Jurassic Coast



We went to Lime Regis where we went fossil hunting. 

Before we could begin we had to walk all the way from the main town area to the cliff faces (this picture is looking back from the cliff to the town).

On our way we saw some very colorful beach huts which reminded us of those on some Melbourne beaches.

We didn't find any good examples but it was fun trying.  It was hot work despite the fact that it is quite cold.

Isle of Portland

We wet to the (pebble) beach but it was way too cold (and extremely windy) to go for a swim.  Despite the weather there were several fishermen (many of whom were huddling under tents) hoping to catch some fish.

Walk In The Gardens At Abbotsford



We went to the Abbotsford Sub Tropical Gardens which is extremely picturesque. 

This is a view of the abbey from the gardens.

Whilst we were there we had cakes and coffees as a treat.

There were several bridges which we took full advantage of (as you can see).

We also got some photographs of the foliage as well.

Jim found a (carved) bunny rabbit.

Then later Kath and Jim admired the carp pond where there was an extremely large white carp (bottom left).

Durdle Door

We went for a coastal walk along with quite a few other people we ended up at Durdle Door.

It took us around 90 mins to walk from the car park to the beach along the cliff but as it was sunny (albeit very cold) it was worth it.

 

We went into the tiny residential area of Lulworth Cove down by the morings to have lunch. 

 
As we were walking back to the car we noticed that one of the residents had converted their tree into a lost shovel and spade holder. 

Seaside Sunsets

We took Jim and Kath to Weymouth and were rewarded with lovely weather.

Not to mention wonderful sunsets.

Clothes Maketh The Man

(Well in this case - Paint Maketh The Building)

We have been planing to paint the outside of our flat for a while however, a few things have gotten in the way and caused us a little delay.  In particular, the weather.  We haven't had two consecutive dry days on the weekend to be able to paint.

This weekend it was predicted to be cloudy but dry so took the opportunity to finally do the long awaited painting. 

Previously, we'd cleaned and filled the brickwork so now it was just a matter of washing the grime which had accumulated before we begin.  This, as it happened, took as long as it did to paint. 

Mike did the white areas whilst Cheryl did the blue areas.  As Cheryl's was the smaller area she kept an eye (actually an ear) out for Zachary's cries (and did the feeding).  She also did the meals.
  

  
People walking and driving past couldn't help but stare.  Yes, there was someone actually a) doing some work and b) beautifying the area.

One such young lady approached Mike and asked him if he was employed to paint this house.  After a short conversation it turned out that she was ceasing the opportunity as she was looking for someone to paint her place.  Mike politely declined the offer to be employed.
  
  
 

When we finished we were amazed at the difference between the old paint work and the new.  This was pointedly illustrated by upstairs unpainted versus our freshly painted flats. 

It should be noted that we are not able to paint the whole house as we do not have permission from the upstairs flat owners.  It would be considered trespassing if we did.  This is why when owners disagree on the color they end up with different colors on each storey.  The flats next door are an example of this.

Bletchley Park

(the home of the Enigma machine)

On the weekend we went to Bletchley Park (http://www.bletchleypark.org.uk/content/museum1.rhtm).  This is the site of secret British code breaking activities during WWII and birthplace of the modern computer.

The site was run mainly by women during the war (approx 8,000 people on a 55 acre estate).  This was top secret and even the locals didn't realise the number of people nor the work that was being done.
  

This is one of the famous enigma machines.  I didn't realise that there was a whole series of machines - one type per force i.e. one for the army and a different one used by the navy.

Before World War II, Polish crypto-analysts had already designed an electro-mechanical machine to test Enigma rotor settings called a ‘Bomba’ (recreated one here).

The Colossus (reconstructed here) was the the world’s first practical electronic digital information processing machine - a forerunner of today’s computers.

There were several statues around the estate which were all made of layered slate.  They were very detailed and quite amazing.

The site had so many collections (from computers to toys and domestic items such as reconstructed 1920's kitchen with clothing, etc) it was amazing.

We took this pic as Jim is a fan of motor bikes.