Back in Val and Malcolm’s lovely back garden with Sunnie in Christchurch.
We had a gourmet lunch in the garden and caught up with all the news as it’s 4 years since we were here last.
Later we walked the dog along the seafront at Milford on Sea and Val took us into an amazing place called The Beach House. We couldn’t believe we had never come across it before.
We had a few drinks in a glass room overlooking The Isle of Wight.
The beach House.
Val and Malcolm’s beautiful garden
The next day David helped (or hindered) Malcolm who has a Lawnmaster business. They went to many different locations but had to miss a few in the morning because of the heavy rain. When they came home David said he would take me back to some of the spots as they were so lovely.
While the boys were at work Val and I drove into Christchurch for a walk around the harbour and a bit of shopping.
The Norman Keep
Lunch in The Soho Bar
Found this in a shop and couldn’t resist to buying it for Alison when we next see her in Spain.
We drove back to where David had done some lawns in the village of Witchampton.
The Abby House. There are so many lovely villages like this all around England. We need to stay longer!!
Had a great walk.
What a great use of unused telephone boxes this one had a defibrillator in it.
Walked through this gate into the estate of Crichel House
This house and estate is owned by a billionaire Texan who is spending lots of money on the estate.
One of the houses David and Malcolm worked on. To the left of the weir was an old paper mill. Just underneath the bridge you can see a white swan called Colin.
The front of the house.
Stopped at The Stock Inn Furzehill for lunch and watched the thatchers. It was very interesting and there is plenty of work for them in this area.
On the way back to Christchurch we had a walk around Mudeford Quay where it all began! As this is where David proposed to me about 32 years ago!
Mudeford Quay
Val has been spoiling us every morning with a cooked breakfast and gorgeous meals at night. Tonight we played Mexican Train and Malcolm won but he must have cheated!
Today we had a trip down memory lane and walked around Canford Cliffs were Jo spent many a happy summer holidays in her childhood.
The beach hut we hired every year with Mum Dad and the grandparents. What memories it bought back!
This is the steep Chine that we used to push grandad up in his wheelchair to the top where the hotel was that we stayed at (has now been knocked over for retirement flats) .
We then drove to Sandbanks which is the most expensive real estate in England.
The rain stared but it didn’t stop us walking along the beach.
And yes! Wherever we go David seems to see someone famous! This is Darren Gough an ex English cricketer.
Then we got the ferry from Sandbanks over to Sheel Beach in Studland. This is where we finished our SWCP walk 4 years ago.
The Isle of Purbeck Gold Course. This was such an amazing view towards Bournemouth.
Had a picnic lunch in the car as the rain had started again.
We then drove to Corfe Castle that Jo had never been to before. Absolutely blown away with it and spent the rest of the day walking around the castle and village. The sun had come out for us too.
The steam train on its way to Swanage.
The village of Corfe
Yes we had a beer 🍻
That night Val and Malcolm had a date night and went to Wimborne to see a band called The UnThanks. We looked after Sunnie.
Another cooked breakfast!
Today we visited Hinton Park Woodland buriel ground to see David’s nana and grandad’s trees.
David’s parents old house in Linford Close New Milton. We then visited their old friends Sheila and Elizabeth.
Jo got such a shock when we walked into Sheila’s house and on the sofa was a cushion that her mum had made! Diana really left her mark far and wide.
Sunday we had a day out with Val Malcolm and Sunnie.
The beautiful village of Beaulieu.
Did a walk from Beaulieu to Bucklers Hard.
Roast lunch in The Master Builders House Hotel.
The New Forest ponies. All free and wild.
Rhinefield House
Later we had a beer in The Christchurch Harbour Hotel over looking Mudeford Quay. Another gem we hadn’t been to before! What a spot!
Malcolm looking cute on the wedding swing.
What a wonderful time we had. And how very spoilt we were. Hopefully they will come to visit us in Wales when we are on our big walk. We are off to David’s cousin now in Plymouth-Ian and wife Linda.
