David's2023Walk

Having initially (and naively) intended to walk to the chain ferry from Poole, I'd by now thought twice about it and had sussed out that the bus station was close to the hotel, that the No.60 went all the way down the Sandbacks peninsula and would deliver me to the ferry. I arrived at the ferry terminal in good time to appreciate the technology and watch the approaching ferry. That's when  ..... Satan stepped forward and I realised that the same bus-stop served the No.50 which could take me all the way from the ferry to Studland.  Get behind me Satan!!!! So, I eagerly joined a group of other walkers already on the No.50 and onto the ferry and in to the driving rain we went - all of us on the top deck, complete with heavy condensation on the windows.  The only clear view was out of the back window - so I appreciated the view as we pulled away from the slip. It was becoming obvious that visibility was going to be a problem to...

This is a planned day off, so after an early breakfast, I walked the short distance down to the waterfront along to Poole Quay and waited  for the 11:30 departure for a cruise around Poole Harbour and Brownsea Island.  ......so that's what happened to Aunty Betty!!!.. We went as far as the entrance to Poole Harbour to see the chain-ferry outside the Dunes Hotel before turning to have a look at Brownsea Castle which was commissioned by Henry VIII to protect the entrance to Poole Harbour from attack, now owned by the National Trust and leased to John Lewis Partneship. I was able to watch some close Sunday morning yacht racing and then watch a Dutch registered fishing boat dredge netting for shellfish which I later watched tie-up on the wall back at Poole Quay. with all its catch on display! I can't imagine it ...

By this morning, I was still hobbling a bit, so decided it was time for a break. With another planned day off tomorrow in Poole I decided to make the most of it and see if I could get my boots reheeled as well. Fortunately, Tim at Christchurch Cobblers and Locksmiths was up for the challenge and promised to get them fixed by mid afternoon. So, I planned a day of torpor!  Having initially intended to walk out to Hengitsbury Head, I realised that'd have to wait for another time.  Instead, I went for a short stroll around The Quomps to look out over the confluence of the Rivers and Avon before they enter Christchurch Harbour.  The fascination between people and swans must be mutual. .....or does it always come down to cupboard love!!?? ...." try ignoring him. He might go away" The Priory is another beautiful combination of Norman and later Gothic styles.  Then on to The Red House Museum - a converte...