It was a cold, chilly and damp start to the morning, which meant we started off all togged up to keep warm. The early part of our route for the day would be on or close to the coast until we cut far inland beyond Wrabness, where the railway hugs the coast, preventing walking. We could have walked along the B1352 but were not in the mood for playing dodgems with the cars.
The ship Mi Amigo broadcast for a number of years as the pirate ship Radio Caroline, albeit in a number of guises. The last manned light vessel in British waters, the ex-Trinity House vessel LV18, is now berthed in Harwich where it has found new life as a museum of the pirate radio stations. As well as operating the museum, the ship also plays host to numerous live music events, some of which continue the themes of the pirate radio stations. I have many happy memories of standing on the street corners with friends in the 1960's, huddled round a radio and listening to the top twenty and other shows on Radios Caroline and Luxembourg. This was before the likes of Top of the Pops and when pop music generally was still frowned upon. To fully appreciate the risks taken to broadcast pop music on these often floating wrecks, by the owners as well as DJ's , including such luminaries as Tony Blackburn, Pete Murray and David 'Kid' Jensen, it is worthwhile taking the time to read the history of the original Mi Amigo radio ship, sadly sunk off the coast of Essex in March 1979.
Just beyond Little Beach we were back on the Long Bank seawall which runs down to the coast from below Little Oakley. The Essex Way cuts inland going north up the bank, while we cut left and south to walk on the coast. The walking was good and as we progressed the weather cleared a bit to give us nice light while we watched the enormous container ships travel to and from the big ports on the Stour.
With the tent up and a wee cup of tea inside us, we were treated to a nice golden sunset before settling down for the night.