Friday 19 August 2016

Around and Around - The Rolling Stones

So, where did those 8 days go and the final one for
Jean-Francois in England.
Alternately spending one day in our Recording Area
and another seeing what we could of South Dorset, yesterday
was dedicated to circumnavigating the
Second Largest Natural Harbour in the World.
Approaching the rim of
POOLE HARBOUR
from the north it is a succession of beautiful drive through
Tunnels of Trees
and Heathland alike.
HARTLAND MOOR
Owned by the
NATIONAL TRUST
and guarded by the Donkeys
we next headed for the tiny hamlet at
MIDDLEBERE
Maybe once a small farmstead?
but now only occupied by those who can afford to stay at such places.
Rounding the last house and through the gate, looking across the reedbed
first to be seen was a
distant
MARSH HARRIER
Once inside the hide overlooking Middlebere Creek
a good number of Little Egret (left) were seen along with a single
SPOONBILL
but at greater distance than the Harrier.
 Due to heavy holiday traffic and parking restraints little was seen of

CORFE CASTLE
but at least we got a glimpse.
 Next was the View Point close to the Purbeck Golf Club
overlooking the whole of the Harbour and much of the Blasted Heath,
starting from the West.
COWS 
This scene reminded me so much of a lesson learnt as a very young man
having joined the Royal Navy at the tender age of 15 years.
The Chief Petty Officer (SIR to you and me) described such a scene
with an Old Bull and a Young Bull stood in a similar situation admiring the cows below.
The Young Bull turned to the Old Bull and said
"what say we race down into the valley and 'service' one of those cows each"?
The Old Bull then turned to his Junior and said
"steady up laddie, why not take a slow saunter down there and 'service' them ALL!
The Western edge of Poole Harbour including Furzy Island.
Central, showing the paler cliffs of Brownsea Island
where the Boy Scout Movement was first formed by
Lord Baden Powell.
J-F thinking he has gone to Heaven!
Poole Harbour Entrance just left of centre and
Bournemouth Bay 
to the right.
From East to West.

Bournemouth Bay, across Poole Harbour and
out onto the open Heath.
Next, J-F was to be introduced to the charms of the village of
 STUDLAND
with its almost pristine Norman Church,
thought to have been built around 1100 AD,
(Studland Link)
 Olde Worlde Houses
 and incredible views across the English Channel/Solent
as far as the
Isle of Wight.
 This small promontory is also about pole position for views of
 OLD HARRY ROCK

and his long suffering Wife,
while looking back on ourselves can be seen the
newly restored Manor, once a fine hotel, and now an
even finer establishment with superb restaurant (from
practical experience) now known as
 THE PIG on the BEACH
 THATCHED COTTAGE
so no wonder we were puffed out, time for a sandwich and drink.
Before  leaving this beautiful spot this novel looking

PLANE
 flew directly overhead
An addition received 14:00 x 19/08/2016 from our Dear Friend Roy Norris.

Lovely scenes as always around God's Country.
The plane is a Aeroprakt A22 Foxbat.
The gentleman who owns it, also built it.
Yes, 'Old Bulls' indeed.

We then headed back to take one last look at the village with the
BANKES ARMS PUB
right at its heart.
Close to the end of our day we encountered a traffic jam at the outskirts of the village,
but with deft driving skill (yeah alright) we alone took a chance and managed to avoid them.
We arrived at the
SANDBANKS CHAIN FERRY
just as the Sternsheetsman was securing the final chain for departure
and with a wave of the hand and a wry grin, which spelt "you've missed it",
the ferry got underway.
For 2 young lads on a day-out this was the greatest bit of fortune to befall us
as you have to agree
LIFE IS NOT A RUSH - WE'LL ALL GET TO THE SAME PLACE EVENTUALLY
the Secret being not to miss a Single Trick on the way.
It would be a full half hour before the vessels return and with, it seemed, all vehicles
being hampered by the jam, we stood here almost alone to savour and photograph
all about us!
Always a scene of much interesting action there are usually a variety of craft
passing through the entrance in both directions with the sailing vessel
MOONFLEET
already shaping up for entry,

only a few yards to go!
A few 
COMMON TERN
darting backwards and forwards as well as perched,
and a few interesting buildings to boot.
 BROWNSEA ISLAND CASTLE
 and ramparts, which would be expensive enough were it ever to be put up for sale.
 but for now we will just have to content ourselves with this water-frontage
at Sandbanks which has been designated the most
Expensive Real Estate in the World.
A part of this is the home of
Football Coach
HARRY REDKNAPP.
and look, just as we had reached our fill
HERE COMES THE FERRY
"Thank Heavens for Traffic Jams" that's what I say!!
especially being one of 2 Old Bulls on a nice day out!
POOLE HARBOUR ENTRANCE
Entry

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