Wednesday 27th to Thursday 28th August 2008

Following on from our mini cruise to Ireland, which ended in nearby Southampton, Gina and I decided to make a short add-on to our holiday by making a long overdue visit to the Portsmouth Historic Naval Dockyard. There we saw HMS Victory and HMS Warrior, and the specially climatically controlled exhibition of Henry VIII’s ship the Mary Rose. There were a number of most interesting museums on site, plus a very much “hands-on” Action Stations facility for the more active visitor. All in all, we thoroughly recommend it to our family and friends, for being both excellent value for money and having a really enjoyable time. Very well done to the Royal Navy !!!

Saturday 23rd to Wednesday 27th August 2008

We have just returned from a mini cruise to Ireland, sailing upon Independence of the Seas – currently the world’s largest cruise liner. We docked at Cove Harbour, situated in the south-west of the country. From there we also visited the city of Cork, and then onto the ancient castle of Blarney, home of the famous “kissing” stone. (see picture below).



Legend has it that by kissing the stone you become “eloquent” – however, in order to do so, it is necessary to be suspended upside down and lowered backwards in order to perform this action ! Needless to say, both Gina & I decided that the old saying “discretion is the better part of valour” ran true to course for us ! 

Sunday 10th August 2008

Today we were joined by Simon, Scott & Alex for a visit to the beach at Ruislip Lido.



Apart from the odd downpour of rain, we all had a great time, and finished off the afternnon with a ride back to the car park on the Lido’s minature railway.



Then we went back home for a slap up tea !!!