Some time ago it had been our intention to cruise to St Petersburg for Joe’s 60th birthday along with twin Ali and hubby Chris. Coronavirus put paid to that so an alternative plan was hatched.

We would spend a few days at Hamble-Le-Rice and dine at the Jolly Sailor for our joint 60th celebrations. The Jolly Sailor is nestled on the banks of the River Hamble with stunning views of the river and harbours.

We travelled from Woodstock to our campsite at Hamble (Sunnydale farm caravan park) and were allocated Pitch 2, for the second year in a row. A fully serviced pitch close to the toilet block.

We were not blessed with nice weather on our joint birthday bash but we secured a great table at the Jolly Sailor. Food was good, Ali’s choice of pink champagne excellent. Long lunch followed by a cream tea at the caravan.

Spent the next day with Chris and Ali at their retirement place on Hayling Island. Nice walk to the pub for lunch and refreshments – The Ferry Boat Inn.

Watched a seal swimming just off-shore.

The next day was very hot and sunny. A mini heatwave has finally arrived so Joe finally got his birthday cruise – albeit a few days late.

There are some nice walks along the coast and up the estuary alongside the River Hamble. This Egret was the most interesting bird we saw.

There were some interesting boat names. The “mouette blanche” and the one below caught our eye.

Tomorrow we pack up for an early departure on Friday morning. The site has already cleared out substantially this week, but somehow a group of “proper” travellers has occupied a number of pitches here. Could there be a link?

I can see now why many sites ban White Transit vans with lettering, German caravans and twin axle caravans. This group would have been caught by all three.

Giant Propane bottles are leaned against the caravans and black sacks of litter strewn around. Bicycles are tossed in the hedge. Need I say anymore…

Assuming we have an event free packing day tomorrow and a safe return to East Devon on Friday, this will be the last posting from this trip. I think it is nearly 5 weeks ago that we headed to the Peak District and the weather was damp, often downright wet and very cold. Temperatures in the South are now a very pleasant 25 degrees and we look set fair for about a week of excellent weather.