HAPPY BIRTHDAY - Stevie Wonder

and we're still a day in arrears........

It was considered a huge privilege to be the only non-family member invited to Secret Juniors birthday party and what a party it was!

With the guests already mustered and

 

the table creaking with goodies it was only the weather that upskittled things slightly. The plan had been for a picnic on the lawn, but the heavy and persistent rain put paid to that. Having witnessed the hundreds of thousands of people braving the elements over weekends Jubilee celebration, we were not to be thwarted as Secret Senior overcame a couple of other minor teething troubles with the new barbecue and flashed it up in the garage. 

 

Unaware of last nights 'secret' party with many of his friends, today was the day when Robert White came of age (18) and I for one was so pleased to share the moment with him. His young lady had spent many hours constructing this collage of photographs of them both during their trips together in UK, New York and Washington DC.

However, while he was the star of the show, Harry, Rob's sister Lizzy and new mum Katie

were making sure 10 months old baby Maisie was stealing most of the limelight, as babies do.

Robert's mum Jane and girlfriend Becky were busily keeping the guests fed

while the real Secret Lemonade Drinker was now opting for a drop of slightly stronger 'bubbly' - only a large one for me Gary.

After a bit of serious 'candle blowing' it was time for

boys to be boys

and a quick whizz round the conservatory on the Kawasaki. Thank You All for such a fantastic day, the music and 'Tails of the Sea' were also most welcome!

Thank You For The Music - Abba

As the Party Season continues, I seem to be getting further and further disorganised. In the rush to meet the deadline for Tuesdays post and a little Dazed and Confused (Led Zeppelin) I arrived home after midnight both too late and making a right ‘pot mess’ of it. A few amendments have been made along with corrections to spelling.

NORMAL SERVICE WILL BE RESUMED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE – hopefully tomorrow?
PS it may be of interest to some readers to visit the Comments Box associated with Mondays post.

 Fantastic that my return coincides with the Diamond Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend but, as is all too often the way, the weather stepped in. I wouldn't describe myself as a true royalist, neither am I anti but have fond memories of how such holidays can turn into a riot of fun - so game on! Waiting for the arrival of my friend Lesley Brown

looking along the Weymouth seafront there was hardly

a person in sight.

The traditional Weymouth illuminations have been replaced this year by a system of 'laser lights' which thus far have proved ineffectual..

 

Never mind, the Olympic Tower seemed to be working very well, and even though not yet opened to the public has all the potential of a great experience.

Lots of us were mustered in Hope Square, the al fresco part of town,

where the rock band 'REPLAY' were ready to entertain the increasing crowd with their own brand of '60 rock classics.

There is never a shortage of people to meet or reacquaints of those not seen for a while here, and first on the scene was Chunky in his giraffe skin shoes and purple hair and goaty, along with wife Nicky looking effervescent as ever.

I was having a time of my life and starting to behave like a naughty schoolboy

but that isn't illegal so I just got on with it.

After Hope Square we decamped to the Quayside at the Town Bride where impresario Danny Adams was waiting with my 'Access All Areas' pass. Beer and food awaited and this was sure to impress my lady friend??

 As ever a serious mix of rock 'n' roll and to my disgust cannot remember the names of the bands.

One name I had no trouble remembering was that of Alex Robinson who was my travelling companion through Sri Lanka in 2006.

and what about all those lovely young people these events attract, great to meet them even though by now I was starting to misbehave.

The evening ended with some serious Rock 'n' Roll and we all went home quite contented even though the lasers didn't work. They will one day!

Another Nail In My Heart - Squeeze

The Pottery Lane Children's Play Area.

It was the intent to start today's post on an upbeat theme, which will now appear last, but cannot wait to ask the readership to compare the photograph above with what follows. Once a 'WILD' and in part inaccessible place, Radipole Nature reserve was to be my final resting place as already a volunteer had agreed to scatter my ashes there. Not any more I'm sorry to say as I paid my first visit to the area this morning since my recent return.

This ornate metalwork replaced a perfectly good and traditional kissing-gate (have to admit to nearly wearing it out on occasion) some months ago which I chose to ignore, and not highlight on the Blog.

I had been forewarned some time ago of the desecration that had taken place during my absence, but even the damning description was nowhere close to the monstrosity I found this morning. Not content with having already burned out a tract of reed-bed through gross incompetence, seriously threatening properties to the north of the reserve, annihilated a colony of Southern Marsh Orchids and a dozen similar acts of licenced vandalism the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) continue to turn this unique patch into a theme park.

I may be a 'lone voice' in all of this but to me every inch of this very tiny Nature Reserve, especially the margins where most public disturbance takes place, should be zealously guarded. The first of the carbuncles are these 2 viewing platforms which alone have deprived the likes of Sedge, Reed and probably most importantly Cetti's Warbler of at lest 30 feet of potential nesting site. To what advantage it might be asked, well the visitor can now get 15 feet into the vegetation, to view WHAT??

Next came the Alice in Wonderland Carousel, totally out of place, at what cost to the Membership and how long before the vandals either set fire to them or draw penises on them??

Most galling to me is this preoccupation the so called 'experts' have with HUMANISING our wildlife. The Sedge Warbler does not come here on it's holidays, it comes here to procreate, should we not be telling our children that. While on this hobby-horse, reference to last weeks Nature Watch endorses the point when Chris Packham CHRISTENS a nestling Nuthatch 'Runtie', then metaphorically dons sackcloth and ashes and starts a wake when it quite naturally dies! Why does any wild creature deserve to lumbered with a human name?? 'Reality Check' Mr Packham!

I only got as far as the eastern path on the Loop, and a rather practical and esthetically pleasing country seat, when my prediction was realised,

the hooligans had beaten me too it!

In addition to this there was an alarm bell ringing saying there was something going on here that didn't quite meet the eye?

Abomination of abominations, a massive horseshoe swathe has been cut through the heart of the reed and sedge for another viewing platform, 

and further along yet another. Now, I put my hand up as one of the first to arrive here when a rare bird is in prospect, and do my level best to view it, but would forfeit the chance of ever seeing another in exchange for the removal of these unnecessary adornments. This of course will never happen, but fact is this postage stamp of unique wilderness in the heart of suburbia cannot sustain this rate of intrusion.

The final disappointment came when I reached the RSPB Visitor's Centre to find another run of timber and the roof thatch as it was before I left. There had been promise of a new roof cover of RADIPOLE REED before my return and the VC would be in full operation, with neither seeming to have met the deadline.

On a lighter note, I did catch sight of Weymouth's new Olympic Tower peaking above the Royal Hotel on the sea front, which I hope to take a closer look at tomorrow.

Passing the Gurkha Restaurant, on the edge of Radipole Lake, there was an avian sight I had not seen before.

Seemingly, a sub-adult male is copulating with an adult female a subject, that it may surprise those who know me personally, I know nothing about.

In such situations I am always happy to seek the advice of others, this being just one of the replies received.

I suspect this is pretty unusual. Normally there would be plenty of adults around that would get a first look in. The size disparity is quite obvious so the one on top is undoubtedly the male. He is at least 3 years old but I'm not sure whether he would be sexually mature at that age. As you well know the invitation to mate is the decision of the female so she has obviously allowed him on board. It could be that he's simply practising though? Interesting nonetheless! Cheers. PS Welcome home!

It was good to note that Rupert (yeah alright) the Hooded Merganser is still in residence albeit a little ragged at the moment, and down on the Inner Harbour

someone had left a 'treat' for this HERRING GULL. This is when the rain started (07:00) being the excuse I needed to return home and get a few things done. There, with that alarm bell still ringing, I spoke to another birding friend about my nightmare at Radipole. He suggested that I don't look too closely at the present RSPB staff (naming Luke Phillips and Nick Quintrell) as the masterminds of this appalling thuggery, but more in the direction of their former boss Nick Tomlinson. Now why doesn't that surprise me? As Manager there, he is solely responsible for ALL of the damage caused during that tenure and now it seems we are burdened with this unacceptable legacy as well. While seeming to have left Radipole/Lodmoor with head held high others tell me there was more than a gentle push - it is doubtful we'll ever know for sure.
Much to my chagrin this may well be my last visit to Radipole except for a mega rarity or as the 'short-cut' it is to other parts of the town - Amen!

 'Upbeat Theme'

This photograph was sent to me by my friend Andy Lindsay, Chief Engineer of the Pipelay/Dive Vessel 'Deep Constructor' currently stationed in 192 metres of water somewhere off the coast of Brazil. It shows a pipeline strong-back being layed at that depth, with a lull in welding operations. The Diver can be seen top left, while the robotic arm of the Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) is to the right. The ROV is 'piloted' from onboard the ship with so much skill and control that a game of noughts and crosses can be played during the break.

Freebird - Lynyrd Skynyrd

Breathe, breathe in the air, don't be afraid to care
Leave but don't leave me, look around and chose your own ground
For long you live and high you fly, and smiles you'll give and tears you'll cry
And all you touch and all you see, is all your life will ever be
Run, run rabbit run, dig that hole forget the sun

 And when at last the work is done, don't sit down it's time to dig another one
For long you live and high you fly, but only if you ride the tide
And balanced on the biggest wave, you race toward an early grave.

Home, home again, I like to be here when I can
When I come home cold and tired
It's good to warm my bones beside the fire
Far away across the field, tolling of the iron bell
  Calls the faithful to their knees to hear the softly spoken magic spell

While Pink Floyd's BREATHE sums up my travels and safe return, the Skynyrd classic better describes how I feel.

Well, that's 100 days on the road completed, with mixed feeling about being back. While it is always a treat to be on 'home turf' I'm going to miss that uncertainty of the day ahead, and those new experiences. That said, it was fantastic to enjoy the hospitality at Parley Court once again (even though initially mis-spelling Daryl's name) and the certainty of a number of lunches and a pint or two to come with many of you out there. Along with today's photographs and text I will punctuate with a few 'trip statistics'.

Looking at the local birding websites, it would seem that most of the inbound migration is over but I was just as keen to wander the Borough to note what changes have been made during my absence. Starting with the now completed and open

 Rodwell Trail Foot/Cycle Bridge,

just around the corner from my home, the footpath is now uninterrupted from Abbotsbury Road to Ferrybridge - a fine job!

A total of 11 countries were touched upon during the journey,

A treat on a day to day basis let alone on such a long trip, Portland Harbour with the Magic Isle in the background.

 

As an added bonus there were a number of SANDWICH TERNs active mid-water but nowhere near enough for photographs (archive) but an addition to the Year List nonetheless. 

with 3 of these, TAIWAN, PHILIPPINES and LAOS being additions to the World List.

This puts me just 4 behind HM The Queen and still well ahead of both the US President and the Pope!

 Luckily my return was before the blooming THRIFT at Ferrybridge had gone completely over,

giving me a chance of at least part of this annual floral spectacular.

A total of 9 currencies were used including GB Pound, US Dollar, South Korean Won, Taiwanese New Dollar, Filipino Peso, Malay Ringgit, Thai Baht, Lao Kip and Australian Dollar.

 Work progresses at the Fleet/Chesil Beach Visitor's Centre, although for some reason I had expected that also to have been completed.

A total distance, front door to front door, of 30,700 miles were covered (part estimated),

Low Tide at Ferrybridge my have enticed a

 LITTLE TERN or 2 into camera range, but that also was not to be,

 with only c3 being seen close to the colony.

My informant suggests there could be as many as 18 occupied nests

so likely most birds are sitting

so there was no way I was going any closer.

with 21,000 of these being by air.

 

A BRIDGE TOO FAR????

I'll reserve my judgement on this structure crossing the 'flood flats' at Ferrybridge, but it sure as hell ain't pretty and is it really necessary? Continuing the walk along the western shore of Portland Harbour, there was a 'rare sight' indeed a Royal Fleet Auxiliary Vessel putting to sea?

It's OK you can relax, I won't torment you any further, the RFA MOUNTS BAY LSD (Landing Ship Dock) was only 'cold moving' (with tug assistance only) from Outer Coaling Pier to Queen's Pier Berth 11.

A further 4,027 miles were driven in Australia, which equates to almost 3 'return' trips Weymouth to John o' Groats, likely a far more pleasant and relaxing endeavour than a single run up north.

As most of the work on the WandPNSA was completed well before I left England, it was doubtful there would be much in the way of change

A total of 491 bird species were recorded (with closer scrutiny of list and photographs surely we can get that to a magic 500?),

but the flags of the competing nations were flapping in the breeze and there was a pleasant surprise to come.

Suddenly, out of the blue, my mate Jack Cottle appeared and after a 3 year absence it was more than good to see him. A part of the Gerry Cottle's Circus family, Jack was until its disbandment a few years ago a fully paid up member of the Dorset Chapter of The Hell's Angel. Perhaps needless to say I met a few most colourful characters while sharing hours of his company, some no longer with us - here's to WHIZZ!

The Academy Building

of which 86 were additions to the World List.

and next door The Portland Marina Building where works the Secret Lemonade Drinker's son. I mention this as Robert reaches the grand young age of 18 tomorrow and shortly after embarks on his final school exams. I wish him the Very Best with both, and look forward to a celebratory drink at a later date. CHEERS BERT.

25 'new' Mammals were also spotted, the highlight being undoubtedly ASIAN TAPIR.

A most interesting artifact, not seen before, was this Mark 8 Torpedo

accompanied by this enlightening information board. I know from 'close encounters' that the Mk8 was superseded by the Mk9** which during service in HMS/S's Tiptoe and Alcide formed the base of my bunk in the fore-ends.

A quick look round the Sunseekers Yard showed the order book to be a little thin on the ground if they are reduced to producing these 'tiny' Gin Palaces? Imagine having that as a 'toy'!

Another 'eye-opener' was this baulk of timber fished out of the Oggin

 

by the above. This reminded me of a similar encounter when as Chief Officer of the Ocean Salvage Tug Confiance, we were rounding St Alban's Head on a rescue mission and in the eye of a gale. A sharp eyed 'lookout' reported a large object in the water followed by 'slow ahead both' and a discernible alteration of course to starboard. On closer inspection, what turned out to be a full deck cargo of telegraph poles was broadcasted immediately as a Navigation Warning to all ships.

Further along is the Boat That Rocked cafe and restaurant,

along with neighbouring shops, mostly of a nautical nature.

The southerly backdrop to the Olympic Games Sailing Events, to be staged in Weymouth Bay and Portland Harbour, is something of a game of 2 halves.

 

While the recently refurbished and modernised Officer Mess, ex-HMS Osprey, now private apartments, are not totally displeasing to the eye

Portland Castle remains a historical gem. Completely intact since its construction as part of King Henry VIII sea defences in the 16th century any visitor or competitor would do well to visit if time allows.

Then of course there's always a fly in the ointment which is also ex-HMS Osprey Senior Rates Mess. To be fair, I have seen better buildings down backstreets in Tirana, the Albanian capital and feel Max Factor himself couldn't produce enough cosmetic effect to solve this one!

An overflying OYSTERCATCHER provided brief diversion before continuing on to the construction site of 

the OUTBUILDINGS of the new

PORTLAND SCHOOL, which I'm told will serve as an Olympic Platform of sorts before being handed over to the Education Department, and

 

the OLYMPIC VILLAGE itself. On the whole everything seems well done and well underway, but to listen to conversations on the bus you'd think we had been NUKED rather than RENEWED, my own feeling is there is an Olympic Legacy here for those who want to see it.

"The Only Way Is Up"

I love the STOCK DOVE at any time, but this one just showed at the right moment to end my first and very interesting day back in W&P. 

Many Thanks to ALL Readers during my Travels.

Irons are already in the fire for another Extended Away-Day, with a trip to Cork, Republic of Ireland already booked. Watch This Space!

If I leave here tomorrow would you still remember me?
For I'll be travelling on now, to many places I've got to see. 

Fly high FREEBIRD yeah!