On the Solent by RIB...

Spent the afternoon in the boat, since the kids were in London for the day. Forecast was a bit windy, but the sea was fine. Photos show the ferry entering Cowes, looking backwards down Southampton Water, and then looking forward.

Mudeford for Father's Day

Went down to Avon beach at Mudeford yesterday afternoon. It's our favourite "local" beach - even though it's about 35 minutes drive away - because it's sand rather than shingle. Also the beach cafe is a lovely place to have breakfast, overlooking the beach and great views to the Isle of Wight and the Needles. Stayed on the beach in the early evening and then spent the night in the local Premier Inn (as recommended by Lenny Henry...) which is only five minutes away. Then spent a lovely couple of hours on the beach this morning (after a very fine breakfast, I must say). The kids even managed to bring Father's Day presents hidden in their bags, bless them (and thanks to Grampsie who did the purchasing for them!) A jar of green olives (excellent!) and a book (Blood River by Tim Butcher).

Welcome Video

Thought I'd get a bit more technologically advanced and put a short video of me on the blog (how's that for vanity?!). This was done very quickly just to prove it was possible, and I don't think I look terribly natural or relaxed. Maybe if I have a bit more time I'll make a better video.

Cruise Ships

Had a pleasant late afternoon/early evening on the boat. Motored down Southampton Water to Calshot and were going to head over to the Isle of Wight, but it was a little choppy for Anna, so we came back. Actually it wasn't very choppy, really, but I didn't want to push my luck with Anna, since she sometimes a bit hesitant about boating. Managed to sit at about 25knots on the way back without Anna noticing - so that was good!

Anyway, Southampton really has become Cruise ship city. There were three of the huge, modern cruise ships left port while we were out, so got a good look at all three of them. The shot above is of Oriana, which was probably the smallest of the three.

Holidays, holidays, holidays...

Really, really, really must get on and book a summer holiday. Since, this has to be in the school holidays, I'm pushing my luck by not booking anything yet. Where's the year going, by the way? Can't be nearly June, surely?? I've posted a picture from last year - Bay of Roses in Northern Spain - as a reminder to GET IT SORTED.

Another Castle...

Bank Holiday Monday was a bit dull and wet in the morning, but the afternoon was better, so we visited another castle. This time, Portchester Castle, just west of Portsmouth. It's one of the kids' favourite places and is a pretty good castle. The outer walls are Roman - it was built as a shore fort to protect against the Saxons - and there's a later keep with great views. Surprising number of people around, but I suppose it was a Bank Holiday...

Zoom Picture...

I'd like to get some better pictures of myself here. Unfortunately, I don't have any!! (It's not my usual practice to go around taking pictures of myself...) Playing with a photo editor, managed to crop from one of the pictures from below, at higher resolution, so will have to do for the moment. I think a click on this piccie will give a decent resolution.

Actually, I've just clicked on it, and it's alarmingly high resolution! Please be prepared!