Dolphins at 3 o'clock

All views from the cliffs that form the southern edge of the Isle of Purbeck are special but when a pod of 8 -10 Dolphins are seen heading east, it becomes even more so.
I don't think that any creature we see down here delivers such a ripple of excitement through the crowds as the Dolphin and todays group were no exception.
A superb sight and one that doesn't happen too often.

It's a Good Mornng Tenacious

Whatever the weather, tall ships were built to be in our bay, they look just about perfect. Tenacious was given her name on the 6th April 2000 and so has no great age but she is always a welcome sight.

Early Mornings and Old harry

It was early but not too early, misty but not too misty and Old Harry was basking in the first rays of a September sunrise.

A Marathon, a Pelican and a busy deserted village.

Todays walk for The Swanage Walking Festival was always going to be good, but with perfect weather and a superb group of people it exceeded even my expectations.
It was obvious from the start that the views were going be wonderful: there was just enough of a slight breeze to keep the sea mist away. When we got to Flowers Barrow and the land fell away we could easily see every detail of Portland and Weymouth bay. Portland Bill itself, some fourteen or so miles away, seemed within touching distance. A few boats in the bay were spotted by the eagle-eyed including a beautiful tall ship that turned out to be the Pelican of London (thanks to Jon, my ship expert).
The long since deserted village of tyneham, always popular on a Sunday, was even busier due it being on the Purbeck Marathon route. This is a strange place and always leads to mixed emotions with me, there is certainly a lot of history here but I find it unsettling. The group split up at this point so that everyone could spend their own time here, exploring the small village and the memories that haunt it.
The way back up to Povington Hill, some 650 feet high, is always a challenge but we managed it ended the walk on high note.

Happy Birthday Swanage Lifeboat

On the 16th September 1875 Swanage Lifeboat Station was established. During the next 140 years the lifeboat has been launched 2472 times, caried out 1871 rescues and saved 752 lives.
That's not too bad for a bunch of volunteers!

To keep up to date with the Swanage Lifeboat chck out https://www.facebook.com/swanagelifeboat

Isle to Isle

A trip to the Isle of Wight from the Isle of Purbeck doesn't take long. From pier to to pier it is just over twenty miles but the view of Old Harry and his opposite number, the Needles, is very special. It is also good to see the Isle of Purbeck from the sea, soething that I don't do oftern enough.
The Waverley herself is a beautiful boat and fits in to the bay very nicely.

Weekend Walks, Hiding Roes and Hummingbirds

It doesn't matter too much where I go on a wander. It doesn't matter what I see either as most of the time I just get lost in my surroundings and just enjoy the moment.
The walk to St.Aldhelm's Head is a favourite and is always an easy stroll but at the end you are met with some of the finest views around. Even if there doesn't seem to be a lot around, look carefully and creatures just seem to pop up!

The Shtandart

The last time the Shtandart was anchored at Swanage pier she went under the name of the Jolly Roger and flew the Skull and Crossbones. This time, she has dropped the theatrics, runs uder her real name and flies the Russian flag of her home country.
Whatever she calls herself, Swanage Bay is the perfect location for her and the other tall ships that visit us.