SUNDERLAND POINT

WE DINED AT SAMBO'S.

WALKERS ;- Paddy, Vic, James, John B, John W,
                       Danny, Martin, Mike, Dave.

With Anthony away in Assisi we met at Mike's and set off in two cars (+Vic ?) and it didn't seem very long before we were parked up opposite the enigmatic pub "The Globe" right at the end of the Overton Rd.

With a surprisingly strong wind blowing we all buttoned up well before setting off.

The reader may recall that last week we talked about the "MAY" blossom and "Casting Ne'er a Clout" The hawthorn hereabouts was still  in bloom but was PINK ! It certainly looked fresh …...and gay.

We followed the road for sometime before we arrived at a stile that would lead us across the fields and eventually to the shoreline.

Once over the stile the footpath is shown on the map as  going straight across the field to the next stile but the field was full of a crop. What crop it was was rather a puzzle. We thought possibly Barley but were not sure as two different seed heads appeared to be present.

The whiskers would indicate barley but what about the other.   Immature barley ??

The field was sparsely dotted with the whiskered barley heads.

As we progressed through the field it began to rain. Waterproofs had to be donned. Not always easy for some.

"How does this go on ?"

"Don't think this is quite right !"

Clothing all under control we set off again through the fields to the shore line.

Passing as we did a large wood yard...….

At last (later than usual) we arrived at our intended coffee spot. A large bush sheltered us from the still fierce wind.

Rear view  (not good)

That's better. ( or is it ? )

Coffee ( and some food ) consumed we set of along the marshy shoreline.

Walking along sea shores is never dull. there is always something to see. The wildlife is always fascinating but it is not always the wild LIFE that catches our attention.

Dead artistic !

Dead gruesome !

We were now heading for the lonely, windswept spot that was "Sambo's Grave". We were in for quite a surprise.

This gate was not here last time we came.

Neither was that bird watching hide and just look at that delightful rustic design of a gate.

...and what is that beyond the cows ?

"That" turned out to be a work of art in a form similar to a Prehistoric Burial Chamber which we assumed was to mark "Sambo's" grave.

The structure was quite beautiful. Particularly the interior roofing (forgot to photo).

You may just make out a window in the near side of the structure.   This gave a magnified view of the seascape and the horizon.

As we continued our walk, to the now enclosed site of Sambo's grave, the strong wind removed John's hat and deposited it dangerously close to a slimy, green cowpat.

As John reluctantly contemplated climbing over the sturdy, new barbed wire fence. The cavalry in the form of John B and Danny came "Charging" to the rescue and the hat was retrieved. THANK YOU both !

John B in the "hat" field with the locals.

The hat "rescuers" return.

"Sambo's Grave" previously in a discreet, lonely spot now had it's own rather grand enclosure. As this was sheltered from the still rumbustious wind we decided   ( with respect ) to have our lunch here.

As in all good comedy routines bananas seem to be ever present when Meanderthals dine.

Sambo's grave itself is always touchingly decorated with mementos left by both children and adults.

One particular stone caught the readers attention it was decorated with one of the "Stations of the Cross"....." Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus"

Lunch over we shouldered our rucksacks and prepared to walk on to the point itself. As we stood up however a lashing rain blew in our faces and the distant point was obliterated. The Point itself is very exposed and we thought that it might be wise to leave that part of the walk 'till another day. ( we had visited it several times over the years ) So we turned back.

Not too far though only to the new gate into this small "complex". From here we turned down the narrow lane which led us to Sunderland itself.

The lane led us through the fields, past several old buildings 'till it emerged on the edge of the estuary.

Estuarine Art ?

As we walked along the quayside we noticed that all the houses had flood barriers built in front of their doors. Some tides must be exceedingly high. 

Just at the edge of the Sunderland settlement there is a public toilet. In time honoured fashion these "facilities" were used by the Meanderthals. Inside, much to Martin's eager amusement, was a notice informing users that this toilet was "Twinned" with one in an African country - photo of other toilet supplied !

The final part of our walk would take us along the muddy road which is tide flooded twice daily.

The road through the marshes had an isolated, desolate feel to it. Looking back one wondered what life was like being cut off from the rest of the country twice a day.

Looking back to Sunderland.

All along the road there was evidence of the daily work of the tides with frequent deep gulleys in the mud.

As we left the marshes we noticed that the spelling mistake on the road sign had not been corrected. Maybe it has become a "Tourist" attraction !!!

Once back at the cars our day ended with John W's Birthday cake (thanks to Val his wife) washed down with Martin's ever present and every welcome Shandy.

Thanks to all

THE END