UK touring: day one.

Picked up the 'Pug' (Peugeot) in the snow at Avis and drove back to the hotel to pick up our bags.

London driving is crazy, even with the Tom Tom giving directions and off peak. Trucks just come at you, expecting you to get out of their way- kind of people in the street here really.

Once we were out of the 'congestion zone' pretty smooth sailing. In the sticks there seems to be a courtesy on the road absent in the city- had a few thank you waves.

First stop was Brightlingsea to try and see Rach's great uncle Cyril. No luck, so left a note.

Next, on to Rachel's childhood village called St Osyth. Very cute, centuries old buildings close to the road, a big old priory and roads made for horse and cart. Snow on tiled roofs, and flurries in the air. Saw her old school, and her childhood home- we think. Tiny houses in the township, then vast paddocks beyond. I (t) see similarities between the town and the little towns in the Adl Hills.

Now in the seaside resort town of Clacton-on-Sea. A lot like Victor Harbour, and a complete ghost town in winter.

2 degs here right now, and only a handful of locals. Our hotel has 2 people on, and I reckon one of them was on his break having a nap when we arrived.

Our beach back home is very nice. Will see if Clacton looks better/busier in daylight.

Found a great little restaurant on the esplanade- we have the 100 seat restaurant to ourselves. We would not have got a table in summer. 4 staff to 1 table. My kind of ratio.