Christchurch 5th August 2007

Another beautiful looking day. Up early and breakfast with Mum this morning as we are off to church and have to leave by 9.15.

Left Beatrice at home so she can prepare the Sunday roast for lunch.

Usual Vicar away on 2 weeks holiday so the curate is running the show today. Visiting choir sounded pretty good echoing throughout the ancient church.

Received another boost as I was blessed once again and felt good all over. Mum so enjoys her church its a pleasure to give her a supporting arm as we walk up and down the church. As she says its the longest church in the country. The others all being Cathedrals.

All over we shuffled our way out to shake hands with the clergy, curate holds out a limp hand for me to grab hold of and waggle about. Now I know why Mum calls him "wet willy" I did wonder. However all good and it was out into the bright sunshine.

All activity at home, time for a drink whilst the roast stands and the table is set up

Sues home grown potatoes were a treat along with our PYO beans

To finish with, a surprise desert Beatrice had put together, raspberry,yogurt ice cream mix. Went down a treat for us all, especially Mum.

Eating so much, we really had to do some exercise.

Leaving Mum in her usual spot sitting in the sun for her afternoon nap we set off to walk over Hengistbury Head. Stuarts name always crops up when HH is mentioned as Mum says he always walks there and back everytime he visits.

So off along the river and for 1.20 across on the Wick ferry to the west side to make our way along well trodden paths and through small swing gates. Reading all the information provided along the way we learnt much about the area.(As you can if you click the link) Walking up to the cliff headland we could see for miles along the coast. Away in the distance Bournemouth beach appeared to be chock a block. The Isle of Wight shimmering in the distance.(on our plans to visit) The Solent beach was a popular place today, in fact it looked as though just about everyone was out enjoying the summer. We continued on down to the Mudeford sand bank where the lucky ones had their beach huts. All sorts of colours and set ups but basically wooden and equipped with stoves and whatever else you need to live. No toilets or showers,those are provided by the council with amenity blocks. This really is living shoulder to shoulder however everyone is enjoying themselves.

We took our shoes off and waded into the sea, pretty dirty,seaweed etc, but not cold.

Refreshed it was time to think about getting home.Two hours passes so quickly when you are out and about

Having walked our 10000 steps, the Tuckton ferry looked very attractive so we didn't need to convince ourselves that was they way to go. When all loaded up to the maxi mum permitted of 50 we made our way up stream making a couple of stops on the way. What activity on the water,everyone making the most of the day

Arrival at Tuckton it was just a short stroll home to a welcome cup of tea

Quiet time with Mum, sitting reading , and Beatrice and I deciding that we would go on trip for a couple of days up to Cambridge. It was then time for toasted sandwiches and coffee before bedtime.