Poole

Yesterday evening we walked to the lighthouse at Portland Bill to watch the sunset. An oil painting of purple, pink, orange and grey hung above the blue-black inky sea.

This morning rested from a peaceful night's sleep we marvelled at the view. the sea topped with white, a little livelier than yesterday and a bright blue sky with a whisper of white. Soldiers exercised on the nearby grass area and walkers slowly started to appear.

As we left Portland we decided to stop once again at the car park on the causeway and take a walk on Chesil Beach, a shingle spit stretching eighteen miles across to Abbotsbury.

The stones shifted under our feet as we climbed to the top where we sat and took in the view. Then a drink and sorbet in the cafe before heading home to Poole.

Keen to make the most of our trip we decided to call in at Swanage on the way as it would be our last chance before the town became overrun with holiday makers.

This year eight campervan spaces have been allocated in the main car park, all of which were full so, we parked in another bay and ate lunch and soon one van left. For some reason parking is for daytime only, no overnight sleeping. It is becoming increasingly annoying that some councils cannot see the advantage of allowing the vans to stay overnight. We know local shopkeepers and owners of food outlets want them there. There is a parking area on the seafront for about six vans from 8 pm until 8 am. But although tempted we had reason to return home. So, we made the most of our afternoon visiting some second hand shops and galleries. Then Angela fell over again, her right knee the casualty this time.

Back in Poole, Marge pulled on to her new driveway and was greeted by one of our neighbours keen to take a look inside her and hear about our trip. After unpacking the van quickly, we walked in to town for a meal, then strolled back through the old town busy with diners sat outside the many restaurants. Since we left a week ago the town had sprung in to life, and it felt good.

Next week we will return to Buckinghamshire, and hopefully marge will come with us.

Oh and our new mirror, the main reason for our trip survived the journey home in one piece!