Diving, Steam Train and Walk

Well what a day; it started this morning with a dive under Swanage Pier. It was only 4 metres but it was a lovely dive. We went to the end oh the pier where the fish were it abundance. It was really pretty under there with the sun filtering through. Last time we dived here we didn't get to the end as it was gloomy and felt unwelcoming however today we went into the gloom (this is where the pier is wider at the end and has two levels) and what a treat we had.

Once out of the water and back at the cottage we walked back into Swanage and got on the steam train to Corfe Castle. It's the first time we have taken Kea on a train and she got her own 'Dog' ticket. She wasn't that relaxed on the train; we are not sure if it was the noise or the less than smooth movement.

From Corfe we started an 8 mile walk which took us up hills, through meadows, into fields of sheep and down a cliff side to a beautiful little bay. Here we stopped to have lunch and Kea had a great play in the water. The beautiful place is called Chapman's Pool. We then climbed the cliff again and followed the path back to Corfe Castle. As it came into sight it was an impressive view.

Returning back to Corfe we decided a cider would be in order. As Dave was buying this I looked up the train times and realised we had to either get the next one which left in just over 10 mins or wait another two hours. Dave came out with two refreshing pints of cider which we gulped down fast and headed quickly for the train. This time it was a diesel train which either suited Kea better or she was so tired she didn't care.

We hadn't been on the train long when Dave told me he felt a bit tiddly!! By the time we got back to Swanage he said he's head was spinning!! He also tried to blame this on heat stroke!!! It was amusing to watch him a bit stumbley and hear him singing most of the way home (for those who don't know Dave, he doesn't usually drink alcohol).

Swanage

We arrived in Swanage on Friday, took ages to get here as the roads were heaving. I think the world and his brothers were out on Friday. We also tried to miss the motorway as much as possible though we also added a bit of time. I now seem to prefer taking the more scenic route and avoid the motorways. The views are much better and the stops much more pleasant :-).

We found out cottage which is on the road that goes into Swanage.....it's called Punch and Judy Cottage. We wasn't sure what it would be like as it is in a terrace and on the main road. On opening the front door we were pleasantly surprised. It has a small lounge, kitchen and bathroom on the ground floor, then up some stairs (quite steep) to a bedroom and another lounge which leads out to a lovely garden. Behind a door is another set of stairs which leads to another bedroom. It is quaint, with character but decorated in a modern way........lovely.

Friday evening we popped into Swanage to get a couple of bits and of course we had to get chips!! Dave had a pasty with his but I am now eating gluten free (groan) so had to avoid that! It's not been easy to choose foods but it has made me avoid the doughnuts and cream teas so far.......not necessarily a good thing :-(.

Saturday we had an early start and took Kea for a long walk. During the walk we were in a field with horses who took, I feel, an unhealthy interest in myself and Kea. Dave wanted to stroke them but no they wanted to say hello to me...I have to say they really unnerved me. The end of the walk involved Dave climbing a style one side and face planting it the other. He was behind me and all I heard was a thud, when I looked back Dave was sprawled on the floor.....yes I was cruel and laughed but only once I knew he was ok. We then headed to Hive Beach at Burton Bradstock to get some diving in. We met up with our friend Ken who had kindly travelled down from Somerset to give us some advice and guidance. As our navigation isn't the best he got us doing some navigating! We got back to the beach so we must have done ok! Of course we couldn't have a dive without a breakfast......and yes I did manage to fit in a coffee!!! There was not much to see accept lots of little hermit crabs which were fascinating to watch; we also saw a couple of small rays and a tiny plaice. A pleasant dive though and a good place to go to do a bit of training and confidence building etc. It was a little trek down the beach though so we took kit down in two runs......for Dave it was an even longer walk as somehow he had missed where Ken and I had gone and walked half way down the beach and had to turn around and walk back to us!!!

Today we have been to a place called Tyneham Village. It is a village, now ruins that was evacuated during the 2nd World War due to the military extending their boundaries. The residents were promised they would get their village and homes back after the war. This didn't happen as it was decided the surrounding area would continue to be firing ranges. The Village is now open to the public on weekends and other times during the year. A fascinating place to see and well worth a visit. It is free with a car park, the only cost is a donation for the car park which we thought was great value. Plenty of walking was involved here :-). We then took Kea for a short walk and grabbed lunch on the way one. Just before we stopped we were afforded the good fortune of seeing a heard (not sure if this is the correct term!!) of deer in a field :-).

We have been back at the cottage a while now and of course had the essential doze!!!