The High Street is always a fun place to go in summer because it has a host of small and highly individual (did anyone say "eccentric"?) shops packed into a narrow alley that leads down to the harbour. This week it is decked out in red, white and blue, like the 4th of July on steroids. That's what Hanna says, anyway.
We stopped at most of the shops and had lunch outside a cafe, only to discover that a massive picnic was just finishing on the quay. Dan didn't mind because he found a magician who was quite funny, but didn't seem to know any tricks!
On the recreation ground nearby there was a Punch and Judy show and outdoor activities for kids; all free and there was a big, blue pirate ship to climb on. That was another hour taken care of before we dragged Dan back to the quay to watch 70 local boats parade up and down the harbour creek, all dressed in flags, pennants and bunting. One boat had the whole Royal Family aboard, another had the corgis, while a third had Britannia ruling the waves (actually, she's a local teacher.) The life-boat and several support vessels led the parade which included working boats as well as classic sailing dinghies and a couple of yachts. We learned all about the crews and owners through a splendid commentary delivered in a broad Norfolk accent from the deck of a Dutch three-master that has been retired to the quayside.
Throughout the afternoon the sun slowly disappeared into a haze and the temperature fell. We went home happy, but many others will have braved the evening air to hear live bands, eat roasted hog-meat and watch the fireworks.
I don't think I can keep up with days of this, but it really is fun.
A happy outcome of all this Jubilee fever is that we have claimed back the Union Flag from the right-wingers and can now fly it again with pride. They must have sold millions of them; just in Norfolk!
There are pictures for you to see or download at Photobucket.
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