They say ‘The Only Way is Essex’… Well, I suppose the people who say that are from Essex, or is it something to do with a mindless TV programme. I digress, but Essex really is a nice place. Wall-to-wall thatched cottages interspersed with many fields of varying colours of crops and occasional outposts of forestry, which makes a diverse and pretty part of the world.
Waking up to blazing sunshine in the kingdom of Essex I took the opportunity to ride further into the Essex countryside, riding through places like Leaden Roding, Great Bardfield, Earls Colne and Tolleshunt Knights. There are so many aspects to Essex, and besides the many shiny and expensive SUV’s on the road, the countryside is so varied, and so pretty. I really would have liked to stay longer and investigate the coastline. One thing that I did tick-off my bucket-list was visit Canvey Island.
One of my favourite bands is Dr Feelgood, who originated from Canvey Island, so I made a brief stop to see where the raw vocals of Lee Brilleaux and the guitar of wilco Johnson came from. Maybe because of the sunshine, I couldn’t get the vibe because it didn’t look too bad. maybe if it was a wet and rainy day in November then I could understand more their escape into their own brand of rock music.
Atter that I headed back to Epping and an evening BBQ with my son. Essex is a lovely place, full of contradictions and wonderful countryside, and yet it’s another place I am definitely going to re-visit.
