January 2015 – Winter Cruise

The first week of the year was spent pottering around and getting ready for the Cruise.

I covered some boxes with fancy wallpaper, to help tidy my craft room.

Mick pulled the suite apart after watching You Tube.  He put some new elastic slats under the seats and we will investigate new foam inserts in the future, now we know its possible.

Out to the Dresser’s Arms at Brinscall with Nigel and Debbie.  The ‘Little Hong Kong’ restaurant was great, and the food excellent.  The whole place has been gutted since they had a fire and they have made a modern yet comfortable eatery.  Really lovely evening.

I went Burnley with Karon and John, material shopping.

I visited ‘Preston Lace Makers’ society with Liz.  Lovely day seeing other peoples work and chatting.  It is a large and thriving society which bawds well for the future of Lace-Making.

Packing for Cruise.

Travelled to Southampton to spend 2 nights on our boat ‘Fleur’ prior to setting off on P&O’s Oriana to Casablanca, Portugal and Spain.

11th January – Sunday

A short taxi ride took us to the Cruise Terminal at Southampton.  We booked last minute and so where not expecting much as she is 20 years old, but the Oriana has had a refit and was very well appointed.

13th January – Tuesday – La Coruna, Spain

Arrived La Corunna in Northern Spain after 2 days of Force 10 gales in the Bay of Biscay.  Glad we were on a huge ship and not ours.  Serves us right for being cheap and travelling in January, only to be expected really.

La Corunna has been a major port of call for centuries and has a lovely old town feel about it.  The most prominent features are the covered in balconies on the buildings.  If a Spanish town needs covered in windows they must be lashed by the Atlantic at times.  They do Art Deco city tours and you can see why.

We walked from the ship and it was a bit showery but warmer.  I had a little snooze on deck in the afternoon, I love the old reclining deck chairs on Deck 7 (Promenade Deck) and a bit of winter sun, just sent me off after our walk. 

14th January – Wednesday – Oporto, Portugal

We visited Oporto a few years ago with Andy and Sue.  We had previously been on a city bus tour which fortunately took us to the Port.  So when we walked off the boat we knew where we were.  We walked around the Port area and along the promenade which is approximately 1 or 2 miles from the Centre of the main town.  It is worth a trip and all the Port Wine houses offer free trips.

The local fishermen land their catch here and there are many fishmongers and warehouses.  On the sea front there are tiny restaurants which look nothing from outside but on the inside are quite special.  In the summer there are canopies outside so that you can eat outdoors, in winter the canopies are gone but you still see the large barbecue's, at the side of the road, ablaze and ready to cook.  No sign of the safety elf.

I found the most delightful haberdashery shop, which in a very small space, had every sort of lace, ribbon and trimmings you could ever want.  Where most shops have 6 of something she had 30.  Amazing.

15th January – Day at Sea

For those not familiar with Cruises, sea days pass quickly going from one event to another with food breaks in between.  Itineraries are left in your cabin each night for the following day so that you can choose.  There is something for everyone, lectures, recitals, dance lessons, gym, saunas, pools, quizzes, and much more.  Port day talks about the next destination, a cinema and TV’s in every room streaming films and various interest programmes and news channels along with a bow camera to check on the weather conditions.

We attended Ricky Bastin’s Concorde lectures.  He was a technical engineer for Concorde for most of her life.  He gave impassioned, if a little biased lectures on every aspect of the plane, including her downfall.  He then took questions in one of the lounges in the afternoon after each speech.  Great to get information straight from someone so intimately involved.  He is worth googling.

The entertainment deputy Karon held Craft gatherings on sea days and sold small craft kits for people who had not brought their own crafts.  I met a lady called Margaret who showed interest in making a bear.  I had brought 3 bears cut out and would never make them all so was happy for Margaret to have a try.  Her passion is Embroidery so she was handy with a needle.  Over 5 sea days she managed to make a bear, which she christened ‘Teddy Oriana’.  We met some lovely ladies and it was nice to bump into each other around the ship too.

Michael went to Piano recitals when I was at Craft sessions.  The first one in the Bay of Biscay had to be aborted after the Grand Piano broke free of its position.  It was likely to dent passengers and its expensive self (£70,000).

He also went chatting to the Concorde guy.

16th January – Friday – Casablanca, Morocco

We opted for an organised trip on this occasion to get a good feel of the city.  We passed ‘Rick’s Cafe’ on the bus, an enterprising American lady had created it after the success of the film ‘Casablanca’ which was all filmed in Hollywood!  (You can just about see the sign).

First stop was to the Hassan II Mosque, the seventh largest in the world (we were told third largest).  Finished in 1993 after only 6 years building with 10,000 people involved (we were told 15,000).  It does have the world’s tallest minaret and it is difficult to show the scale.

The picture below shows the beautiful marble bathing facilities for the faithful, which extends under the whole mosque.

We then visited a Catholic Church (Church of Our Lady of Lourdes built 1930), we did not fully understand the reason for the visit, as it was very plain concrete on the outside, but had the most fabulous strained glass walls on the inside.  Not just windows but the whole wall down each side of the church.

We were then dropped off to walk around the old town hall which had intricate carvings.

Then onto the Souk.  Sadly it was Friday and due to prayers many of the shops were closed.  We stopped for Mint Tea at the ‘Cafe Imperial’ and then back to the bus.

There is a small shopping area at the Portside if you did not want to take a trip, but as the Moroccan's are avid traders, the people who chose to walk were pestered quite a bit.  There were also many armed police around, as we were there very soon after the ‘Charlie Hebdo’ incident.

17th January – Sea Day

18th January – Malaga, Spain

Sadly this was a very rainy day, but un-deterred we took the Portside walk from the ship to the town which takes about 10 minutes.  There has been heavy investment in shops and cafes to cater for Cruise ships and tourists in very modern surroundings.

The town itself was a total surprise and a real treat.  We had expected a Benidorm type experience, which could be found in the sea-side part of town.  But the old town was beautiful.  Old and modern buildings sitting comfortably together.  The old Cathedral was impressive from the outside and full bling on the inside.  Including large TV screens which we had not seen before in a church.

The old castle was charming and had an amphitheatre in the grounds, which was discovered relatively recently. 

Lovely lanes of shops and cafes darted from every square.  We had a delightful day despite the rain.

19th January – Cadiz, Spain

Our first fully sunny day.  A short walk from the ship took us to the centre of Cadiz.  The small narrow streets then merge into lovely squares.  One square had a market and an old tiled market house. 

The Cathedral was very old and not ornate inside.  We happened to walk through another church which had a kind of cloister.  It also had very strange life like statues wearing ornate clothing, and lifelike cadavers in caskets, which were quite unsettling, we did not linger. 

I managed to buy some more bear stuffing from a sewing shop, after Michael had failed in a previous shop to mime ‘stuffing’, to the owners amusement.

20th January – Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon was a sunshine and showers day.  We had been to Lisbon before with Andy and Sue so decided to have a walk around on our own.  What should have been a short walk from the ship into town became an uphill hike through tiny streets after we took a wrong turn and headed ever upwards towards the castle.  The walk down was much more pleasant.

There is an old fashioned tram system in Lisbon and the trams are very attractive.

The whole area including the coasts of Spain and Portugal were hit by a large earthquake a century ago and when Lisbon was rebuilt the town centre was built on a grid pattern.  So the main town streets are very uniform and old world modern.  The main square is a whopper and is surrounded by decorative buildings.

Leaving Lisbon by sea takes you under the suspension bridge and a Brazil-like enormous statue of Christ (just visible in the background).  This was our last big ‘Sailaway’ party of the trip so many people took advantage of one last look from the back of the ship.

21st January – Sea Day

Drink with Peter and Sheila who are related to our friends Graham and Pauline.  It was a special birthday trip for Sheila and we had seen them around the ship but it was really nice to sit and have a chat in the bar in our Black Tie clothes for the ships last dressed up evening.

22nd January – Sea Day

Margaret finished her bear which she christened ‘Teddy Oriana’.

23rd January – Friday

Off the ship at 09.15 and said our last goodbyes to Jo and Bob who had been our dinner companions during the Cruise.  It is fortunate if you meet people who you get on with and we were very lucky with Jo and Bob.

Went to the boat by Taxi and she was covered in a hard frost which had settled under the clear sky of the previous night.  It made her look like a snowball.

Aldi Indian Meal for two, not quite the 3 course meals we had on board the ship but very good nevertheless.

24th to 26th January – Saturday to Monday

Mick carried out some maintenance.  The rudder had a rust prevention treatment using Galvafroid.  He also replaced the water pump speed seal.

Monday – Portchester

We had a drive around the coast to Portchester.  When we were in Portsmouth Harbour we could see a castle in the distance across the bay, which turned out to be Portchester Castle.  Then onto Port Solent which is a purpose built marina village. 

There is an excellent Chandlers called Marina Superstore.  We bought pilot books for the next leg of our travels.  Antifoul paint for the bottom of the boat once she is out of the water in March, as it was such a good price.  I managed to find a pair of heavier duty, wet weather trousers with the ladies back flap.  There were times last year when I coveted them on our sailing chums.  They had been in the shop 3 years and after 2 reductions were £30 instead of £100, bargain.  http://www.marinesuperstore.com/

There are lots of shops and restaurants at Port Solent and it was a very pleasant find.  There was even a trading post for local crafters, so something for everyone.

We then went to South-sea Marina, as we had talked to people during the summer who use it.  The facilities seemed excellent and the staff were very friendly.  The amenities are currently being updated so should be ready for next season.  The Indian ‘Bombay Bay’ which was recommended was sadly closed, better luck next time.

We then travelled back to Southampton on the coastal route via Lee on Solent with great sea views.  We had the biggest bag of chips ever, (Karon’s on the High Street) so much so that dinner was abandoned when we returned to Fleur.

27th January – Tuesday

Home in under 6 hours.  Boat leftovers for tea.

28th January onwards

Since coming home, I had my hair cut, Mick went out with work colleagues, and I made 2 bags.

We are spending February at home, then back to the boat in March for preparations for this years trip to Holland.  Well towards Holland, last years plan was a little rigid so we are going to aim towards Holland in no particular hurry.

December 2014

Southampton

The newly re-upholstered cushions fit very well and now everything matches.  The covers have really helped to prevent wear and tear on the original covers, which are underneath.

Mick dismantled and re-assembled the Boom Vang with the new parts purchased.

Mick cleaned the boat.

Went to the Tang’s Chinese for Mick’s special day.

Published both blogs.

Walked into Southampton.  The usual market stalls have been replaced by Christmas Market stalls, all very festive and thankfully the ‘Curry Man’ had a stall too, to maintain Samosa supplies

4th December – Thursday – W.I. Photoshoot

Today is the reason Mick cleaned the boat on his birthday.

My local W.I. had nominated me to the W.I. Life Magazine, which is sent free to the W.I.’s 200,000+ members every month, as they were looking for people with interesting stories.  Lucy from the W.I. office came to Southampton with a makeup artist and photographer.

While I was having my makeup done in the Marina Loos, Michael was being a stand-in model to prepare the shots.  The previous and next days were sunny but typically the shoot day was quite overcast, but not raining.  Mick had to make some small modifications to the boat to make sure the canopy supports struts were not obscuring the shots.

Taking the photos took about 45 minutes then we had a good chat to Lucy about our trip.

The article will be in the W.I. Life magazine anytime from April onwards.

It was a lovely experience being professionally made up and photographed.  It will be interesting and a little bit strange seeing it in print.

5th December – Romsey

While talking to a lady in a fabric shop, she mentioned a very good shop for quilting in Romsey.  At the time we did not have access to a car so I parked the idea of going.  Now that we have the car with us it is nice to explore a bit further, so off we went to Romsey which is about 10 miles from Southampton.  It turned out to be a pretty town with lots of nice shops and an excellent bakery.

While i was browsing in the fabric shop Mick found a leaflet advertising a Lantern procession in the evening.  As it was late afternoon we decided to stick around and see what it was all about.  We did some food shopping to pass the time until the due start time at 5.15pm.  Markets stalls appeared in the streets selling lots of lovely hot things to eat.

The local school children had made lanterns, and there was at least 300 children parading their creations.  Some were quite small, and lit up using small LED torches inside.  But as you can see below some were really big.  There was a very clever set of old fashioned sweets including a huge Drumstick lolly.

I love stumbling on un-expected events.

7th December – Sunday – Gosport

Went to Gosport to meet Graham and Pauline for Sunday lunch on the Lightship.

8th December – Monday

Removed our front sail and managed to roll it up, using the full length of the Men’s changing rooms.

9th December – Tuesday - Hythe

Drove to Beaulieu for a walk around before going to Hythe.  It really is a pretty place.  We also went to Calshott Beach which is nearby.  During the summer we kept passing a very impressive line of perfect beach huts and wondered where they were.  It was a cold and windy day, but even so the view from the beach huts across the Solent was beautiful. 

We were in Hythe to see Robert and Penny who we met several times during the summer.  We had a really lovely few hours chatting about our travels and plans for 2015. 

10th December – Wednesday

Drove to Graham and Pauline’s house for our night out at Blanc’s Bistro in Farnham.  We have an annual Christmas Do for Graham’s one-man business as he does not get a works Christmas Do otherwise.

11th December – Thursday – Winchester

We went to Winchester Christmas market with Graham and Pauline.  It is billed as the largest in Europe but the people writing this have obviously not been to Manchester.   It could qualify as the prettiest or the hardest to find.  Only a sign in the Cathedral Grounds showed where the market was, which once found, was in the courtyard of the Cathedral Grounds and very picturesque against the background of the Cathedral itself.  Thank goodness I had looked on the internet first to find out where it was.

We had an excellent lunch in the Cathedral cafe and then Pauline and I went shopping while Mick, Graham and several other husbands sampled the ale in the sixteenth century pub next to the Cathedral.

12th December – Plymouth

150 miles to Plymouth from Southampton to visit Mark Johnson on his Yacht ‘Gem’.  Drinks first in Chandlers bar at the Marina with Mark’s Girlfriend Jacqui.  We then went to a Cantonese restaurant called Hakka.  Also there were Mark’s friends Alan, Lynn and Stewart.  We had met Alan and Stewart before when we went to Guernsey on Mark’s boat a few years ago.

13th December – Plymouth

Walked to Plymouth Hoe.  Found an amazing Antiques Centre in an old Port Building, which even had a full sized ‘Cyberman’.

It was Jacqui’s works Christmas Party, so Mick, Mark and I first went to a local pub ‘The Fareham’.  A very small fisherman’s pub with very friendly locals.  Then to the ‘Thai in the Park’ a Thai restaurant over the ‘Park’ pub.  Very good food.

14th December – Sunday

09.45 start to make the 275 mile journey home in the little mini, which was once again full to bursting as we had to take pillows, sleeping bags, sailing gear (just in case) and overnight bags, plus the things we were taking home from the boat.  Sarah Millican was on Desert Islands Disks so that passed some time.

15th December – Monday

8 loads of washing and during the first one the washer broke!  Found an excellent man on the internet called ‘Domestic Appliances of Colne’ who with his wife very efficiently delivered a replacement washer and removed our old one at 4.00pm on the same day.  Excellent Service.  We don’t buy new white goods and got an 8kg, 1400 spin-speed reconditioned washer for £140 delivered.  And we had a choice of 4.

Went to a Christmas Do tonight with Annette, Julian, Ronnie and Maureen, the highlight of which is always the ‘Blackburn with Darwen Brass Band’ who play a medley of Carols and Christmas songs which really starts Christmas off in a lovely manner.

16th December to 24th December

Made Chilli Pickle to give as prezzies.

Liz came around and then we went to her’s for lace-making equipment to get me started.  Lovely afternoon.

Made James Martin’s Sticky Toffee Pudding with Prunes (instead of the usual Dates).   Made it in two loaf tins and had to sample it with the sauce too.  Half into Freezer for Christmas Day.

Visited work and took a few Jars of Pickle.

Made Cucumber Pickle for the first time.  Cucumbers, Onions and lots of spices, turned out well, more prezzies.

Finished off two two-tone teddy bears.  Made a pink Bow Tie for one of them.

Made 8 draft excluders.

Made Butterfly Pictures.

Went to dinner at Paul and Maria’s.  Lovely evening with the whole family.

Made ‘Scandi’ fabric table mat.

Went to Pam’s for tea with Mark and Karl.  Lively discussion.

25th December 2014

Fab Christmas Dinner at Annette and Julian’s.  I made Mackerel Pate, they made great Christmas dinner and we finished ourselves off with my Sticky Toffee Pudding and sauce (which should be illegal on health grounds).  Home late stuffed and happy.

26th December – Boxing Day

Family outing to Alex and Katie’s for family get together with Annette and Julian.  They do the best secret Santa (up to £20 and you are allocated someone different each year) and great Curry and Chilli.  I got a Pie Making machine!  ‘I ate all the pies’ or I soon will.  Mick got a sailing book.  

27th December – Saturday

Jackie, Murray, Chloe and Webster visiting and staying at Annette’s.  We all went to Immanuel Fabrics at Burnley and then to the Dil Raj for Dinner.  Excellent Day.

28th December – Sunday

Breakfast at Annette’s for Jackie and Murray’s departure.

Home via the YMCA shop in Clitheroe to pick up a lidded box I saw yesterday, but could not fit in the car. Project for New Year.

Read the Sunday Papers.

To Steve and Elaine’s for Dinner and overnight stay.  Elaine makes the best Jambalaya (Chicken, Prawns and Chorizo in Rice).

29th December – Monday

Made a Satchel out of old Vinyl, partial success.

Out to the Duke of York at Grindleton with Allen and Dorit.  Really lovely evening and a good catch-up.

30th December – Tuesday

Finished Satchel, now I need to find some leather.

Went to Karon’s to look at her Craft Room, it’s huge.  Good chin-wag.

31st December – Wednesday

Had my first go at Lace-making.

Watched our sailing Videos from the summer, ahhh.

To Annette’s for Lancashire Hotpot.  New Years Eve at Low Moor Club.  ‘Freebird’ were playing.

The club on our street is walk-able for everyone, so it gets pretty busy at New Year.  Had a good dance and a catch-up with neighbours old and new.  Excellent evening/morning.

What a year this has been.  We have done more, seen more and accomplished more than we ever thought possible.  We have lost too many good friends, but made new ones also.  We have been blessed with the weather (mostly) and are looking forward to 2015 with open hearts and minds.

To see some of the things I made visit www.handmadebyannmarie.blogspot.co.uk

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.