UK 2020 Covid Tour

If yesterday’s weather experience wasn’t enough, Accuweather tells us that today is going to be worse - thanks for that! Torrential rainfall during the night had woken me,and curiously I had sensed the smell of smoke in the air, but not is any alarmist way so fell back to sleep. Leaving the hotel this morning we’re amazed to find carnage on the road outside, at least eight fire pumps plus hoses snaking every which way, fire officers and police officers everywhere, a film crew and people loitering all over. It transpires that a hotel that was closed down for refurbishment opposite us has gone up in flames overnight. Although tempting we resist taking photos as it’s potentially ghoulish at this time, but here’s an example of what happens to your beach hut if the cooking gets beyond your abilities!

The weather starts off well, and we enjoy sunshine for a while, although jumpers are definitely called for.

Walking back in the direction of Poole we decide to take advice from our dear friend Heather who told us to visit a cafe along the front for breakfast, so we ignored our usual one and carried along the prom for three miles towards Branksome Beach where said cafe exists. Ten minutes before we reach our destination the heavens let rip with a deluge - we are of course prepared but this means everyone nearby suddenly needs shelter, and there’s no room left at the inn!

We continue to our destination convinced we’ll find an alternative, even fancying the Loch Fyne we pass but it wasn’t open. Happily at our destination we are able to get scrambled eggs and smoked salmon on toast which is our perfect and regular breakfast for Fridays, so ignoring the fact that today is Thursday we’re both quite happy! A disastrous Zoom error causes some consternation during breakfast but I quickly fix it and the Over 55’s class takes place on time with just a few jitters for staff back in the studio!

Our first intended destination is Compton Acres, an Arts and Crafts inspired gardens built in the 1920s. It comprises six interconnected areas each with a theme, and for a mere £9 one can wander around and enjoy the splendour - except that is when it’s chucking it down. However we’ve paid so we’re going to do it, wandering around taking in as much as possible whilst trying to keep warm we enjoy most of the gardens although to be honest don’t necessarily take the time we should have. Next time we visit it will be warmer!

Italian Garden

Woodland Garden

Bog land Garden

Sculpture Garden

Japanese Garden

We take the long way back by waking the wrong way, down to Sandbanks. More work issues as we walk, but this time I can’t fix a delayed delivery, it’s not in my gift. Happily the weather has improved quite a lot and we’re able to enjoy our walk back towards Bournemouth and note that the ship count has gone up to six, with Celebrity Apex joining the others.

Our long awaited town-tour is next, starting with a walk up the delightful gardens the Victorians created around the path of the The Bourne, which is of course the stream that gives the town its name.

We start in the “mouth” which is directly opposite the land end of the pier and walk two miles alongside the stream as it winds gently west, to the upper part of the gardens, named Coy Pond which are back in Poole. The impressive water tower took water pumped from a narrowed section of the stream to create a head for watering the surrounding area.

We turn round and take the other side of the stream back to town, before turning off to take a wander around a few streets, marvelling at the wonderful Art Deco buildings which Bournemouth has in plentiful supply (nothing as incredible as Napier but satisfying nevertheless.)

Having a delayed breakfast we swerved lunch, which in turn allows us to take afternoon tea instead so partake of cake opposite the pier before walking a convoluted route home. Intending to look at the Russell-Coats museum, only from the outside as it’s closed today.

The garage at the end of out street has run out of Guardians, and the policeman guarding the road wants us to go a different route anyway, so we walk round a couple of extra blocks to find a paper and take a different route back to the hotel. Although there are a few less fire appliances now, the entire area is still closed and water pipes are strewn everywhere.

Our walk has been just as enjoyable as any of the previous days, just wetter!

We shower and change fir dinner then head back to our favourite (for this week) place, Neo, to meet with old school friend Richard for a lovely Chardonnay before dinner. It’s great to catch up but before long we must depart to go next door to Crab.

We move on to Chablis and enjoy scallops, baked oysters, turbot and crab before finishing with plum cake.