Poole, 17th June 2010
After lingering in Portland for a while longer than intended, we have now arrived in Poole. We had an excellent sail for the first couple of hours, with 2 reefs we were
still making over 7 knots through the water, and more over the ground, as we avoided the
firing ranges off Lulworth Cove. Then the wind dropped and we had to motor for a couple of hours, but the sun was out, we had fine views across
to the Isle of Wight and of course Old Harry, the iconic stack off Studland. It was interesting for Andy piloting through Poole Harbour to the Boat Haven on the Town Quay as it was over 20 years
ago that he used to use his speed boat here - the Boat Haven didn't exist then!
Poole Quay Boat Haven is very conveniently located, with shops, chandlers and supermarkets within walking distance, and is a pleasant and perhaps surprisingly peaceful place to spend
a number of days. There's often some event taking place on the quay (boat show, classic car parade on Friday night) and on Saturday night there was an impressive
firework display, launched from a barge just a few hundred yards off the quay.
On Saturday we went on a boat trip :-o We caught the trip boat to Brownsea Island, and spent a few hours walking right the way round - very pleasant. A real bonus
was seeing a red squirrel, Brownsea and the Isle of Wight being the only places in the south of England where they survive.
An exercise of some kind as we left Portland.
A closer look at Old Harry.
Piloting through Poole Harbour...
...and the same waters over 20 years ago...
Looking towards Poole from Brownsea Island.
Hover your mouse over the picture for a James May-esque caption...
Pretty.
Show off...
The chicken wire isn't a cage, but there just to keep the birds off the nuts...
Another Cobb culinary success.
Sculpture outside the RNLI College in Poole.
A pleasant place to have spent a few days, next stop???
