For the last few weeks we have taken to walking along many of the network of foot paths that criss cross the country, in an effort to kill time and regain some fitness.
Some pic’s of historic features during a wander beside the meandering river Adur, taking in the ruins of Bramber Castle, which has featured in an earlier blog entry. Some pics of the now defunct local rail network.
Visiting a friend.
On Saturday morning we headed down to New Milton, in the New Forest, in the county of Hampshire. The reason for the journey, to visit the lovely Victoria, who is rattling around in her great big house.
We all enjoyed a luncheon at The Cliff Top Restaurant, looking out at the Isle of Wight basking in sunshine. It’s time we visited this island, only 16 miles from Portsmouth.
Next morning.
After enjoying kicking a football with her grand children in the back yard on Sunday morning, we drove back east, to Chichester, to stay in a motel for the night. The reason, to attend the funeral of one of Jen’s cousins, at 9am the next morning. But rather than spend hours in an sterile hotel room, Jen decided on a detour to the picturesque coastal town of Bosham. The road we took, is tidal. Fortunately the tide was out, and access was available.
Some Bosham History
Inhabited by the Romans, Bosham was the sixth most important town in Sussex in the 8th century. Legend has it that the Danish King Canute sat on a chair surrounded by his courtiers and commanded the waves to go back – they did not, an exercise which showed that even the great Canute was mortal; he got his feet wet! King Canute’s eight year old daughter was drowned in the Brook Stream and is buried in Bosham Church in a Saxon coffin at the foot of the chancel steps.
It was from Bosham that Harold II set forth in 1064 to negotiate with William of Normandy, a voyage that led to William the Conqueror’s return in 1066; Bosham features in the Bayeaux Tapestry.
A rare beauty.
A wander around the town, which included an ice-cream and roadside cafe snack
The much awaited message.
For the past week we have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of the ship with Poki on board, and for notification of its disembarkation. Also advice of when we can pick her up. After the funeral, the family and partners enjoyed a brunch at the White Swan, on the outskirts of Arundel. During the meal we received notification that Poki was available….YAY!!! Another 40miles drive back from the direction we had come the day before. Then the challenge of finding her on the massive wharf complex, of Southampton. Five or six towering cruise ships in port, as tall as sky scrapers!!
The container had only been opened that morning. Poki started immediately. A splash of diesel at a motorway petrol station, 30p/L above the local price, and I’m on my way back to Wineham. It’s a lovely day and the English countryside is looking splendid. The Oak trees now fully leaved, and fields full of spring growth crops. The historic towns on the way, beautiful.
Jen was greatly stressed about driving the Mini back on her own. How could she possibly manage without me telling her what to do?..:) But guess what? She managed just fine…:)
Now the job of putting everything back together again and preparing her for a trip France next Wednesday 20th. So exciting…:)
Newsflash.
We have just received an offer from friend Alex, of a tour of ‘Gardiner’s London’. Now what could be more enjoyable and entertaining, than that? No pressure Alex..:) But it’ll have to wait till we return to the UK, mid to late June.
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