Essex - another great county, with lots of history and great tea rooms. A day out in Dedham and Witham is below and a day out on  Mersea Island  is here.

Picturesque Dedham, close to the border with Suffolk, a village well worth a visit.

The main T-junction in Dedham, with the Essex Rose tea house on the corner, mmmmmm .... cream teas, cakes, jams and great souvenirs.

On the way out of Dedham, heading south. The footpath to Flatford starts just to the left of this house.

Here we are, in the middle of Constable Country - what a magnificent countryside.

As we're doing a circular walk out of Dedham, we will cross the River Stour here.

All is peaceful here, even a field full of bullocks does not deter us.

A flock of Canadian geese has come to enjoy this splendid location as well.

... and the water's so good, your next hamburgers are quenching their thirst with it!

More scenic views across the river Stour as it meanders its way through Constable Country.

The amazing power and variety of nature is shown with this fungus growing on a tree stump.

Nearly back in Dedham now and the Stour is full of activity - boat hire is available from the jetty here as well as in Flatford, our next stop. Check the colour of the grass, ... what grass? Yellow banks bear testimony to the long hot summer spell we've had so far in 2006.

Rain clouds over a field of wheat, but it's being watered just in case .... it did rain a bit though.

Another example of a magnificent English Public House - this one in Chipping Hill, Witham

Traditional houses in a classic setting, enjoying the sun on a summer's day in August 2006.

Solidly built bridge, also in Chipping Hill, crossing the river Brain

Summer in the Essex countryside, lush growth around a small lake.

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