Double Decker Cruising

London, England

The stars (Southern Cross) must be in the boot?

For our second day the weather could have been a bit better, but undeterred, we sat up top in a double decker tour bus and travelled the red, yellow and blue routes. 

Tower Bridge under some blue sky

Overwhelmed with information, we hopped off at the Victoria and Albert Museum for a “lunch & loo” stop before popping by to see the huge Raphael cartoons (drawings) housed there.  Unfortunately, the Textile Museum (with a Kaffe Fassett exhibition) was closed – both Sunday & Monday… 

It's amazing who your neighbours could be....  Sherlock Holmes?

No chance there, so we decided to whizz passed Harrods, cross over Oxford Street, and pretend we had time to take in a show at one of the numerous theatres in West End instead.  (GS made a mental note for next time we’re in town though).  At least this time she did not come back with a Selfridge’s bag bulging with a purple fur coat (fake), a suede fringed vest or outlandish snakeskin high heels.  Well, come on!  It was the Seventies…

One Fine Stay

London, England

Yes, we were really there...and it was a grey day (in part) too!

We can now understand why Queen Victoria loved the Isle of Wight.  It was a great place to be and well out of the city rat-race, even if home was a palace.  There is no doubt about it, London is huge.  It’s vibrant, expensive, and wall to wall with people, tourists included.  There’s a lot to see and do and you really do have to pinch yourself to believe that everything (mostly) is REAL.  The Motleys had allocated a little over two days for their first foray – a tester perhaps, to see if sailing to the UK was at all do-able, weather permitting.  Add to the mix Cap’n Peg Leg‘s gammy leg and we knew we were going to be doing it tough.  But we did our briny best….

All eyes were on that horse! Cousin Peter & Ben

Luckily our hotel in Westminster was central, so on Saturday we met up with Peter, Petra and baby Ben for a guided walking tour of the “must do” sights.  There is no doubt that walking in a new city is the best way of understanding it.  Following along, even at a snail’s pace, we managed to cover the best picks for a top ten (well, twenty really!). 

Getting lost at Australia Gate near Buckingham Palace

After visiting Number 10 and the Queen, we recovered over a nice lunch near Nelson’s Column.  Then it was on to admire Christopher Wren’s masterpiece, St Paul’s Cathedral before pondering the fate of dissidents or pirates at the Tower of London. We warmed up with tea & scones under the Tower Bridge, before braving a river cruise back upstream passing South Bank highlights including the Golden Hinde and Shakespeare’s Globe.

Taking Tea with Petra & Ben under the Tower Bridge (a PG photo)

And yes, it did rain (thankfully not all day)

Famous Sea Captains

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

We learned that HMS Victory (1759) is docked at Portsmouth, so before heading back to the Isle of Wight by ferry, we managed a short visit to the oldest dry dock in the world and of course the ship housed in it, the Victory – Admiral Lord Nelson’s flagship.  The Victory has been beautifully restored although there’s still plenty more work to be done.  “A little big for us,” said the Cap’n glancing at acres of brass and caulked timbers, not to mention the odd cannon or two.

The Business side

Obviously not set for the heat of battle

She floats: Circa 1900 (Wiki)

Resting in Fareham

Fareham, England:  25^th May 1972

Chapel at Fareham where JGP's service was held

We visited Fareham on the 8^th May to pay our respects to our Captain's father, JGP..  As you can imagine the cemetery grounds were beautifully maintained; spring flowers and ancient trees peppered green lawns.  We had no trouble finding JGP’s gravesite and after an all-too-brief visit left an Aussie flag and a coin (It was all we had!) so that he could have a reminder of his home and family – so very far away.

   

  

  

Good Weather Tomorrow?

Are you really sure the weather is going to be good tomorrow?

Of course it is.... my source is very reliable!

Mr Red Squirrel contemplates the weather over a dish of nuts..

Sharker looks suspicious...he's heard it all before!

And Badger doesn't really care right now...

More Hedgerow Running

Walk over Smuggler’s Bones: The Buddle Inn 16th C at Niton

Of course, there's lots more to do on the Isle of Wight.  Hedgerow Running continues: 

Admire Cottage Gardens in Spring: Mottistone Manor Gardens. Just look at those daffodils!

Have Scones & Tea with the Queen: Osbourne House & Queen Victoria

Spend the day at the Beach: Niton Undercliff.  So where's the sand then?

Rub Shoulders with Posh Yachties: On Yarmouth Pier

 

Visit the Big House: Puckaster House 1824

Hedgerow Running

Isle of Wight, England

On one small island there are remains of dinosaurs, evidence of prehistoric man, Roman ruins, places where Royalty have stayed and cute cottages in postcard villages. Everywhere!  The Motley’s hired a car and took a spin through narrow hedgerows admiring scenery from rolling green pastures to dramatic cliff faces.  And there was even the odd sail boat or three braving not quite summer conditions.  What a perfect start to the season.

Our host, Linda “I’ve heard  the weather is going to be better tomorrow”, ensured we were snug and well fed, met the locals (including Lovejoy) and kept up with gardening duties.  We learned of Uffa Fox (a famous sailor & yacht designer) and his connection to the cottage, had a personal tour through the nearby grand cottage orné, Puckaster House (1824, Listed Grade II) & it's beautiful grounds and ate cheese before pudding in typical British fashion…  

So what are the Motley’s recommendations for the IOW?

Stay at a Cute Cottage: Uffa's Cottage (1824)

Try the Local Brew: Aussies like their beer cold...

Experience Real History: (St Lawrence Old Church 12th C)

Get to Meet the Neighbours: Peter & Sharker (who is not sharing his toys today!)