In between what? Flowers don’t care what is going on in the blogging world as long as someone waters them in our ongoing heatwave.
In the meantime I’m between homes and computers so who knows what might happen!
Will I get out of the bloghole?
Will this unblog get posted? See you on the other side ….hopefully…..
Today’s stroll started with a long brisk walk, but I’ve saved you that part. We are at the top and the end of Hengistbury Head. It was sunny, but seems to have got cloudy again. At least you can still see the Isle of Wight. I do not know if this yellow object was planted by aliens or…
Look down on Mudeford Sandspit, do you want to go down there?
Would you like one of these beach huts? Some look over the harbour, others out to sea and some lucky ones have a view in both directions.
They cost as much as real houses.
https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/150581153#/?channel=RES_BUY
£350,000 or more…
And you can’t stay overnight all year round and have to use the toilet and shower blocks…
Let’s go round to the sea shore.
Rain is threatening so we will walk round the harbour and head back.
Stay on the path here.
This leads to the dark woods of the interior, we are not going to enter in case we get lost or we can’t keep quiet.
Carry on…
… if you are ready for coffee and a little something.
Would you like a beach hut here, or just a walk?
No words, just sand.
Follow the path to the first point of historic interest.
He was the first Briton to be killed in an aeronautical accident with a powered aircraft, when the tail of his Wright Flyer broke off during a flying display in Bournemouth. He was aged 32.
Nearby is the popular Hiker Café, popular with the many dog walkers, but as we discovered when we went with my friend’s dog on a very windy rainy day, dogs are not allowed inside the café. Plenty of seating outside and very pleasant inside. Considering how many places let dogs in you might be surprised, but with the strong possibility of dogs getting wet and muddy you can see their point! A short walk takes you to the visitor centre where you can see the history of the headland back to the busy days of the iron age.
‘Long before the arrival of the Romans, Hengistbury Head was a thriving trading port. Some have commented that Hengistbury Head was probably the first urban settlement in England. It was without doubt one of the the most important sea ports in the the whole of England.’
Reassuring to know nature can take back urban areas.
It’s time to make our way up.
Did you guess anything about this monolith in Friday’s blog? It was hard to find anything about it; alas it is neither ancient nor extra terrestrial, but still interesting. Created by sculptor Briony Marshall in 2016.
‘Layers of Bournemouth is a rammed earth sculpture that invites passers-by to slow down and contemplate the beauty and age of our precious natural world.‘
https://briony.com/project/layers-of-bournemouth/
Time to walk up to the top and enjoy the views of Christchurch Harbour..
Then return another way for sea views as the short winter day draws in.
You would have had time to walk further if you hadn’t stopped for coffee and cake at the café! Come back another day to explore more.
PS At one stage Henry George Selfridge bought Hengistbury Head with plans to build a magnificent castle. Fortunately the plans never got off the ground.
Have you been here, or do you have a favourite hill or iron age fort to walk round?
Please note, only the dog gave permission for her photos to appear. Does NOT include unflattering pictures of windswept walkers. This was the day Storm Floris hit Scotland and the north of England, but only a Force five wind on Hengistbury Head.
How do you like your walks? Windy, sunny, hilly or flat?
Surprise, surprise, another mermaid tail.
The eastern end of the promenade
Danger lurks everywhere
CATCH UP WITH NEWS ITEMS YOU MAY HAVE MISSED
TEXERCISE
Doctors are warning of a health crisis amongst teddy bears. ‘Too many teddies sit around all day being cuddly and are not getting enough exercise.’ Bobby’s Gym is offering cheap membership for the Texercise programme and bears are welcome to bring their therapy humans along.
An artist has come up with an innovative scheme to help dogs who are unable to read street signs and numbers. He will paint a picture of your dog on your house so your faithful companion will know where he lives.
Scientists have identified the two greatest dangers in the home.
A local writer was thrilled with an unexpected win this week. She wishes to remain anonymous, but was quoted as saying she needs time to think about what she should do with her win.
A local council has come up with an idea to shorten the waiting times for magistrates court. Only the most serious offenders will be summoned to appear in court, while others will be put in the stocks.
And on a sunnier note there is a chance for beach lovers to snap up a bargain.
What important news is happening in your area?
TAKE A WALK TWIXT RIVER AND SEA
FROM TUCKTON TO HENGISTBURY HEAD
RIVER STOUR, DORSET
CHRISTCHURCH HARBOUR
HENGISTBURY HEAD – IRON AGE FORT
THE SOLENT
GORSE
Times and Tides of a Beachwriter 