We didn’t sleep particularly well, but at bedtime, we’d come across an excellent programme on the ‘Legend of Robin Hood’, where the American researcher was trying to establish the truth, or otherwise. It was an interesting programme which we’d never seen before, but it was on so late, we missed the ending.
Anyway, we first woke about 4am and we had lights not too far from the shore on the port side, so we assumed we were well on the way in. Back to sleep for a while, then up to the Horizon Court for the last time. Although it looked a bit misty, I hadn’t realised until I went for my coffee, that it was in fact drizzling. Welcome back to England…
We vacated the cabin about 7:40am and headed for Club Fusion, where Barbara was there to check us in.
She also managed to get us out, first of our batch on time. The luggage is sensibly stacked so that the first group is nearest the exit, so it was easy enough to grab our bags and a trolley and straight out to the taxi tank. No waiting at all and thankfully, no rain either.
Off to Southampton Airport, a £23 ride. Into the Hertz Firefly desk. (The car rental offices aren’t exactly well signposted from the drop off point, but they are to the right of the airport main entrance from the car park/drop off area.) No queue and we emerged at 8:30am with a Nissan Qashqai – not too dissimilar to our normal drive. Now at the moment, there is a lot of discussion in NZ about foreign drivers being a menace on the road and the rental companies need to do more. We were simply handed the keys and told our vehicle was in bay 22. And that was it. Not a lot of room for our luggage for such a large vehicle. The Skoda Octavia we had a couple of years ago was much better. The handbrake was a bit of a weird system, and I managed to stall a couple of times during the day.
Off then towards Bournemouth and an easy run before the grockles clogged the roads. Grockles? Local terminology for tourists.
We were obviously way too early to check in to our accommodation, so called at a shopping centre, Castlepoint, just to waste time. It was about then that my right knee started playing up and I have no idea why.
Paula had a dance lesson booked for 1pm at Winton Methodist church so we checked out the location then headed for the Dean Court Inn. Although it was still only 12 noon, a warm welcome and our room was ready. (The proprietor got married on the Emerald Princess – in Venice…) As with other buildings of this age, the ensuite was quite small and the shower, very small, no fridge and no air conditioning. We were happy enough to be away from air conditioning anyway. Our room was at the rear of the property, away from the road, so very quiet. As they are full and breakfasts cooked to order, we accepted a 9am slot.
By now, my knee was getting worse, so we left the large cases in the car, as lugging them up to the first floor wasn’t going to be easy. Back to Winton for Paula’s lesson with Simon. (Eat your hearts out Blackpool dancers!) My intention was to walk to Charminster, but after less than 100m, I had to turn back, as I really was struggling.
As expected, Paula thoroughly enjoyed her lesson. Pity Simon is so far away.
We then popped into Winton to grab a sandwich and also visit the Poundland shop. Our purchases included a fold-away rucksack (£1), 2 cans of drink (£1), and a waterproof bucket hat(£1), plus a bag of mints.
Back at the Inn, for a freshen up and we decided to return to Winton to grab a knee support. By now, I could only manage 50 metres at a time. It was just as well I wasn’t the one with a dance lesson.
Later, out to brother Malc then a carvery meal at Toby’s – the same structure as the Toby’s back at Nottingham. A nice glass of Stowford cider, by Westons and a filling meal, for which Malc insisted on paying.
We were flagging a bit by 10pm so crashed fairly early. Oh, yes, another bathroom with a squeaky floor…
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