Portsmouth again

A few pictures from Portsmouth before and after the Bilbao trip.

The view from the ferry as we left port.

Sunset and the Spinnaker Tower the day we returned.

An extremely odd statue on the hard by Portsmouth Harbour.

Spain Mini Cruise Again

Last weekend I went on the P&O Ferries mini cruise to Spain again. The route is being withdrawn in September so it was pretty much my last chance to go. :(

I saw lots a new species this time including sperm whales, fin whales, pilot whales, minke whales, a basking shark and tuna leaping right out of the water. The water was so calm when we passed the sperm whales that we could even make out some of the whales body below the water with the naked eye. It was really amazing to see something huge and normally confined to deep, offshore areas. We also saw a Cuvier's Beaked Whale leap right out of the water several times. The Bay of Biscay is probably the only place in the world that you can see this so we were really lucky.

The second night on the boat, a large thunder storm surrounded us. It was quite scary, but also exhilarating.



This time we decided to go on the Bilbao City tour for our time in Spain.



The Guggenheim museum was quite impressive.



But I also enjoy looking at old fashioned Spanish buildings.


And the best part is I wasn't sick once! (Although I did come close a few times. )


Farewell Pride of Bilbao, you will be missed.

Shoreham-by-Sea

Last weekend I went to a place called Shoreham-by-Sea which is between Brighton and Worthing.

The town itself was quite small with lots of seaside cafes and shops. This pretty little church was one of the most interesting buildings.

North of the town is this rather impressive private school with a large chapel.
Walk along the stony beach and eventually you will come to this old fort which apparently was a film studio at one point.

From this point you can see Brighton in the distance. By the way Brighton is where I was born.