Our Group Leader, Diane Caulkett took a well-earned vacation, which meant that she was unable to lead the June walk. However, she set what was intended to be a relatively short and simple route for the group, to be led by the undersigned.

The Group met at Burnham railway station, to be joined by two new members to the group, and boarded the 1020 train to Althorne. From there 15 of us walked down the lane to Bridgemarsh marina, where a helpful yachtsman pointed us in the right direction along the seawall.

As everyone will recall, summer had already arrived and we were blessed with a beautiful sunny day. We all agreed that the shorter walk alongside the river Crouch, facing a cooling easterly breeze was a good choice on such a hot day.

Having not had rain during these last few weeks, the ground was dry (no muddy boots to clean). The terrain was flat and easy along the seawall, with only a gentle climb up above Creeksea Cliffs to take in the view of the Crouch and beyond.

Apart from a few swans, geese and ducks, we did not see a lot of bird life, but we did see some people cooling off in the river at Creeksea. We also passed a few other walkers coming in the opposite direction

Ten of us ended our walk back to Burnham with a very good lunch at The Oyster Smack.

Jan van der Schans