Dorset May 16 til May 30 2009

This year our UK holiday destination is Dorset. Each holiday I make a dairy and this year I like to share a part of it with all the members of POE. I forgot to pack the dictionary, so sorry for the very Dutch way of writing and all the mistakes. 

Saturday May 16.
Today we started our well earned holiday. 14 days Dorset, England. After we arrived in Dover first a short distance over the motorway but than, of the big road and in low gear over the beautiful county roads (if you where by coinsident, one of the restless, impatiance drivers behind me who could'nt pass on the small roads, sorry, but it's my vacation and I'm not in the mood to hurry myself). It takes some time but you can see a lot more of the county side. Stopping in Metworth by a pub for lunch. Ordered a 'Belly of Pork with gravy' delicious good pub food. It took us almost 7 hours to reach Swanage in Dorset. We're staying in a B&B for a fortnight and from here we can explore a large part. of Dorset.

Sunday May 17
Our first day in Dorset. We forget the cholesterol and start with a full English breakfast. Great, this keep you going for the whole day!
First destination today is Tyneham a small coastal village that was deserted in 1943. The Army needed the area for the D-DAY preparation. The people of Tyneham had to leave there house behind, but the governement promissed that they could return after the war. Now, 66 year later Tyneham is still a ghost town in the middle of the Lulworth firing range. You can visit the town during the weekend as the guns are silence and parts of the range are open to the public.

Picture by Ted van Onzen

After a stroll through the empty houses, the old school building and a visit to the church (together with the school, the only buildings still in tact) we made a walk to Worbarrow Tout. A sturdy, windy (force 8) walk with some steep climbs (still feeling my knees).

Picture by Ted van Onzen

After Tyneham we went to the Charborough Estate to visit the gardens. It is located between Bere Regis and Wimborne Minster next to the A31. Surrounded by the longest brick wall in England. The 2000 acre Estate is only a few times in the year open to the public and luckely today was one of those days. With lots of plants in bloom - I don't know there English names - the gardens are breath taking. In the middle of the park stands Charborough tower. A 100 feet long folly, built in 1790.

Picture by Ted van Onzen

A few years ago it was possible to climb the tower but all the new health and safety regulations made an end to all that fun. (and to lost more, according to one of the local park wardens I spoke to)
At the end of the walk we had tea and cake, fresh made by the friendly ladies of the local church. I love home baking.

Next stop another folly, Horton tower. 140 feet long and build in the early 1700's. Not open for the public but now a days sponsored by Vodafone how is using it as a giant telephone pool for its antennas. Shame on them, cultural barbarians.

Picture by Ted van Onzen

Last stop The Knowlton Rings. The remains of a 14th century Norman church in the middle of a neolithic hence (2500 BC).
Enough culture for one day, so back to Swanage to eat, rest and sleep so we will be fit for tomorrow.

Later this week more Dorset experiences and photo's

Yes, Ted, great idea.  Keep up the good work for us who have to live vicariously.  Great photos!

Don't know what you have been telling the guy, Micheal, but the weather is improved for shure ,lol

Here some more holiday stories

Monday May 18
Today we gone visit the Swanery in Abbotsbury. But first a short visit to Weymouth. It's a very nice place and there is lots to see especially in the harbour area. In Holland I live near a harbour and ships always have my attention.

Picture by Ted van Onzen

After lunch we went to the Swanery and in this time of the year it's crowded with fluffy baby swans, so adorable.

Picture by Ted van Onzen

You can come very close to the swans, but not all the male swans are very friendly. When they start making strange noises better be were and take a stap back (I know now what i'm talking about).
There are hundreds of swans at the Swanery and hundreds of baby swans. I counted 17 youngster in one family, so lovely.
Could stay there for ages, but they close at 5 pm, so we had to leave.

On the way to Abbotsbury, I notice a sign with the directions to the Hardy monument, so on the way back we made a smal detour. The visit was short because there was a very strong wind on the top by the tower and very dark clouds promised not al the best.

Picture by Ted van Onzen

Due to road works there was a giant trafic jam on the road so we took the oppertunity to explore more of the small county lanes.
Never know that there where so many shades of green in nature. Our average speed is 20 miles per hour. Why is everybody else on the road so in a rush. Perhaps locals whom has forgotten that they live in a beautiful country. It takes houres to reach our B&B but who cares, it's holiday!

Tuesday May 19
After more then 1100kms in 3 days we gives the car a day rest. Putting on the walking boots and gone make a walk to Durlston castle.

Picture by Ted van Onzen

Along the coast we walk and as we passes the life boat station we have a chat with the guard, who tells us all ins and outs of what is best of living in Dorset. Very nice and friendly chap, like most of the Dorset people we meet so fare. (there must be something in the water!)
The walk along Peveril point to Durlston castle is breath taking. Not only for the steep climbs more for the stunning en spectacular view. Pitty enough there was a greasy spot on my camare lens that I notice to late. Lots of my picture are spoiled. Also spoiled is Durlston Castle. Lack of maintenance makes it a desolate place. They start restoration now, so let's hope the will fix it to his old glory.

Picture by Ted van Onzen

Back in Swanage the weather is warm enough to eat outside so we're buying some fish and chips and have our diner on the quay side.

You and your wife take vacations the way I like to, Ted.  A nice slow pace and enjoy the area you're in and don't try and see too much.  You can still cover a lot of ground without knocking yourself out.  Thanks for sharing the trip with us.

Thanks again, Ted.  The pictures are great  Hope you're having another wonderful week.  No doubt you are.