WEDNESDAY, 2ND AUGUST – GOSPORT
We awoke Wednesday morning to a grey, damp day so decided it would be a good idea to put up the cockpit canopy to give us a drying out area for our jackets, umbrellas, etc. Once this was done, we donned waterproof jackets and headed to the shops in Gosport to buy a few essentials to keep us going. Carole also popped into the Oriental Well Being salon and booked a massage for a little later. We managed to return to the boat before the rain became too heavy, but once the shopping was put away, Carole had to brave the torrents to have her massage, but it was worth it.
We spent the afternoon in the dry and warm listening to the radio and reading while the clouds emptied. Around 7 o’clock, the rain eased and we took a stroll up the high street and had our supper in the local Wetherspoons. (These pub restaurants seem to be very popular with yacht crews as they offer a reasonable meal with a drink at a sensible price.) When we returned to the boat we watched a little bit of television before retiring to our beds.
THURSDAY, 3RD AUGUST – GOSPORT
Thursday morning was dry, but breezy and after breakfast, showers, etc we spent a bit of time doing some general chores (Carole) and some work (Chris). We then took a stroll out after which we visited the pub right next to the marina which our friends, Liz and John, had recommended to us for a good home cooked meal. After a tasty steak pie and a half, we returned to the boat for a nap (that’s what eating dinner at lunch time does for you). A bit later we looked where we were going next and decided we would try another Premier marina called Port Solent which is situated a further inland on Portsmouth Harbour. After our heavier than usual lunch, sandwiches and fruit were perfect for our supper and after clearing away, we had a good game of cards before heading to bed.