Boat jetty at Hornsea Mere
Hornsea Mere sits just west of the little seaside town of Hornsea. It is two miles long and has a maximum depth of twelve feet. When I was young, I rowed upon it for it was in the orbit of my teenage landscape just six miles east of the inland village where I was raised.
Once a lakeside homeowner ran down to the bottom of his garden and yelled, "You can't row here! It's private property!"
"How can it be private property?" I yelled back. "It's a lake!"
Tony has been recuperating from a serious health blow - namely a mild but significant stroke. It has knocked the wind out of his sails and he sleeps more than usual, suffers from a degree of memory loss and is so nervous about his mobility that he now carries a walking stick (see above). However, his prospects are good.
His phone measured our step count - 23,000 steps in total for the entire walk - apparently around eleven miles according to an online calculator but neither of us could believe that figure for a moment. More like seven miles maximum.
Afterwards we visited one of my old haunts on the seafront - "The Marine Hotel" where we enjoyed a late lunch of burgers with chips and cold non-alcoholic drinks with ice. From our table by a picture window, we looked east across Bridlington Bay and dreamt of Holland - another 230 miles away.
It's always good to go back to a place of your youth. It brings back many good memories.
ReplyDeleteDo you think you will ever go back to Esk now Red?
DeleteWhy is it that some people who have lakeside property thinks that means they own the lake????
ReplyDeleteHistorically land ownership is about possession through residence but you can't really live on a lake and thereby stake a claim.
DeleteInteresting to see that Hornsea is twinned with La Grande Motte. A strange 1970's new town, favoured mostly by the French themselves.
ReplyDeleteI see it is close to Montpellier. I thought that "la grande motte" was to do with a woman's anatomy.
DeleteI had a quick flyover via google earth, it's impressively large, but looks very chilly.
ReplyDeleteSwimming in Hornsea Mere is greatly discouraged.
DeleteFunny how a Laura Ashley container ended up in Siggy! In German, Siggy (sometimes Siggi) is short for Siegfried, a name you'll often find in my Dad's generation.
ReplyDeleteIt is good that Tony doesn't give up after his stroke, like my Dad pretty much did, but still goes walking and strives to keep his mobility.
An official path around Hornsea Mere would probably be very popular with cyclists, dog walkers and families; for the lake itself, it is much better that there isn't such a path.
Hornsea Mere attracts many birds including ducks and geese. You are probably right that a lakeside path might drive a lot of them away. I think Tony has been very lucky with his stroke - not powerful enough to seriously debilitate him. It was great to see him again. I would hate to lose him.
DeleteA mere seven miles? Easy peasy.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Just a short stroll.
DeleteStep counters can be deceiving. With a friend a few years ago, we pretty much walked together on and off during the day and our step counts should have similar, but they weren't. As I phrased it to him, you take little girlie steps and I take big man steps. So, for the same distance, he walked many more steps. Walking with a cane with some trepidation, I would imagine small steps.
ReplyDeleteWhatever, I'm sure it was a very pleasant walk.
I don't just take "big man steps", I take "Big Foot" steps. I am glad that I have no device for counting my steps.
DeleteWe frequented the Marine Hotel when staying at my school friend's caravan at West Cliff near Atwick Gap.
ReplyDeleteOnce flying to Sweden in the 80s, we came out of the Midlands fog and I looked out as we crossed the Humber and could see Hornsea Mere shining out in the morning sun, with Bridlington Bay and Flamborough beyond. We had just flown directly over my Dad's house. Knew where we were as soon as we flew above the 3 power stations in a straight line. Magical. Made a business trip more bearable.
What a wonderful sight to remember. A business trip to Sweden must be unbearable. My son-in-law is there now.
DeleteA great walk, great memories, and maybe inspiration for an adventure across the channel.
ReplyDeleteNot a channel David but "The North Sea".
DeleteWhat a great outing! And good for Tony.
ReplyDeleteWe have walked many's the long mile together so it was nice to add a few more - especially after his stroke.
DeleteI'm impressed that Tony who had a stroke was able to complete such a long walk. It must be doing well with his recovery to manage that.
ReplyDeleteHis confidence is growing back but any kind of stroke is a blow to anybody of this age (he's 67).
DeleteWhat a wonderful outing. Walking along a lake, fresh air, conversation...all good for the body, mind, and heart.
ReplyDeleteYes. Walking has it all Diaday.
DeleteLondon, Paris, New York & Siggy! Funny.
ReplyDeleteLooks like an interesting walk. Was Hornsea pottery made in Hornsea? I have some of it!
Yes indeed Steve. Hornsea pottery was made in the small town. I am glad that you immediately saw the humour in that last picture.
Deletei've been to Hornsea Mere, it's a nice place...... the cafe there was very nice for a breakfast sandwich and a cuppa..... i wanted to go swimming there but the weather definitely did not agree
ReplyDeleteA mere seven miles? That's going some. Clearly, Tony is recovering very well.
ReplyDelete