekend:)

PS -  surprisingly there was way more wind at Felixstowe so most who hit the water today had fun in the sun :) 

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