When we started off the pathway was covered in three-fo0t high, wild flower herbage, grasses and weeds and, after the rain during the night it was soaking wet. So to try and keep our trousers dry we wore the waterproof trousers and gaiters. Despite the wet weather gear within minutes our boots and socks were squelching as the water penetrated through the leather. Sometimes, no matter how good the quality of your outdoor footwear and clothing is, you occasionally just have to accept that you are going to be drookit. Wet feet equals soft skin, equals increased risk of blisters!
Mathew Hopkins (c. 1620 – 12 August 1647), Witchfinder General practised his art in the town of Manningtree and in the counties surrounding it. It is said that he and his colleagues were responsible for more people being sent to the gallows between 1644-47, than in the previous one hundred years. He was believed to have sent 300 women to their death between the years 1644 and 1646. Hopkins was prominent during the time of the English Civil War when one can presume law and order was lax. Although he laid claim to the title Witchfinder General, it was not one that been officially bestowed upon him. Hopkins died at Manningtree and was buried in the churchyard of the old Church of St Mary, Mistley.
We had resisted stopping for a meal at Manningtree, knowing that our campsite was beside a pub in Bradfield that did food. Imagine our disappointment when we arrived to find out that the pub and campsite hand changed hands the week before and the pub had been ripped out for re-fitting. Fortunately, we were carrying enough food in our rucksacks for a meal or else it would have been early to bed on an empty stomach. The one bit of good news was that as part of the refitting the shower and toilet block had been completed that day and we had access to lovely, hot showers. After pitching up, showering and preparing a meal we had a wee wander in the village to stretch the legs and then when the rain came we were content to take to the sleeping bags.