Good to see that the local rowing scene is active over the winter months, picture at top the Langstone Cutters stopped off for refreshments at Emsworth
Below Hamble River Rowers head away from the town quay after refreshments at the Beach cafe
And finally the author heading back up river after what may or may not have been a break for a bacon sandwich and a cup of te, winter rowing at it's best.
Easy to spot at the crowded dinghy dock and it's probably a good deterrent against anyone who might be tempted to take it for a joy ride.
Plus probably a good way to use up all those leftover tines of paint
Above the Harbour Office was built in 1978 on piles driven into the river bed, it's not clear why they chose such an unusual design (well it was the 70's), but it's certainly been a distinctive feature of the village ever since
The Rising Sun, during the war an HQ for the allied landing force who departed the Hamble on their way to Normandy in 1941, these days a nice waterside pub.
Above and below, looking out toward the Solent and back towards the village waterfront
Warsash Sailing Club, or at least the main club house, which is a fine building looking out towards the Solent and part of the dinghy park, they also have another building adjacent the harbour office.
It's amazing what difference a couple of weeks makes at this time of year, today being the Spring Equinox
River Hamble is normally thought of a yachting center with the marinas and boatyards providing up market services for the multitude of expensive craft which sail out of the river.
So nice to know that there are still a few spots where working craft can go for maintenance and repair, where boats can be hauled out on a traditional marine railway or just settle into the mud between tides.
Saturday morning saw an early start, seeing the Explorer team members assembled and ready to depart Salisbury Cathedral, High Street Gate at 6.45
Mrs BB and I were waiting at the first stage post just over 6 miles from the start at the delightful village of Middle Winterslow ideally situated outside the Pump House Bakery who deserve a mention for help and encouragement (worth a visit if you are ever passing).
I can heartily recommend the lemon sponge cake from personal experience, plus the home made sausage rolls looked fantastic, sadly the customer in front took the last one.
As darkness fell and just over 12 hours and 25 miles from the start they arrived, tired but upbeat ,running the last few hundred meters across the Winchester Cathedral grounds. They carried the Malawi flag for the whole journey which raised interest and even resulted in a spontaneous donation from a compete stranger.
There's still lots to do, training, vaccinations and prep before they fly off to Malawi in August where they will be spending a month helping build a library for the village school.
When the winter sun's out Emsworth is a popular place for a Saturday stroll with a couple of good butchers, a bakery and a traditional green grocer and a good selection of cafes and pubs for refreshments.
The main attraction is Chichester harbour views along side the mill pond
There's a large swan population who congregate around the town hard, which could just be as a result of a local man who feeds them most days. The affection and trust between man and swans is very touching.
I'm either one of those fortunate people who can work from my home office most of the time, or I'm one of those lazy low productive workers who are hiding away from the office - take your pick. Either way I take a daily, brisk lunch time walk down through Holly Hill woods and back up the river, roughly 5 Kilometers (three and a bit miles in old money).
Quiet apart from the exercise and getting way from desk, computer and zoom meetings, it's a daily cure for the soul.
The woods are varied, with steep drops, almost small cliffs going down toward the river.
In winter the leaves and bushes have fallen back to reveal vistas that are completely hidden during the summer months.
Amazing how nature can cope and grow back in the strangest ways
In years gone by this plateau area would probably have been coppiced for fencing and such like, now the fast growing ash (I think) mixes with the mature oaks and becomes very overgrown in summer.
Down in the valley local streams join together on their way into the Hamble creating a swamp area, especially at this time of year.
I've been walking this route sine 2020 following an injury which made running difficult, but I found walking I was more connected with the environment than rushing by on a run and I seem to return to my desk relaxed and ready, clearly good therapy.
There's famous saying that when the tide goes out you can see who's not wearing shorts, or words to that effect. In the case of this fore shore adjacent Hamble Common LW springs reveal several large stones which are probably the remains of St Andrew's castle which was built for Henry VIII after previous villagers had taken away the good stones to build a wall in Well Lane
Winter storms and big tides have also washed up some interesting debris along the fore shore.
