Sunnydale Campsite, Netley Abbey (N50 53'8" W1 20'30")

Monday, 20th May 2019

Another warm and dry day, as we leave Windsor. I am almost embarrassed to mention the weather, just in case Doug Shearer is reading this, as they are not having much joy with the spring weather in France, Switzerland and Germany.

A pleasant surprise, when Gary calls in to see us off.

Only a short journey (66 miles) to Sunnydale Farm Campsite, Netley Abbey (N50 53'8" W1 20'30"), however, in true UK Motorway style, the first the M4, then, the M27 are plagued by road works and subsequent hold ups.

First impressions are favourable, very friendly wardens, we even get a fully serviced pitch,

with grey waste disposal, fresh water, and EHU on our pitch.  

I am finally able to make use of the three metre length of waste water hose, which I have been carrying about for the past two years!.

Slight reservation about the rather busy road, which may prove a problem for our planned cycling outings, but, we will give it a try.

Tuesday, 21st May 2019

A beautiful day, full sunshine, 22C.

The road outside the site proves not as worrying as we feared. 

The plan is to find the Catholic Church (St Patrick, Woolston), then, to explore. After a little guidance from Stella (Owner), we find our way to an excellent cycle track along the coast. 

We first go toward Southampton, and quickly find the church, then, returning via the coast to Netley, where we stopped for refreshments, at the Prince Consort Pub, then, on through Royal Victoria Country Park, to Hamble-le-Rice, and back to Sunnydale Campsite. just over thirteen miles, and, not a word of complaint.

Wednesday, 22nd May 2019

Another beautiful day. 

Kathleen spends the time before about 9:30 on "hair care', a vitally important activity.

This means there will be no bicycle riding today, "what, put a cycle helmet on and mess up my hair?", not to mention, " get all hot and sweaty, after I have spent ages straightening my hair?".

We explore on foot, just under five miles.

First our route takes us through a nature reserve, very peaceful and pretty, but, we do not see as much as a mouse. We eventually emerge at the ruins of Netley Abbey, a very picturesque and well preserved example of one of Henry VIII's "acquisitions".

We take a few photographs, with my (to me) expensive new camera, all "point and click" since we have not mastered anything except the "zoom" feature yet!

Then, a stroll along the coastal footpath,

with a stop for picnic lunch, and, refreshments in the pub (Prince Consort).

We then become "all adventurous" and make our way back by "instinct", and, by chance, find: another COOP,  another Catholic Church, and, a route back which involved hardly any "on road" walking.