Well it looks like we're in for a bit of an Indian summer after being cheated for the last few months. Out and about this month to catch the warmth we've enjoyed the delights of Berney & Halvergate Marshes and  adventurously  traversed immeasurable distances (certainly seemed that way driving  little Noddy ) on  previously unheard of expeditions to the far reaches, nay the very edges of Frank's known world. Those of the fabled Blakeney point to the North and Minsmere (of the free car park) to the South.

Berney (or Barney, as Frank's computer so helpfully suggests) brought the usual pleasures of a wander over the marshes. Still plenty of interesting sights  such as muck spreading, warnings that dogs will be shot  and a whole range of  'them licks' laying around on the ground, as yet unlicked by bovine tongues.

Signs of wildlife proved somewhat elusive, the odd Migrant Hawker & Common Darter, and luckily a couple of Emerald Damselflies still abroad.  A lonely  Harrier drifted through, with nice views of Mute Swans together and quite a number of Lapwing, House Martin and Swallow.

On the very edge,  Blakeney Point is one of the places in Norfolk which is truly spectacular, especially on  a hot sunny day, with a stiff breeze, pushing laminar bands of floating sand over the harder surface, like soft clouds, mesmerising in a way. This rivals any beach Frank has ever visited, including Lowestoft North beach, behind Birds Eye,  thick with the ever pervasive aroma of the coast, in this case, Potato Waffles).

Trudging over the gavel to the point was all worthwhile as there were a few hundred Common and Grey Seals lounging on the bar, just over the channel. Some looking disinterestedly over with head and flippers in the air, others squeezed flat as they can into the sand, asleep or just thinking that they used to work in the electronics industry before it all went abroad, and now just staring into the sea, wondering what to eat next.

Occasionally the odd adult would flipper down the beach, and splosh in, swim over & bob up a few feet out just to look at Frank & the Guide  (prospective employers perhaps), Frank empathises with the look of happy bewilderment.

After taking a few old fashioned pictures which take a small fortune in time and money to develop, Frank & the Guide brew up cups of tea, lounge around and sleep in the sun like the seals, and wander back, never daring to look up from the sand lest the hut should be spied, miles away and exactly the same spec. as when unfortunately glimpsed half an hour ago.

Minsmere and the Beach, the most Southerly point in Frank's world, another balmy day, should really get into those hides & have a look for all the interesting birds that never disappoint on this stretch. However, the heat takes it's mental toll & the picnic is laid out on the warm pebbles, as soon as Frank & the Guide can get there.

Most important, focus now, get the stove alight & cup of tea on. After that, stuff all food down with total abandon then lethargic and full, sift all pebbles within arms distance (and no further) for fossils and Amber. After having found neither, trudge head down back through the reserve get in the sweltering car & go home & get another pot of tea on the boil.

See you next time.

Wilds of Norfolk was set up because of our unquenchable enthusiasm for the Norfolk Broads,  our small part of the natural world. We thought we'd like to try and give something back by helping other people enjoy the countryside and it's wildlife as well as do our own little bit to promote an interest in the natural world and it's conservation , not only for the wildlife but for the sheer exuberance of the precious life we're lucky enough to get the chance to live.

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