November 2014 – Dublin and back to Southampton

1st November – Saturday

Travelled to Dublin to visit Laura and Damien.

For the first time we went to Manchester Airport on the train.  £37 for 2 people return.  Bargain.

This does depend on you having time on your hands.  We set off from home at 11.30am and arrived at Laura’s flat at about 7.00pm.

We went to their lovely new flat and then got a taxi to town and a lovely meal at a Nepalese restaurant and then to an unusual quirky pub.  Then we stayed up watching Strictly and X-Factor when we got back.

2nd November – Sunday

We walked into town to a brilliant burger bar for brunch.  Then sat in Bar 37 in the window watching the world go by for a few hours.  We finished off at the ‘Little Museum of Dublin’ which is a museum all about Dublin itself.  You get a guided tour in with the price, then get time to roam around.  There is a U2 exhibition on the top floor.

Our evening meal was at the excellent Thai restaurant ‘Koh’.

3rd November – Monday

Laura and Damien were working so we walked into town and visited the National Portrait Gallery.  Note – many Dublin Museums are closed on Mondays.

Laura popped home in the evening and we got Pizza from the Italian downstairs.

It was really lovely to see them both at the end of our trip as they were the last people we saw that we knew at the beginning.

4th November – Tuesday

Travelled home 12.30pm to 20.30pm via Bus, Plane and 2 trains.

5th November onwards

I think I caught a cold on the plane and was quite sick for about a week.  It was the first illness we had all summer.  I had to cancel my trip to Lancaster with Liz and we also cancelled going out with Allen and Dorit on Saturday.  Booo.  But there is nothing worse than a restaurant meal with a snuffler.

However I inflicted the snuffles on Annette, Julian, Alex, Katie and Tommy on Sunday afternoon as they had invited us for tea.

Mini passed its MOT.

Trip to Greens fabrics, while Mick at Training 2000.

2 days to finish covering the three seating cushions we brought back from the boat.

Picture of the Cushions.

Finished the workshirt quilt see www.handmadebyannmarie.blogspot.co.uk  for details.

Picture of Workshirt Quilt

Met Hannah from work at Ossy Mills.  It was the first time I would meet her beautiful baby Daniel.  It was a little surreal as she was sitting in a small cafe whilst a pensioners Christmas party was in full swing 20 feet away, (Mid November) which included a singer and sing-a-long audience participation.  We had a really good catch-up and a good look around.

W.I. Party meal out at the Three Millstones.

Made 5 draft excluders for friends.

Finally managed to meet up with Allen and Dorit and had a lovely meal out in Lytham and a good catch-up.

Went to Manchester Markets on the train, what a luxury not having to go at weekend.  The stalls were easy to get to and the pubs had seats available.

Made Victoria Sandwich cake and Sticky Ginger and Walnut.

Went to the Knit and Stitch show in Harrogate with Liz who kindly drove, Annette and Grace.  It’s always a good day out.

Craft n Chat on the 20th had 12 people in attendance, very lively evening.

Went out with the Annette, Karon, Pam and Carol.

Traumatic day while the man next door had his roof mended, Mick went up for a look, I had to go out, really hope they are good at their job as they moved our slates too.

Went to Dave’s 60th, Rock n Roll party in Leeds.  Excellent catch-up with Dave M and his team.  He also had a full sized motorbike made from balloons.

Watched Lewis Hamilton win Formula 1 championship on TV.

Started my craft blog.  www.handmadebyannmarie.blogspot.co.uk

Went to see ‘Imitation Game’ at Cinema, about Ian Turing who invented the machine which de-coded the Enigma machine.  5/5 excellent.

Went to Indian with Steve and Elaine.

Craft n Chat 27th, Liz taught us to make Christmas Baubles, using a very clever design.

Helped with the teas at Grindleton Pavilion Christmas Fayre with Liz, Sally, Denise, Jan, and Margaret.

30th December – Sunday

Travelled back to Southampton to the boat.  The mini was full of boat cushions, with not much room for anything else.

October 2014 – Going Home

Previously, we had been in Hythe for a few days.

3rd October  - Friday

On a beautiful, sunny and calm morning we sailed back to Southampton from Hythe, a short hop, which took just under an hour, as we had to re-negotiate the Hythe Marina Lock. 

We were a little sad in the knowledge that this was the last trip at the end of our Summer Sail, but felt accomplished that ourselves and the boat where returning safe and sound.

Over the next few days we re-organised the boat, looking in every nook and cranny to decide, with a tough eye, what was staying and what was going home.  The ‘if it’s not beautiful or useful’ moto was tested to its limits, we were ruthless.  The front cabin was filled with the items to be returned.

I must admit I had brought too many clothes for us both.  We have ended up with half a wardrobe each and the other half of the wardrobes are stacked with the Ikea zip boxes, with undies, t-shirts and shorts.  Even though I thought I had not brought many shoes 3 pairs went home too.

Sunday 5th October

We had our last walk to town which was buzzing and there was an even bigger market down the main street.  We had seen an advert online for a ‘Music in the City’ event for the weekend where music was being performed in unusual places.  Just before 2.00pm we went to the City Art Gallery, where 3 musical performances were to take place.  These events are free and open to anyone.  The room has a vaulted ceiling and the Southampton Philharmonic Orchestra and the Philharmonic choir were assembled in the beautiful room ready to perform.  We managed to get a seat and settled for the performances.

We were treated to Mozart, Regina Coeli with Soprano Lucy Balderson.  Haydn, Symphony No. 39.  Stopford’s, ‘Do not be afraid’ (which moved us both to tears and is worth looking up if you have not heard it).  Eglar, Lux Aeterna and finally a Nimrod MashUp.  There was also a Flute Orchestra and a Quartet to finish the afternoon.  2 plus hours whizzed by.

 

Biggest flute in the world,

Back to earth with a bump and a quick Lidl trip.

Monday and Tuesday

More jobs before home.

Mick waterproofed the canopy.  Mended the computer. 

Our friend came on Tuesday night and we went for a Chinese Meal in Town.

8th October – Wednesday

Our very kind friend arrived at 9.00am and we loaded up his car for our trip north.  We also put three of our boat cushions in the boot which we are going to cover at home.  The car was full and the boat looked very tidy.

We arrived home at 3.00pm via a KFC stop at Keele, which is a longstanding tradition.  We cannot thank our friend enough for his generosity.

Icing on the cake – we were home for the Bake-off final.

9th October – Thursday

Big sort out at home to find a place for all the boat gear.

Had a lovely visit from Liz who brought us some homemade Jam and Chutney, to bolster our empty cupboards.  She really stayed in touch while we were away and it was very much appreciated, to have that regular contact from home.  Thank goodness for technology.

I packed for our weekend away, which was one of the reasons why we came home.

First W.I. meeting – AGM with supper.  Kay was elected President.

10th October – Friday

In the morning Mick had a meeting at work, I went for a good chinwag and catch-up.

We travelled to Jackie and Murray’s new holiday home in Annette and Julian’s campervan.  A real family gathering.  Jackie and Murray have had a static van on a Lake District site for many, many years and they along with several others on the site have upgraded their holiday homes this year.  The site is quite remote and this involved making a temporary road so it made sense for several homes to be transported at the same time.

The new home is really lovely and exceeds any idea of a holiday home, power shower, fully fitted kitchen, two bathrooms!!!  Murray has excelled himself by building steps and a platform around the home which serves as access but also a lovely seating and lake viewing area.

Jackie treated us to one of her super curries on Friday and we went shopping in Ulverston on Saturday to get food for the Saturday night BBQ.  Murray is a BBQ legend.  On our return Jackie had made cake and scones, yum.

12th October - Sunday

We travelled back via Ambleside and a brew at Devils Bridge near Kirkby-Lonsdale.

Lovely weekend had by all.

13th October – Monday

Jackie, Annette, Murray and I went to PK Foods in Blackburn for spice stock-up and then to ‘Immanuel Fabrics’ in Burnley for Jackie to buy fabric.

14th to end of October

Craft n Chat meetings on 16th, 23rd and 30th, really lovely to see everyone.  Showed off the x-stitch they bought me for the trip.

Picture of completed lighthouse tapestry

Teddy Bear Fair on the 19th, to buy special Mohair for Caitlin’s bear.  Whilst in Bolton we went to the Fred Dibnah photo exhibition in the Bolton Museum and found out there is an aquarium there, who knew.

Over the following 2 weeks we had hair cut, visited Denise, visited Pam, made chutney, we visited Dave and Catherine’s new house, made brownies and carrot cake (I have missed baking and having a full sized, controllable oven), we visited Steve and Elaine, skyped Louise and Gordon, I went to the W.I. autumn council meeting at Blackburn King Georges Hall, made macaroons, we took a takeaway to Mark and Pam’s, went to Crafty Vintage event in Clitheroe, we had supper at Paul and Maria’s with Isabella and Luca, visited Karon with Liz, made 6 strings of Bunting, Mark and Caitlin collected her bear (Bethany), I cleaned the back of the house to remove the muddy football marks, Mick then chipped off the rendering and re-rendered it, Mick went to Training 2000, made Fruit Biscuits, went to Halloween bash at the local club.

Mick has researched and sourced, New water pump cover and seal for the engine, replacement tube for the boom vang (thing that hold the boom up), extension for WiFi aerial, hinge-covers for the hatches, polarity indicator for the shore power, insulation kit for the Eberspacer Diesel pump, new thermostat for engine frost heater for winter, new smoke detector.  Copied CDs into MP3’s for boat use.

People have asked how we are going to fill our days, so hope that helped.

29th September – Monday – Southampton to Chichester Harbour

25 miles in 5 hours 11:00 – 16:00.  We had reasonable wind on our side so sailed half the way, motor-sailed the rest.

Sparks marina is actually on Hayling Island, where neither of us have been before.  The channel from the sea is well buoyed and relatively easy to traverse, however beware of the sand bar which has a tidal height of only a few metres.  Good tide timing is essential.

 

We entered at high water and were once again amazed as the tide lowered to reveal a lot of land very close to the marina.  The picture shows the boats at the edge of the marina and the dried out land in the background.

Info: The marina is relatively small but has modern facilities.  Hotel hairdryers and no plugs meant hair-drying in the laundry again.  The marina gave us a map but unfortunately did not mark on the local shops which we managed to circumnavigate (miss).

We walked along the seaside which was reminiscent of Camber Sands, and found a chippy for a quick bag to bolster our walk back. 

30th September – Tuesday

Returned to Southampton, Hythe marina.  Good wind assistance and interesting shipping meant an enjoyable trip back.

We have not really given Hayling Island a fair look around and will re-visit in the future.  The weather and tides meant that we were better leaving earlier than planned as we could get stuck behind the sandbar with unfavourable tide times.

Hythe marina is purpose built marina village and is entered through a lock from Southampton Water.  It comprises 3 basins which are surrounded by luxury houses and has its own shops and restaurants. 

1st October – Wednesday

Walked into Hythe town centre, which is a charming small town only 5 minutes from the marina. 

There is a pier on the water front where you can catch a small ferry to Southampton.  To get to the ferry you ride on a small train (above), which looks like it has been there for many years. 

There are nearly as many charity shops as proper shops on the high street, just like most small towns at present.  I found a great bag sewing book for 50p.  There is also a traditional bakers shop too, where pasties were sample and scones purchased.

The marina has a fabric shop, (no kidding) New Forest Fabrics, so I spent a little time staring the spots off the fabrics and managed to only buy 4 fat quarters (small pieces of fabric).

2nd October – Thursday

Walked to Tesco in Dibden.

Lovely sunny evening.

Back to Southampton tomorrow.

15th September – Monday – Lymington to Ocean Village, Southampton

Lymington was a great marina to stay in.  However at this time of year boat owners are plagued with the purple peril.  Our nice shiny white plastic buckets get bombarded by Blackberry Bird Poo.  It takes some shifting, stains and as soon as you get rid of it another little blighter takes a pot shot.  Some marinas have it worse than others.  At Lymington there is a very handy breakfast buffet for the little darlings in the shape of a quarter mile of Blackberry hedge which edges one side of the marina on the path to town.  One boat near us was literally covered and the owner told us he had only been away a few days.  The gentle muttering of boat owners cursing meant it was time to make a sharp exit.

We had a leisurely 4 hour sail back to Southampton.  10-12 knots of wind in the right direction for near perfect tacks all the way back.  The resulting pattern on the chart plotter was textbook.

Celebrated with diner at Wetherspoons near the marina.  Bargain and only one fight.

16th September – Tuesday

Very sunny, cleaned the boat due to potential visitors, shopped at Lidl in Town.

17th September – Wednesday

Southampton Boat Show

For anyone who has not been the Southampton Boat Show it is a massive festival of sailing which takes over a large area of Southampton’s water front.  There are three areas on land separated by walkways over the main roads, many marquees and stalls and the largest temporary floating marina in Britain, which is assembled just for the show.

We have previously been at weekends and used the Park and Ride, but this year we came in the boat to the nearby marina and walked in.  Far less crowded than our normal experience which was nice.  We met Graham and Pauline and then spent all day gawping at all things Yachty.  We took full advantage of the hospitality from our mutual marina providers, so ended the day with a warm glow to the cheeks.

Finished the day with Dinner at Southampton Yacht club, with Graham and Pauline, which is located at Ocean Village and great value for money.

18th and 19th were overcast rainy days so we stayed on board and recovered.

20th September – Saturday

Walked into Southampton to find the Art Gallery.  It is located near the Guild Hall at the top of the town.  Entrance is free and there was a good selection of traditional and contemporary pieces.

We made the mistake of going shopping in Asda on the way back at the same time as every new student at Southampton University.

21st-23rd September

General ‘lozzing’ around.  Mick updated all the computers and phones.

Walked through the Town Park and bought a Knot book from a charity shop.

We are awaiting the arrival of our friend Andy from Portugal, so more cleaning and re-arranging.

24th September – Wednesday

Walked to the station to collect Andy and made our way back to the marina via the ‘Red Lion’ pub, the oldest in Southampton, for him to get a proper pint.

Wetherspoons again for tea at it was No-Tax Wednesday, where you do not pay tax on food and drink as a protest to Westminster for taxing pubs at a different rate than supermarkets. 

25th September – Thursday

To Cowes as Andy had never been to the Isle of Wight.  Sunny and windy. Gusting to 20 knots with full sails out was exciting.

We stayed at Shepherds marina on West Cowes which is very conveniently located near the chain ferry, just a short walk into town.

We found a real ale pub called ‘Cowes Ale House’ which sold a selection of real ales and was like someone’s front room.

In the evening to went out to a local Indian Restaurant, that had no other than Richard Branson as a patron, probably only once, but the owner had a huge picture of him on the wall.  It was a ‘take your own booze’ place so we did.  Weirdly the end price was pretty similar to the price you pay when you have paid for drinks, oh well, suppose the rates on the Isle of Wight are pretty steep.

Info:  Good clean showers, with plugs.  £29 per night.  Very friendly marina staff.

26th September – Friday

Full English breakfast on board then back to Southampton to sample the marina pub.

Not much wind today so a less exciting return sail.

Dinner on board, house Salmon Pasta.

27th September – Saturday

Walked Andy back to the station via the ‘Curry Man’ on the market who sells excellent Samosas.

It was great to see Andy and hopefully he will have had a little break.  We certainly had a good catch-up and look forward to visiting Portugal soon.

28th September – Sunday

Papers and Washing.

12th September – Friday - Yarmouth to Lymington

Very short trip today across the Solent to Lymington only 3 miles 10:15 to 11:30, we did not even put the fenders away.

Info:  Lymington has entered the marina chart at number 1.  5 star facilities, hairdryers, plugs and straighteners.  Excellent staff, chandlers, ‘free’ Sunday papers from on site shop a bargain at £34 per night.  Tesco Express, M&S food and Waitrose in the town, a pleasant 20 minute walk.

There is another marina on the Town Quay, which is £18 per night, but there is no electric and a high chance of having to raft up.

Lymington is charming, the quayside has chandlers, shops, pubs and restaurants, which lead up to the high street and the ‘Mines a Pasty’ shop for lunch.

13th September – Saturday

I did go on about the markets in France, so it was nice to stubble on a market today, which went the length of the High Street.  Mick bought a hat and we found more Liquorice Ripple Ice Cream.  There was an Antique Fair in the local hall with ladies serving tea and cake at half the price of Costa Coffee.  Finished with Fish and Chips on the quayside and waddled back to the boat.  Lymington could be very bad for the waistline, but what a treat.

14th September – Sunday

Read the papers.  Mick changed the fender ropes and sealed the spray hood with Fabsil.

Then we went for a much needed walk around the Nature Reserve just outside the marina which provides views of the Solent and many types of birds, along the waterside and back to the marina. 

Big News:  At 11.30am today our friends Gordon and Louise on Camira arrived in Lagos, Portugal.  We last saw them in Pornic and went our separate ways.  They have done so well making the long journey and we are very proud of their achievement and a little envious.  Love to you both.

Back to Southampton tomorrow for the Boat Show.

9th September – Tuesday – Southampton to Beaulieu and Yarmouth

We sedately made our way around the corner to Beaulieu.  A short one hour hop to take in the sights of the Beaulieu River arriving at 13.15.

The entrance to the river is peculiar in that it is in the open water of the Solent, marked by the sign (above).  You then follow a channel of markers which guide you to the marina, winding along the river.  The channel follows a long spit of low lying land.  We arrived at almost high tide and were amazed how far the water fell and the land it revealed, which had looked like reeds on passing.

The water had been at the top of this jetty.  It was another super moon night and the marina staff said they had not seen the river so empty for years.

They told us we could walk to the village of Beaulieu along a riverside walk, which was a beautiful and shady 2 and a quarter miles (which felt longer).

As we arrived in Beaulieu we got our first glimpse of the wild donkeys.  We knew there were horses roaming in the New Forest but did not know about the donkeys.  They seemed oblivious to the comings and goings of the village and the tourists and wandered about happily, but they do live here. 

Mick won today’s Ice Cream challenge with Liquorice Ripple.

We then walked back to Bucklers Hard which is a historic boat yard next to the marina.  There is a museum, historic cottages and old chapel.

The cottages line both sides of the street and there is an excellent pub at the end, where we sampled a pint. 

Info:  The facilities are good but a bit old fashioned.  There was no phone signal at all and very little wifi.  We did not find any shops, so go prepared.  At £37.50 per night, we thought it a bit steep.  You are paying for the location, location, location.

10th September – Wednesday – Beaulieu to Yarmouth

We chose to leave Beaulieu as we were told there was a regatta arriving and we would have to move anyway.  On the way out of the river there was a large boat on our tail, we had to move in to let him pass.  It turned out to be Tom Cunliffe, the author of our Pilot Book and sailing legend, in his new boat.  Bit like seeing George Best played football and he passed us by.

We left at 11:45 and arrived in Yarmouth at 15:30.  It was a sunny day with light wind and we had a pleasant sail across, apart from another impromptu ‘man over board’ drill to save my shoe.  I was trying out my Croc sandals which I only usually use in the showers.  I have seen lots of people sail in them this year, but I caught my foot on a rope and over it went, fortunate floating face up so it was pretty easy to scoop out of the water with the boat hook.  Problem was we were not far from the marina and the tide was running so we overshot Yarmouth and had to apply more engine to get us in passed the Lymington to Yarmouth ferry.

We had a walk around the small town and found a good antique shop.  Some of the other shops closed at 16:00 which I found strange for a tourist spot.

Info:  Yarmouth marina is only £24 per night but you have to buy a token for the showers.  The facilities are good and the staff are friendly.  There is a Costcutter in Yarmouth 5 minutes walk from the marina.  It is a very busy marina as people use it as a hop from the southwest and vice versa.

11th September – Thursday – Yarmouth

We stayed in Yarmouth to catch up on a few jobs. 

When we were based at Largs on the Clyde we would often see the ‘Waverley’ which is the last seagoing paddle steamer.  We saw it so often we thought it was stalking us.  It makes a very distinctive noise, so you hear it before you see it.  We heard that noise again today and popped our heads out of the cabin to see the Waverley, full to the rafters with punters. It apparently sails the Bristol Channel, the Solent and the Thames and returns to the Clyde in October, who knew.  But lovely to see her.

We need to come back to Yarmouth to explore further.

5th September – Friday – Brighton to Southampton and Cowes

We really like Brighton and look forward to returning. 

Up to 05:20 for a 6:00am start.  56 miles to Southampton, therefore a 10 hour journey.  The weather was mostly cloudy, with occasional wind and quite a flat sea.  So mostly motor sailing in the busy channel.

Info: Ocean Village marina is a modern marina in the centre of Southampton surrounded by new build flats.  Good new facilities with hotel hairdryers, and the only plug available is in the Laundry Room.  There is a Tesco Express 5 minutes walk away.  Asda and Lidl in Southampton are 20 minutes walk.

Walked to the Tesco and tidied the boat.  Made space for Andy (Mick’s old friend) to sleep when he arrives tomorrow.

6th September – Saturday

Andy travelled to Southampton by train and then walked the 30 minutes from the station.  It was a very sunny day so we sat and had lunch before departing for the Isle of Wight. 

We were joining Graham and Pauline at their ‘Moody Owners Club’ rally (Moody is a type of boat) at the Folly Inn.  Sadly we did not have any windy and motored to Cowes.

When we arrived at approx. 16.30, and rafted 4 deep onto the other rally boats.  Just in time for drinks with Graham and Pauline and then Pimms on the Pontoon. 

The Pontoons at the Folly Inn are not connected to the land and so we caught a water taxi to the pub. £2.50 return, as you have not an option but to return.  Good night had by all, good food and company.

7th September – Sunday

We woke to a very misty morning and we all had the intention to stay and have breakfast to let the mist clear.  However the problem with being on a raft is that you leave when the earliest person needs to go and unfortunately the boat on the inside of the raft needed to go.  So we all peeled away and set off back to Southampton.  Another very busy morning leaving Cowes but a good experience for Andy who did a great job as chief look-out.

Pauline and Graham on ‘Liberty’.

Our early start turned out to be a good move as we got a call from friends Nigel and Debbie, saying they had been to Beaulieu Motor Jumble and were in the area.  So as we arrived back at Southampton they were stood on the quayside waving us in.  It was a scorcher of an afternoon, so we put up the canopy and sat drinking wine and eating nibbles and enjoying the day.

During our chats we heard music coming from the other side of the marina.  A Hindu society had hired a ferry boat to take themselves and their flowered offering out to sea.  It was a very lively and colourful scene.

It was a lovely unexpected surprise to see Debbie and Nigel, and we really appreciated their visit.

We had homemade curry and chapattis on the boat that night.

8th September – Monday

We had a full breakfast today on Andy’s last day and he treated us to bacon and homemade jam.  He left us at 11:00am to walk back to the station.

We don’t see Andy too often and it has been great to have a proper catch up and see him looking so well, we really appreciate his visit and the effort he made to come and see us.

We walked to town in the afternoon to top up at Lidl.  We passed the Queen Mary II bringing back happy memories.

1st September – Monday – Hamble to Gosport and Brighton

Departed at 10.30 for the 12 mile trip, arriving at 13.00.  Good sunny and windy sailing to Gosport, Haslar marina to meeting old friends Graham and Pauline.  They keep their boat at Haslar and have also been on a summer sail to the South West of England.

After a chat Pauline and I went on the ferry to Portsmouth to have a mooch around Gunwharf Quay.  It is a large outlet village with many eateries.  We settled on Blancs bistro and met Mick and Graham there for dinner.  Drinks back on ‘Liberty’ and a good catch-up prior to the Boat show.

They also managed to get us an inner berth, so no Rock’n’Roll as our last visit.  Big thanks.

2nd September – Tuesday – Gosport to Brighton.

A long day ahead for the 44 miles to Brighton, starting at 08.30 we arrived at 16.30.  The first four hours were hard going with dark skies, and cold winds.  Wind over tide again just put the finishing touches to an unpleasant few hours.  As the day wore on the weather improved and the sea settled into a sunny calm afternoon.  We arrived in Brighton in warm sunshine. 

It looks like a metropolis from the sea.  The marina is the largest in England.  We were asked to go into the bottom of a ‘U’ shaped pontoon, as they were expecting some tall ships.  Bit tricky and thankfully they knew that and sent two guys to take our ropes.

Quick walk around to get our land legs and an Ice Cream to make me smile.

It is amazing that after being on a boat for so long you can still feel unwell!!

Info: £31 per night.  Good facilities with hairdryers and plugs.  There is an ASDA store on the marina complex as well as every type of eating establishment.  There are shops underneath the bars and restaurants.  Number 7 bus to town.

3rd September – Wednesday

A Grand Day Out in Brighton.

We walked to town approx 30 minutes.  There is a bus from the marina and a small vintage railway along most of the east promenade.

The pier is still a great draw and was very busy on this sunny day.

We went along the seafront and then cut into the ‘Lanes’ where all the antiques shops are.  The area I really like is the North Laine area which comprises three streets of bohemian shops and eateries which has a great feel to it.  I managed to find some totally un-necessary fabric for my stash.  Walked back through Kemptown and found a very unusual junk shop, great end to a great day.

We did not visit the Pavilion as we have been before, but would highly recommend it.

4th September – Thursday

Hair dyeing and blog.  Walk to Asda and chandlers.  Mick found a second hand plotter (another computer for the boat which duplicates the plotter inside the boat) to go in the cockpit and is currently reading the instructions, very happy nerd. 

Just when you think you are doing alright in life this happens…

……there’s always someone with a bigger boat, but this will win most of the time.

Good job the sun had gone in as we were literally put in the shade.  Apparently at 30 knots it takes 700 litres of diesel per hour.  So most of us could not even afford the fuel.  It is being delivered to Norway.

23rd August – Friday – East Cowes to Southampton and Hamble

We only had a short trip of 12 miles today, so made the butties and set off at 11.00.  Arrived at 15.00 after a gentle sail across the Solent into Southampton water.  We had a walk round on arrival.

24th August – Saturday

We had another epic walk today into Southampton, around town, West Quay shopping centre (which seemed like a social experiment, a warren of busy people, Mick does not understand that people go shopping as a pass-time) and finally IKEA.

Mick purchased some size 34 trousers, impressive from a tight 38.

25th August – Monday

Rainy, cross stitch and blog.

26th August – Tuesday

Windy and overcast.  Tried the local greasy spoon for breakfast, bit of a treat.  More walking.

27th August – Wednesday – Southampton to Port Hamble

Another short sail exploring the area.  11:50 start, arrived 13.30.  20 knots of wind which enabled some sailing.  We passed some huge tankers and car transporters which dwarf the tankers. 

The Hamble is entered through a channel which the book tells you not to ignore.  The shallows are very shallow.

There are about 6 marinas on the Hamble and it is a very yachty area.  People seem to like to say they keep their boats on the Hamble.  The channel is well marked and busy.

We moored up and walked the short distance into the village, which is very small, but very pretty.  There are galleries, several pubs, a deli and a very pretty ‘everything you never needed’ shop in a topsy-turvy cottage.

Info:  There is a Co-op only 5 minutes walk from the marina in Hamble Square.  The facilities are good with OK hairdryers and plugs. 

28th August – Thursday

Windy.  Walked to next marina along, then back on a footpath to Hamble.

Had a sort out in the boat, and of clothes and threw some (not even fit for charity shop) away, also altered some on the sewing machine.  When sailing you do actually wear clothes out.

29th August – Friday

Windy.  More cross stitch.

Scraping the bottom of the barrel for things to do, Mick got out the dinghy and gave Fleur’s waterline a good scrub.  It gets a bit furry after a few weeks with the sunlight getting to the algae.  And its a good excuse to test the dinghy.

30th August – Saturday

Windy.  So got up and did the washing and left that to dry prior to a big supermarket shop.  The small co-op in Hamble was good but we needed to stock up.  We had been told there was a Tesco on the outskirts of town, about 3 miles, so off we set with trolley.  We passed another larger co-op about a third of the way,  which with hindsight would have been suitable, but we plodded on.

Almost an hour later a mirage appeared in the shape of the ‘Tall Ship’ chippy.  A bag of chips sat in a bus shelter sorted us out and Tesco was a further 10 minutes.  An hour round Tesco and another hour home.  Phew.  Indian Meal for 2 as a reward and X Factor.

31st August – Sunday

Sunny.  Cleaned the boat, cut hair and read the papers.

Our friend Allen paid us a visit late afternoon in his big white van.  He is the backup vehicle for the Tower to Tower, Blackpool to Paris cycle, raising money for Trinity Palliative Care Services and Brian House Childrens Hospice. 

http://www.justgiving.com/T2T2014BLACKPOOLTOPARIS

Lovely to see a friendly face from home and have a good chinwag, really appreciate him dropping by, before catching his ferry.

You may have noticed there is not much to do in the Hamble, apart from walking.  We have had a good relax, while the weather has been blowy.

20th August – Wednesday – East Cowes - Isle of Wight

A gentle, sunny and breezy 4 hour sail from 11:00 to 15:00 took us the 12 miles from Gosport to East Cowes. East Cowes is a sister marina to Haslar, and they have a ticket scheme, 6 nights and one night free (like McDonalds coffee tickets).  The shipping lanes were busy and vigilance is a priority.

Info: £28 per night, excellent facilities with great hairdryers.  There is a Waitrose and Co-op in East Cowes centre approx 15 minutes walk.

Watched Great British Bakeoff on proper telly, lovely.

21st August – Thursday

Up early to do the washing as a sunny day was forecast.

Then walked to Osborne House.  I have wanted to visit here since we anchored in Osborne Bay, 14 years ago on my day skipper course.  We have since been in other peoples boats so I have looked from a distance.

Osborne House was the summer residence of Queen Victoria and her family.  It tells a sad story of a life un-fulfilled after the death of Albert, as they were so happy together before he died.

The house resembles a European Villa and is very different to the usual stately piles.  It is bright and airy, although their taste in gaudy china leaves a lot to be desired.  There is an excellent Indian exhibition in the Pavilion.

The beach is worth the walk, we sat with our butties in her beach-side folly and admired an uninterrupted view of the Solent, complete with bathing huts.

The Swiss Cottage was built for the children and now houses an eclectic collection of objet, presented from all over the world.

£15.30 is quite steep, but we thoroughly enjoyed it and the grounds are a treat to walk through on a sunny day.

We walked back to East Cowes and went on the chain ferry to Cowes centre.

Mick finally bought some new Deck Shoes, after his were ruined 6 weeks ago, but he insisted on wearing them.  I got a scarf for £8 not the £16 they wanted in France.  I don’t think I have mentioned how expensive clothes were in France, we have it quite lucky here.

22nd August – Friday

Walked to the Folly Inn (notable sailors pub) and had a pint then on to Island Harbour for a look at the marina.  We were told not to miss St Mildred’s church en-route, but sadly it was shut.

We walked back on the road, enough said.  Very tired.

19th August – Tuesday - Portsmouth cont…further

Bit of a lie in.

In the afternoon we took further advantage of our ‘All-Attractions’ ticket to visit the ‘Explosions’ museum in Gosport, a 20 minute walk from the marina.  Explosions depicts the history of munitions in the forces, their design, manufacture and distribution.  Gosport was selected to produce and store the munitions as it was across the water from the dockyard.  Near enough but not too near.

This museum more than any so far showed the horror of war.  How we have spent so much time, money and intelligence making devastating bombs in the name of peace.  If only we had used all the time and energy for good, what a different world we would live in. 

I do think we should remember previous wars and learn from them, but we are doing a very bad job of that at present.  Will we ever learn?

Again as part of the ticket, this was a very interesting, if saddening and sobering place to visit.

18th August – Monday - Portsmouth cont… Mary Rose

Packed up the butties for a Grand Day Out.  We caught the Gosport Ferry to Portsmouth town.

We were very excited today as we are going to the Portsmouth Historic Dockyards where the ‘Mary Rose’, Henry VIII flagship, is housed.  We remember clearly in 1982 the news showing Margaret Rule and the team raising her from the sea.  She is housed in a new purpose built home.

There are 3 floors and the Mary Rose is on your right, behind panelling with windows, and on each floor, artefacts are displayed in their place in special cases on your left.  Canons, ovens, barrels etc. 

It is difficult to get a good picture, she is much bigger than I expected.  The sprays have now stopped and she is drying out.  Top Tip: in 2016 they are scheduled to remove the panelling and windows to reveal her fully.  Go early as the queue by lunchtime was around the building.

Galleries on each floor also display the personal effects of many of the 500 crew on board, only 35 survived.  Examples from the Carpenter, Purser, and other trades show life on board.  For me the ticket price was worth it just for the Mary Rose.

Onto the ‘Victory’ Nelson’s flagship on which he died in the Battle of Trafalgar.  She was commissioned in the early 1800s.

Inside the ship.

The Stern.

I have not shown Nelson’s cabin as that’s one of the best bits, don’t want to spoil it.

Next is the museum proper which tells the history of the Navy and has many displays on Nelson as it has been the Bi-centenary recently.

Last but not least is HMS Warrior (1860).  Their version of a nuclear deterrent,  it did not see active service as it was so large and scary no-one would take it on.  The 50 year difference in progress between Victory and Warrior is very noticeable.

There is a harbour boat tour as part of the ticket which was a good end to a tiring day.  It leaves from the ticket office and takes you around Portsmouth harbour.  To survey where our taxes are spent!

Portsmouth Harbour is home to the navy and still an active and busy military establishment.

After the museum we walked to the Old Town and had a pint in the ‘Spice Island’ pub.  Then we walked to Southsea!  We thought we may go and look at the marina but it was too far, especially as we had been walking all day.

Found the ‘Midnight Tandoori’,  5-7pm,  £5.95 platter, who could refuse?  Highly recommended.

Then we walked back to Portsmouth via Gunwharf Quay, which is a very modern, high-end, shopping centre.

Then back to Gosport on the Ferry.