Musselburgh

The end of last year the beginning of this have been boring and a disaster but fingers crossed it is looking up from here. 

I have been in and out of hospital since the beginning of the year, ending in surgery the beginning of May which hopefully means the issue is fixed! The upside of this is mom and dad came up for their first visit to look after me. They dragged me out for walks (only short ones but got me moving). 

I took them (or more accurately directed them and they took me) to Musselburgh for chips on the beach and a walk around the harbour. We weren't out very long as it was bit chilly.

Not appreciating the Scottish summer weather

Impressive skies.

Mary Rose

The last day in Portsmouth we went to see the Mary Rose. This was something Dad had been looking forward to for a while. The tickets are valid for a year so I think they will be back as there is so much to take in.

The Mary Rose was one of King Henry VIII's great ships. And was sunk on its first voyage. They are not sure why it sank but they think it turned too quickly and they didn't close the canon ports so they flood it. Oops. 

Henry 'in person'.

Stats.

waistcoat.

There was a section where you could hold pieces. Dad was thrilled. He got to hold a piece of the rope on the original ship. Plus a board from the ship and a canon ball. He was like a little kid.

Queen Victoria's pleasure boat.

It was a fairly short day as we were all knackered. Throughout the trip we spent the evenings in the caravans, cooking quick and easy and watching movies. And drinking wine. So basically a great way to spend an evening.

Portsmouth Historic Harbour

We stayed in a caravan on Hayling Island, just to the east of Portsmouth. The main reason for this part of the trip was to go to the historical dock yard in Portsmouth. Dad loves ships and the history so this was a no brainer. 

The first stop was the H.M.S Warrior. It was built as the biggest warship but was more of a deterrent and never fired a shot. (I am a little blood thirsty so it was a bit disappointing.)

Cat o nine tails.

The steam room was quite impressive and there was a very nice guy there who explained what went on. The job of stoking the boilers was a hot a dirty job but they worked shorter hours and were given baths every day (they got so dirty, they had too). Plus it was quite well paid so not a bad job to have.

The saddest lion I have ever seen.

Copy of the giant one in San Diego.

Second stop was Lord Nelson's H.M.S Victory, the one which was part of the battle of Waterloo. They fixed it so this is the exact ship.

Gang way.

That's a big Anchor.

And a small bed. 

Nelson had a better bed.

And the general crew got very little room

We also went on HMS M.33, a small ship used during WWII.

Lunch.

On the new, looking at the old.

Last day of my holiday

On the last day of the holiday (well, mine as mom and dad stayed down a few days more), we headed into Padstow for a last Cream tea. My favourite cafe, Greens, sells really nice gluten free cream teas so is a must. I also got a pair of shoes I had seen earlier (super comfy) and we got some fresh seafood.

After this we took a picnic down to Trevone beach. This beach was a fair bit busier and we set up near a very whiny little chid. (We were glad when they left.) 

As usual we stayed late as enjoyed the quiet as most people went home - the best part of the day. None of us went swimming but Dad and I did paddle and chat and put the world to rights as we often do. It was great!

On evening we had a meal at the pub with some of dad's friends, who is also their caravan neighbour, before retiring back to the caravan for more wine and chat and the sunset.

I travelled back on the Sunday through insanely heavy rain and traffic. I wish I was back there already. I picked an amazing week to have an England holiday.