9 th June Deal, Kent

After a slow start Kathleen and I walked from her home to Deal along the waterfront. The sky is grey and the breeze cool but there are lots of people walking dogs and strolling. Everything is a buzz. Her immediate village is very quaint and there are some lovely little fishermen’s cottages that we pass. Apparently the council are continually replacing stones etc because the sea is eating away at the shoreline and the homes could disappear in fifty years without this vigilance.

This wild flower garden on the shore was so picturesque. We passed a kite event where all sorts of shapes are being put into the air. Lots of kids are trying their hands at flying kites. The stiff breeze is filling the larger kites and getting them airborne. We were amused by the flapping of the legs of the large panda. He seemed to be running on his toes.

We wandered into the market but as we slept in, the market is a bit empty, as is the fish monger! We took my Brit Rail Pass to be stamped at the station and it was closed so we had to go back later. One woman was very annoyed that the station was closed for this short time. When we returned an hour later the guy was very helpful but I was unable to book in the same carriage as Lyn and Bruce for our trip to Carlisle on the 16 th June. He did say I could sit in their carriage if there were spare seats; ( it did seem weird that I could do that but I couldn’t book a seat in the carriage!).

Before we made our purchases at the market we came across the Deal Ukulele group putting on a concert. I am curious about why Ukuleles have become so fashionable. There are several groups at home. This group played and sang very well.

We wandered around town and it is quite interesting. The beach is all pebbles here and quite steep. I tried some shoes but they were a bit tight. After a coffee and cake we set off home and stopped at the last pub for a drink before taking the path by the campsite up to Kathleen’s home. Her place borders a camping ground and there seemed to be a whole group of tents exactly the same style with the same green and yellow flags which roused our curiosity. We wondered if it was a wedding group or a convention of some sort.

Finally at four o’clock the sun comes out and the sea looks beautiful. We take some wine and cheese and sit on the terrace and enjoy the sun until we are driven inside by the cool air. It is much cooler than the continent.

Author: fleetfootkath

I am a keen walker and traveller. I love to explore and learn about new people, places and cultures with a sense of joy and gratitude for this fortunate life. I believe walking is a wonderful way to really connect with the present and the beauty of the world that surrounds us. It makes me happy. View all posts by fleetfootkath