You have to admire those hardy dinghy sailors who go out in the depth of winter and take the opportunity to enjoy some great if chilly sailing conditions.
Sailing a course to the windward mark could be doubly challenging if the tack is into the low sun.
The local donkey sanctuary is to close shortly which is going to be sadly missed.
The five remaining donks will be heading off to a new home in New Forest shortly, where they are sure to get lots of attention and care. Last time we came through Brockenhurst center there a was an acute and cute donkey jam, with several including a couple of super cute babies holding up the traffic.
Maybe no,t but that roof certainly has something, guessing that it's catching the winter sun so a good spot for warming up cold feet
Which might be just possibly be an antipodean pronunciation of Derek or with apologies to anyone from that fine part of the world, maybe not.
Either way she's a fine looking craft for sailing around the waters of Chichester harbour, shoal draft for getting into the shallow areas, with a well protected rudder in case of running into the shallows with a little too much enthusiasm and the ability to hang up some large foresails from the bowsprit.
I thought she might be a Heard 23, but the dead rise at the transom looks much flatter here. Any thoughts?
A fantastic clear and still winter day found me early morning down on the slipway as the sun was just peeking above the the eastern wooded shore, lighting up the tree tops on the opposite side.
The good thing about winter is that you don't need to get up especially early to enjoy such a spectacular dawn. Mrs BB joined me at the cafe for a quick breakfast, then I rowed back up river and the boat was put away in the garage by 10 ish, great start to the day.
I've posted Cetewayo previously but recently was meeting a friend on the same pontoon so took the opportunity to take some close up shots.
Cetawayo was designed by Laurent Giles and built on the Clyde in 1957 and sailed in sailed RORC races for many decades.
Curiously she seems to have vanished for several years until her current owner found her,as an almost rotting hulk in Pembroke Dock. Thankfully restored she was brought up to her current condition.
The size and power of those winches and turning blocks are impressive and immaculately maintained.
I can understand walking out on the spit at low water to find a good spot for fishing, but might be a good idea to keep a keen eye on the incoming tide
Following a clear and starless night the new day dawned bright, cold and frosty.
I took the opportunity for an early walk to make the most of the scene and wasn't disappointed, as below apart from a few footprints the wooden bridge was covered in a white frosting.
Stunning contrasts and colours are such a contrast to the grey and overcast weather we've had for what seems far too long.
Trees boarding the donkey fields we backlit by the early rising sun.
A walk back along the river wouldn't be complete with at least one picture of the boats illuminated and looking their best.
A fantastic morning to be up and out, it was cold but the fresh air and beauty all around is so good for the soul.
I took advantage of the recent high pressure during the holiday to row down the river, it was relatively early around 8.30 the only people about were dog walkers and a couple of paddle boarders inflating their boards in the car park.
The water was like glass, it was almost a shame to spoil the mirror surface with the splashing of oars , it was a day that paddling a kayak would have been great looking forward across the glassy surface rather that watching the disturbed wake behind.
A cafe was open for a slightly aged croissant and a very welcome hot cup of tea.
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