We kicked off our triking season this year by joining in the Hunstanton Light Parade. We opted to stay in a Travelodge, since the Caravan Park with which Norfolk Wings had negotiated a good rate wanted far too much to accommodate Kidogo. John searched the web and found some dog-friendly eating places in the area, so we were prepared.
As expected, our journey there was very mixed weather. We always seem to find rain wherever we go, and we found plenty on the M6 (does it always rain over Birmingham?). But the wind had dried us out by the time we arrived on Friday.
We had dinner in the Rose & Crown in Holbeach Hurn. This small pub was hosting their regular Friday Karaoke night, and a silver wedding party at 8pm; they said we were welcome but might feel overwhelmed if we weren’t finished eating by 8pm, as the table was in the same room as the party.
We got there at 6:30, but the guests all seemed to arrive with us! By the time we left, we’d made a huge family of friends, and had an excellent value meal.
We arrived at the static display on Saturday about 11am, number 16 to inscribe at Norfolk Wings’ very first Light Parade. Everyone was very welcoming and friendly, and the novelty of having Kidogo and the trailer attracted people of all ages.
It’s lovely to see the smiles come to so many faces. The weather was kind, the clouds cleared and we actually got pink faces from the sun.
The location was excellent, right at the seafront, with a huge grass area that can accommodate hundreds more bikes when this event becomes more popular.
The mayor, mayoress, deputy mayor and deputy mayoress all came to view and judge at the end of the afternoon, and at the start of the evening’s Light Parade. I’m told that 31 bikes & trikes had inscribed; the parade was impressive, with all those present having at least some extra lights on board. The only thing missing was spectators! But hopefully for Norfolk Wings, the good management and considerable success of the day will cause the word to spread and encourage more spectators in future.
The parade ended at the caravan park, where the awards were presented by the mayor. Our satnav had forecast 233 miles from home to Hunstanton, so we were presented with the ‘Furthest Travelled’ award – our first!
We had dinner in the Waterside, a huge pet-friendly bar-restaurant on the seafront, which was really inexpensive and good food. We then tried to get back to the hotel without the satnav… after 3 u-turns and 2 loops round Kings Lynn, we gave in and followed the voice ‘home’. All 3 of us slept like logs that night.
Sunday was another good day. We rode over to North Wootton to another pet-friendly pub; nice meal but rather expensive; followed by a walk in the woods. Back to the hotel for a rest before the long ride home on Monday.
Rain had been forecast right across the middle of the country, so we fully expected to have a miserable wet ride home, but we didn’t actually encounter heavy rain until the last hour (and Birmingham, of course).
So, home safely from our first long trip of the year, and many thanks to Norfolk Wings for a well-organised event. We hope they raised lots of money for Norfolk Air Ambulance, and look forward to seeing them again next year.
Numerous photos of the event can be found in the main GoldWing Photos section of this website, or you can watch them in this movie: