Just pottering about the Solent

After enjoying the antics of the Royal Yacht Squadron folks in Yarmouth, we spent a few days just toodling around the Solent area and getting reacquainted with the area that we knew well after many years living in Hythe Marina. Where did we revisit? Well, Lymington (where, shock horror, we discovered that the Dan Bran pontoon was going to be removed for most of the winter to allow dredging to take place. Apparently it happens once every 5 years and we had to pick "the" year to spend in the area). This means that the only realistic spots to stay in Lymington until February time will be the two big marinas. Pity and bad for the bank account too.

We also took some strong spring tides to Gosport and found a nice spot in Haslar Marina as an overwintering berth. En route, we were overtaken (just!) by the Ben Ainslie Americas Cup contender:

Sorry about the fuzzy picture taken through the pilothouse windows on the phone. No time to get a proper camera, that thing does shift! Approaching Portsmouth you have the classic views of the old Solent Forts. As the Swatchway (the short-cut across some shallow banks) was manically busy with fishing markers (mad!) and commercial ships and hovercraft, we went the long way around and had a look at one of the "done up" forts:

Have a look at Solent Forts website for more information and the chance to stay in the "luxury hotel".

Gosport is, of course, a really grim town. It does have a Waitrose (no idea why!) and it also has excellent transport links via the ferry, Portsmouth Harbour station and a regular "escape from Gosport" bus service. So, ideal for the no car types like us.

During the Indian summer, we spent a couple of glorious days heading to and from the Folly on the river Medina (just past Cowes). We managed to sit on the flybridge in the sun all the time, amazing for early October.

A walk around Lee-on-the-Solent revealed that Patrick has started his own business. We admire his entrepreneurial spirit but questionable sense in opening a seaside cafe just as the summer is ending.

Perhaps hot chocolate sales this winter will keep his venture alive. Good to see the little chap being so active for once though.