Pirate Schooner

Spotted in the sailing club at Luc sur Mer.

I think this is a Goelette Mercantor - a training day sailer which I've written about before and is a lot of fun with it's pirate livery.

I'd love to have a sail in one of these, and it was available for charter but minimum four people at 80 Euros for a couple of hours was a bit lumpy.

Classic Bikes - cool rides

Chilled and relaxed on holiday I had time to notice a few nice machines, not least because Luc Loisirs Motors near where we were staying specialise in classic machines.

A brace of Honda 750/4's including an especially nice cafe racer version.This was the machine that redefined the motorcycle industry in the 1970's, I can remember excitedly reading about them in Motor Cycle News with my friend on the way to school  in anticipation of turning 16 and being able to get on 2 wheels - even if that meant a more modest 50cc moped.

Maybe this is an anti theft deterrent, whichever it's certainly a lean, green and mean machine.

Royal Enfield was my first bike, not entirely dissimilar to the current model I had a 250 Crusader Sport with the little sidelights either side of the speedo and a cafe racer seat. I imagine they are a bit more reliable these days.

Norton's finest and final model before they went bust in the 70's the Commando, great pedigree and performance but people voted with their chequebooks for the Honda and Kawasaki OHC in line 4's.

I quite fancy one of these for nipping down the shops etc.

Fowey again

We took off to Fowey for a long weekend to celebrate Mrs BB's birthday, the drive down was a bit hectic with sea fog drifting onto the Dorset hills near West Bay, but once we got there the weather was fine for what was a pretty much a perfect, winter, weekend away.

Readymoney Cove, apparently the name originates from the Cornish language meaning a shallow ford of stones.

Looking back to the town from St Catherine's Castle

A lone ketch out on the moorings over towards Polruan.

Nice floral display by the local RNLI.

Very different to when we were there in the summer for my birthday but great to be there again.

Both ends

Of the Hamble, both very different.

Bursledon bridge on a very clam and peaceful morning.

Down at the Solent end it almost looks like that container ship is about to come up the river.

WAVERLEY

The WAVERLEY, the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world, was back in the Solent during the late summer.

Above leaving Portsmouth harbour with the Spinnaker tower in the background.

Photos from my friend Malcolm who's become something of a roving reporter for the Bursledon blog. I have to admit I'm slightly jealous as he gets out on the water more often than I do.

Caption competition

I'm never any good at these things  "any luck or need some help"

Feel free to provide captions

Remembrance - Juno

Shortly before the day when we remember 100 years since the end of WW1, we passed through the valley of the Somme on our way to Normandy. In the news there was controversy over President Macron who is apparently keen to downplay any triumphalism tone and instead be respectful of the millions who died in the conflict. My grandfather was one of the fortunate ones, he served in France during WW1 in the cavalry and returned safely home.

Juno beach, where we were staying, peaceful and beautiful now, but it is impossible to walk along those sands without reflecting on the events of June 1944.

Northern France has been witness to the ravages of both world wars during the 20th century, the appreciation and respect for those who fought and died is very present in the grave yards, memorials, towns and villages.

To all those who have fought to defend us, in whatever field, we remember you and we thank you.

Lallow's

Clare Lallow’s boat builders was established in 1867 and enjoys a prime position on the Cowes waterfront, carrying on an unrivalled tradition of boat building, restoration, wood working and service.

My friend Malcolm was visiting the yard recently and sent me these photos of some of the lovely wooden boats currently in the sheds.

Shrimping

With spring tides and settled weather the conditions must have been good for local prawn and shrimp fishermen. Every afternoon at low water there would be maybe 20 or so fishermen out in the shallows with their push nets.

It didn't seem to be an especially commercial activity, more people going out to fish for supper. At high water the shrimpers were gone but there were more than a few casting rods from the beach.

Beach Life

We've been away for a few days to Normandy and enjoyed some mixed but unseasonably good weather which allowed us to enjoy the fabulous beaches at their best.

With the car loaded up with top box, luggage, bikes and even a sewing machine (Mrs BB likes to take her hobbies on holiday) there was no room for the kayaks which would have been perfect, I think that an inflatable one of these is in prospect, easy to transport and get out on the water.

It was a perfect settled day for sea kayaking - note to self,  I want to do much more of this next year.

Who needs a spa treatment? Early morning run along the beach at first light, it doesn't get any better. We did loads of cycling, walking and running and felt thoroughly relaxed and rejuvenated after what has been a manic few months. It it weren't for a few too many cakes we might even have lost some weight, but it was a holiday not a punishment :O)