Get a grip woman!

Karmacat

Things are sounding so good for you, SL - and for your OH, in a couple of weeks, anyway. I'm really looking forward to hearing your report of your first trip in the van. And can I ask where the autumn 2020 trip is to, please, if you feel you can say? Apologies if already mentioned.

Suffolk_lass

We are looking to go long haul, possibly with some vessels (but not a cruise ship) to New Zealand - DH lived in Melbourne for a year but has never been. And I have only spent a couple of weeks in Sydney and Melbourne so there is more we want to visit and tour in Australia. Tasmania and the Cook Islands possibly, it depends on a number of things.

Also not sure which route to travel at this point. DH flew via the old Hong Kong airport and reports waving to someone ironing their shirts in their apartment. I suspect more than the location of the airport has changed. Before that we have five other trips booked - four before the end of September and none of these involve the van!

Suffolk_lass

A lovely afternoon out yesterday, I went with a friend to the old town of Harwich to see the Cavell Van - the train goods van that was used to bring the coffin of the repatriated remains of Edith Cavell, Captain Fryatt and the Unknown Soldier from their landing ports to London - so interesting and thought provoking. The description of all the school-children on the railway bridges and cortege with nurses as pall bearers for Cavell's coffin reminded me of another famous funeral procession where the route was lined with crowds. One of the most interesting things was the realisation that marketing is nothing new. Another (NI) nurse remains unknown today, despite contributing to the sheltering of over 800 British troops - Cavell has hospitals, Boulevards, mountains and trusts named after her. This does not belittle her heroicism but the campaign to honour her was by two newspapers over four years.

It was very low-key as the so-called Mayflower Heritage Centre is clearly in development (a collection of sheds and porta-cabins) and when I say basic, nobody had put a refreshment can in place :eek: so there was only one thing for it - off to the beach, first to see the wicker U-boat that is degrading fast (I expect only the turret to remain after this winter) that was put in place to commemorate the end of WW1 last autumn and then to Ha'penny pier for refreshment - we both had a cornet rather than a cup of tea. The pier has a version of yarn-bombing, with handmade flags in the form of bunting on all the posts - really creative and pretty. They are trying hard to upgrade a town that is rather run-down.

On our way back, we did a quick scoot round the roundabout with the replica of the Mayflower. Smaller than I expected but in place ahead of the 400th anniversary celebrations of the Mayflower sailing in 1620 (which was the second sailing, after the more famous 1606 Plymouth one)

[Deleted User]

Sounds like a very interesting day you had yesterday, glad you enjoyed it

Karmacat

That does sound good! Missed that completely

Suffolk_lass

Thanks both - I don't think you missed the van KC - it is only there this week - this is the story I saw on Monday BBC Essex and it was saying it is open from 6th July. The Sub was also reported on BBC last year but they said it was at Dovercourt, and it is at Harwich

enthusiasticsaver

Sounds like a lovely day out and in this gorgeous weather too.

Plymouth is our local city and there are big plans for the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower sailing next year. Lots of city improvements going on and Drakes drum which is normally in Buckland Abbey up on the edge of Dartmoor has now been returned to the City of Plymouth who owns it and won't be available to see until next year at the opening of the new City Museum to coincide with the anniversary celebrations.


Exciting travel plans for you. We will be going the other way to Canada next year. Lots of nice trips too. I find I am busier than ever now retired but doing stuff I want to do rather than have to do.

Suffolk_lass

Got our first trip next weekend so plans for today include the very exciting (not) rummage exercise to pull out all the required camping equipment ready to go. My weekend camping spreadsheet has already been reviewed and updated .

Also a dump-run is in order as last week's hedge-clippings have dried out a bit and the 4x1-ton builders bags (size, not weight) have got a bit lighter and easier to pack in the trailer.

I fear one of the chickens I am looking after for a friend will have died when I visit today I think it is expected but still makes me a little sad.

Other than that, I hope DH can watch the cricket while I man the bar over the road

Living the dream, as they say!

beanielou

Have a happy Sunday:)

Karmacat

Trip next weekend, yay! And a trip to the bar too

But one of the chickens will have died?