A Big Question for a New Year

That's a very big question and one I spend far too much time pondering and not nearly enough deciding on big answers.

On the one hand there's the view that 20 years from now you will only regret the things you didn't do, But then again you can't do everything, so what do you decide to leave out, and how much will you regret that decision?

I don't really buy into the whole bucket list idea, but if you asked me what I'd like to do before I die; I'd say something like being able to run along my favourite river for at least the next 30 years, watch the sun rise over mountains in the east and see it setting over the western horizon. Spending time with friends and the people I love, and in some small ways make the world a better place.

Wishing you success if you're making New Year resolutions and if you're not, have a great 2016 anyway.

Winter rowing

Compared to the north of the country, Storm Eva passed us by with little more than high winds whistling down the chimney and yet more rain lashing the windows.

With four days off and warm weather in prospect over the holiday weekend I was thinking it would be a good opportunity to catch up with some rowing. Like fellow blogger Chris Partridge work and windy weather have kept me off the water for weeks now.

Out for a Boxing day stroll, there was a fresh 25 knots blowing upriver, kicking up white caps hardly the best conditions for rowing. So I went home and spent an hour or so sawing and chopping logs for the fire to work off a bit of the Christmas excess.

The strong winds didn't stop a few intrepid Laser sailors from Hill Head SC getting out on Sunday morning. I have to say I wasn't tempted to join them.

Short Stay

Short and Long stay boat parking, you can even stay all day!

Politically incorrect Merry Christmas

Forget Winter holiday, The holiday Season, Yuletide, Festive greetings

It starts with C and rhymes with isthmus

Have a really good one - Happy Christmas

Winter Light

You know it's winter when you leave home for work in the dark and get home in the dark.

You know it's really winter when you leave home in the dark, travel to London and when you arrive it's still not light.

Twilight comes early and rather quickly at this time of year, but the good new is, from 04.48GMT on 22nd December, the winter solstice, the shortest day in the northern hemisphere which marks the first day of winter,  the nights start drawing out and summer's on the way.

Lyme Regis

We stopped off at Lyme Regis recently and enjoyed some spectacular views as the sun came out through a break in the grey winter sky.

It's been a few years since we visited and I recall then that the town was looking a little neglected, but now it's looking upbeat, with new cafes and shops opening along the seafront.

We left thinking we should go back for a weekend and explore the Dorset Jurassic coast.

The Force never actually went to sleep

Unless you've been on a remote island with no internet connection you can hardly be unaware that December 18th was the release of the new Star Wars movie The Force Awakens.

So Friday evening saw us at the local cinema with hugely excited Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader look alikes.

There was a bit of a disagreement over the seating arrangement which was settled by light sabre dual in the foyer.

I'm not giving anything away by saying at one point, I looked across at two very happy youngsters, sat on the edge of their seats, mouths wide open as the Rebel force swings into action in spectacular 3D. Thirty eight years after the original and still going strong.

Alice - on the hard

 Seen ashore recently at the Agamemnon Boatyard in the heart of the new Forest, the Itchen Ferry Alice was looking a little neglected and in need of some TLC.

Everything looks to be sound, but could really do with some paint and varnish.

Beaulieu sur Dordogne

Beaulieu sur Dordogne if not twinned with our local New Forest village shares the same name so interested us enough to make the 30 minute drive to take a look and see if there was any connection.

 Beyond being situated on a river there was nothing obvious to connect the two, Beaulieu sur Dordogne is bigger, a small and pretty town which has grown up around a medieval centre on the banks of the Dordogne. On the outskirts is the Chapel of Penitents dating back to the 12th century and this delightful collection of waterside cottages, which accounts for the popularity of the area, especially with British holiday makers and expats.

Of course I could hardly visit without checking out the local boats, this one is a replica of the working boats which plied trade of the river, built with the distinctive flat bows and significant rocker at the bow.

Smaller scale but the same flat bottom, almost punt like hull form can be seen on this skiff.

While the Dordogne is undoubtedly lovely, it’s a bit too chocolate box and the influence of  many Brit’s was apparent, not least by the number of estate agents in every town and village.

We retreated back to the Correze area where we were staying and where the only non Fench speaking folk we met were an American couple.

Safe harbour

Chichester harbour, especially in the eastern end can be an open and windy place to moor a boat.

But with the spring tide low water, these boats are snugly tucked away down between the mud banks, with the wind whistling harmlessly overhead.

Of course getting out and back to the boat from shore might be a problem.

Beaulieu Classics

A fine day for a winter walk along our own Beaulieu River revealed a couple of lovely classic yachts still on their moorings.

Both immaculately maintained, it looks like the owners enjoy varnishing as much as they like sailing and who could blame them.

Touring by motorbike

It's been a while since I've actually ridden a motorbike, much less gone touring on one. Here's a neat idea what look like his and hers Honda cub's complete with camping gear and numerous stickers recording places visited.

Much easier than pedalling a bicycle, much smaller and lighter than a full blown motorcycle and a speed range which allows you to go slow and connect with the landscape as you travel.

I seem to recall that someone rode one right around the world.

Secure dinghy storage?

I habitually lock our dinghies up with a stout chain or cable on the basis that I like to find our dinghy to be where we left it, but I'm not sure I'd go to the trouble of hiding it in away like this.

Maybe it's a good deterrent for thieves with hay fever?

Eastney boats

Tucked up behind the spit at Eastney there were a few interesting boats as we were wandering around at the end of summer.

A sporty looking trailer sailor on an almost walk ashore mooring.

It's not a good photograph, but that looks like a lee board on this red day sailor, interesting to know the rational and history behind it.

A few fishing boats drawn up alongside the house boats and dinghies.

In the marina what looks like a Cork 1720, lots of fun.

And an MFV which would make a nice weekend getaway.

Couldn't get a better shot of  this fast looking cat,, the retractable dagger boards seem to be right outboard - almost lee boards and the silver paint job looks great.

First Light - morning run

Despite a wet and windy weekend, and the obstacle of dragging myself out of a very comfy bed, I got up early to do what is one of my favourite morning runs.

From Fowey Hall the route takes me above the town and then down to the Caffa Mill car park, then back through the town while it's still empty and quiet, along the esplanade down to Readymoney Cove, up a really steep hill and finally back along the top road. It's a short, but sometimes steep 4k run and just the thing to work up a healthy appetite for breakfast.