The bees were back buzzing around the wisteria on Sunday. I’d say we are days away from peak wisteria. But something isn’t quite right this year. It’s not as bushy as previous years. I blame my over zealous pruning.

The forecast for the morning was fair. I rolled out on the Raleigh electric for a 40km circuit. Silly bunting was still up around the various Estuary Wilds villages.

Great Bentley Green was interesting. We’re in the football / cricket season crossover. Whilst the football teams were warming up on one side of the Green, a lone groundsman was on the other side, preparing the wicket for the afternoon.

The Raleigh hit 50kmh going down Tenpenny Hill for the return leg. I came close to overtaking some parka Mod boys out on a Bank Holiday scooter run.

A quick turnaround back at base. Out went the shout of To the kayak!

This was the first time that I launched at the Sailing Club, having finally managed to arrange storage down there. It’s taken away the effort of dragging the kayak all the way down to the water on my wheels.

I had a brief chat with C, who was also launching on the hard. His entry to the water was a little more basic. C was swimming. I was impressed with his buoyancy aid.

I passed the rowing club in Veruna heading downstream having picked up a new oar in Rowhedge. I then headed upstream, roughly following the same course as a lone paddle boarder.

I felt the tide start to turn halfway between Rowhedge and the Hythe. The water colour also changed with a shitty brown layer splashing around as I put in the strokes.

URGH.

Time to turn around.

There was some Church Coronation event taking place on Rowhedge Green. I was impressed with the Gospel singing as I rowed through once again. I had to navigate a flotilla of bunting boats also passing through.

A decent row.

Some gardening followed. The sticky thing at the side of the house had its first trim. OCD gardening is something to be proud of.

The Estuary Wilds sun then made an appearance, along with the sun bed for the first time this season. I was knackered. I took some time out and listened to the final session of Surrey away at Essex.

I managed to avoid the Super Notts County score all afternoon. I recorded the game and watched the 3-2 win at home to Boreham Wood in the evening. I’ve still not ruled out another Notts Wembley trip next weekend.

Shame about D***y, btw.