Thwarted

 Sunday April 21

The day started well enough. It was dry and sunny, Selbrigg delivered a good handful of woodland birds in very few minutes - Coal, Marsh, Blue and Great Tits, Chaffinch, Robin and Nuthatch.After a quick look at Sculthorpe Mill, we decided to set off for the coast via Abbey Farm at Flitcham. We're still looking for a Little Owl. No luck again today. 

Shortly before Ringstead Village, the car tinged at us and the dreaded tyre plus question mark came up on the screen. A puncture. In the rear passenger side tyre. I can never remember whether onside applies to the traffic side or the pavement! It was now 11a.m, the AA promised a man would be with us by 12.10. I read a birding magazine, Pam her flower book.

Two groups of large motorcycles and their riders, led by a policeman, passed in both directions, several times. Bang on 12.10, the very welcome yellow van pulled up. What sort of spare did we have? We didn't know, it's hidden under the boot cover and we've never had reason to look. Oh no, the dreaded yellow emergency wheel. That meant very strong instructions to drive below 50 mph and not to go over any potholes. With a back wheel on the pavement side? That meant no visits to Holme and Titchwell where there are both plenty of holes and even worse, speed bumps. It was a slow drive home.

At least we were back to watch Man U's cup semi final against Coventry. I'd wanted to avoid it if possible. The back tyre has an obvious nail in it, the AA man thinks  it is repairable.


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