The last week has been spent in Ipswich, north east of London. We have been staying with more of Loche's family here and once again have been made to feel so welcome!

While we've been here we've done a bit of exploring around the area. We had a day in town looking around the shops and some of the historic buildings. We also spent a day at Felixstowe which is on the beach, it's also where the old fort is that I mentioned in our last entry. The fort was used in both world wars and later on to control the ships that were along the coast line.

On Sunday 6 May we took Cara to Easton Farm Park which is a working farm where the kids can feed and pat the animals. They also have some rides for the kids and some play areas as well. The day we went it was quite cold and raining most of the time which was disapointing because we were unable to explore a lot of the farm and the outdoor play area. Cara still had lots of fun and got to hold and pat a rabbit, see the little baby chickens and lambs and we almost got her riding a pony, but she refused to put the helmet on!!

Today, Tuesday 8 May, we are stocking up the caravan and getting ready to drive to Southampton tomorrow. It will take us about 3.5 to 4 hours to drive it with the caravan.

Interesting Facts:

• Landguard Fort was the control centre for sea mines placed to protect the surrounding rivers. Mines were placed at sea and a control wire was laid back to Landguard Fort where an electrical current could be sent to detonate the mine.
• Radar units development in WWII took place in Felixstowe.
• There are flood gates surrounding the beach area to prevent the roads from flooding during bad weather. They are opened during good weather.
• Landguard was the back location for the military command should London fall in WWII