A week or more in Weymouth.

It was great to have friends Chris and Carole from Seaduction next door. We quickly arranged to go for a Chinese meal on the Friday night. We had a very pleasant time and sat over the meal till late and didn't get back to our boats until nearly midnight.

We also made arrangements to have a crab supper on Sunday night, when Chris would teach me how to dress a crab. Sadly no crabs had come in when Chris went to buy them. So the crab supper was off. John and I thought we would go over to Portland Bill and explore. However by the time we'd done an ASDA shop and sorted round, we felt it was too hot and too late to go. We made the decision to go on Monday instead.

Monday morning was lovely, so we bid goodbye to Chris and Carole who were heading home for  a week. Believe it or not we caught the ferry to Portland Bill and began our walk. (You would have thought we had enough of boats!) The first bit is very STEEP to say the least but once at the top the views were amazing and we had a lovely walk.

Part of the walk went through the old quarry where there were several carvings made by the quarrymen.

Captain found a chair, which he said was surprisingly comfy.

I must admit by the time we got to the lighthouse at the end we were on the tired side but were quickly revived by bitter shandy and a meal. In order to catch a bus back we had to walk to the next village. Walking on roads is not is much fun. The bus was packed as the local school had turned out and had obviously got on the stop before us. A couple of the young people did offer us seats - good manners rule okay. However the many of the year 9 parents won't be getting their letters inviting them to the parent's meeting in September! As the floor was adorned with said letter.

We had a super day but in hindsight we might have been wiser to travel that Monday as the weather afterwards went down hill wind wise. The map of Britain for inshore waters was totally covered in red and we don't travel on red days. Apart from a mega thunderstorm one night it's been reasonable during the day. Anyhow we made the most of Weymouth and the local bus service and we have been out and about exploring and walking.

Now speaking to other sailing couples, there comes a time in every voyage where the wife cuts her husband's hair. Mr Gee won't let me near him with a pair of scissors. I really don't know why. Anyhow, because we were feeling like shaggy dogs we took the plunge and found a local unisex hair dresser and went and had our hair cut. We both feel better for it.

The weather as I mentioned wasn't suitable for sailing neither was it suitable for much sightseeing. Friday was horrendous both wind wise and rain wise. We'd hoped that Saturday would be bit better on the wind front even if still showers through out the day, but no joy for sailing.

As it was obvious we were staying put for a few days, we decided to get up early Sunday morning and get the bus to Lulworth Cove and then walk to Durdle Door.

Lulworth Cove

We enjoyed watching these people climb up and then jump off. It looked like fun.

Why do we always choose steep paths?

Looking back at Lulworth Cove from the top of the hill.

On the way to Durdle Door

Durdle Door.

As we have been so long in Weymouth we are going to cut out Poole on the way back and head straight to the Isle of Wight. We might try Cowes rather than Yarmouth this time.