Robin's Bloggin's

At the end of May, Kates will cycle in a group from London to Amsterdam. The ride is in memory of Jessie, and to raise money for MIND.  In preparation, Kates and I did a two day ride from Salisbury to Bath and back, via Longleat. We stayed overnight at the Youth Hostel in Bath.  The weather wasn’t too kind to us, and we certainly got our money’s worth out of our waterproofs! All very character-forming 😁.  We had a very enjoyable, though tough, ride. We covered 117 miles and ascended over 8,000 ft, so very respectable. Also a good confidence booster for Kates.  If you’d like to sponsor Kates, here is the link: http://memoryspace.mind.org.uk/MyPage/Kats-Up-For-A-Challenge

More of my watercolour card paintings at art group last night. Not sure whether I’m stuck in a painting rut, or whether I’ve just found something that I enjoy!

A fine weekend began with our first BBQ of the year on Friday. An enjoyable, meat-free charcoal-cooked feast with friends.  We then went to Bowood, near Chippenham, to join the wonderful celebrations of Chris and Faye’s recent wedding.  Hearty congratulations and every happiness to you both.  On Sunday, we had a long walk in the glorious, bluebell-festooned wooded estate at Bowood, and watched proud father of the groom, Dave, playing golf. We were delighted to see a group of deer during our walk. 

A great evening's paddling on Thursday from Warsash, up Southampton Water to Netley, then back for a pub tea.  For some, it was a good opportunity for an early season swim too!!!!

Kim and I spent a while in West Sussex this weekend.  This is an area that I'm not all that familiar with, but became fascinated about last year, when I started to plan a mountain biking ride along the length of the South Downs Way (in three stages).  I did the first leg in September last year (from Salisbury, via Winchester, to Butser Hill, adjacent to the A3, then down to Havant).  I hope to complete the other legs this year. I had intended to call this post 'East of Portsmouth', but then thoughts turned to John Steinbeck, and also to Jack Kelly.  I had huge fun in the early '80s, race crewing on a Sigma 33 named 'Off Licence', owned and skippered by Jack.  At that time, Jack was a dentist in Emsworth.  Thanks for some great times Jack! Anyway, on Friday evening, we went to the Southern Cruising Group spring supper at Chichester Yacht Club.  A hearty, happy gathering of the south coast Drascombe crowd.  Good food and fine company. On Satur...

As workplaces go, Solent Business Park is a rather a nice one on a sunny spring day. The landscaping and water features are lovely, and are now well matured. 

Art Group again this evening. I’m not sure whether my technique is improving, but I enjoy it 😊