Portland, Dorset, England...

Saturday, April 15. Docked in Portland, England. Blue sky, bright sun. 13 C. Day 102, 26 to go.

Fellette and I took off on a Coach Tour for a refreshing ride into the Dorset country side, fresh air, a substantial hike, explored the remains of the impressive castle built by William The Conquerer. It was blown up during the English Civil War in 1646 by Oliver Cromwell and his Parliamentarians.

We had sausage rolls and cheese and onion pasties in the village square before searching out a cup of tea in the Tea House at the foot of the Castle. Nice.

I was a real treat to see real people living real lives on a Saturday, taking time to go as a family with the youngsters to enjoy the beauty that surround us in the real world, but we are usually so rushed we do not see it. The English we encountered today seem to be so quiet, polite and friendly. I guess we have been around basically North Americans for the past three months, who are louder, that I noticed it today.

The only negative thing today was the fellow passengers, in their eagerness to get on the bus before others to get what they consider a good seat. I sure would not want to be in a life boat with the vast majority of these people! 

Just a comment folks.

Dover tomorrow.

A Great Day…

The Castle was built on a very steep mound and of massively thick walls.

This little creek has been babbling along here forever, beside the trail on the way up: if the creek could speak.

It stood the test of time until after a three year siege, somebody opened the gate and let the Parliamentarians in. They blew it up shortly after.

A view from the small hamlet just outside the Castle Gate.

Absolutely stunning views in every direction.The Castle was still celebrating Easter and they had interesting Medieval games for little kids. Pleasing to see the kids with their young adults.

Try climbing up there with people flinging arrows etc. at you!

Over the hills and far away...

Taking a break.

Main street in the Hamlet or Village.

Railroad bridge, trains run every few minutes: a Tourist Train, for kids and families.

Typical English Beach Scene at 13 C, [56 F] Drinking something and eating Fish and Chips then an Ice Cream Cone!