June 2008

After our escapades in Newton Creek we were feeling pretty good and wanted to go somewhere else and keep trying things. Initally, we wanted to anchor up inside Portsmouth Harbour but were bluntly informed by someone who thought we should know better that you are forbidden from anchoring inside a Naval Harbour. Oh.

So we thought we'd be very clever and pick up a mooring. That would continue our self sufficiency and be something we hadn't done for a while. Actually, we have never ever spent a night on board while she was at a mooring. We sailed up and down the harbour. We saw the naval graveyard, which was sad, and some very big ships and lots and lots of mooring buoys, but everyone we asked said that there were none that we could use- even though there were loads free. Hmmm.

So, with all our cunning plans scuppered, we pulled into a visitor berth at Haslar marina. The only consolation to this was that they have the Lightship restaurant here, which is not only fun, but has very nice food too! So although we competely blew our planned budget for the day (and the rest of the week too) we had a pleasant evening.

The next day, we went to see HMS Victory and the Mary Rose at the Portsmouth museums. We also found the best greasy spoon cafe in the world (well, so far anyway!) We may well use our trip around the British Isles to find the best cafe for cruising sailors. Now there's a mission. This one was above the bus station, just outside the train station near Gunwharf Quays and it was YUMMY!

Fully fortified and raring to go, we wandered around the museums and could happily have spent a fortune in Nauticalia.

We also tried out our new folding bikes when we rode around to the Marina Office. They worked great, although Kat nearly wobbled into the water once or twice. Certainly made a long walk much more interesting!!

After this, unfortunately, the weather started closing in, so we returned to Shamrock Quay.

Still it had been an eventful few days!

Portsmouth

© 2008 - Miss Moneypenny J and K All rights reserved.

What an amazing ship. They've rebuilt the top few decks but the bottom ones are original and they are spooky. The feel is completely different. If we only we hadn't had to share it with a bunch of bored school children!

This is Nelson's wardroom, set out for a formal occassion. In the back, there is his writing desk and personal effects. Even though the boat is fairly cramped by our standards- especially the sleeping quarters, this room for very airy and full of light. It was fascinating to see.