Return to England

5 - 10 October

Dover - white cliffs We took advantage of some good weather with light easterly winds to make the return journey via Dunkerque, Dover, Eastbourne and Brighton.

We mainly motored, but had a couple of pleasant sailing days. A nasty weather front came through whilst we were in Brighton so we stayed an extra night.

We finally returned to Portsmouth Harbour and moored up in Port Solent at the top end of the harbour for the winter.

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Belgium - Brugge (Bruges)

4 October

Brugge (56) Again a day out by train to Brugge – an amazing place, historic and attractive, but very vibrant with a 'lived in' feel, not just a tourist attraction.

We went on a half-hour boat trip along the canals – our driver/guide was a turn in himself – he spoke in English, German, Italian and Spanish, with a lot of humorous cracks, and had us and another English couple in stitches.

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Belgium - Brussels

2 October

Brussels (13) Day out by train to Brussels. Fog all day but not too cold.

Le Grand Place (the main square) was incredible, beautiful historic buildings. Had a walk round a couple of other areas of the city, including the upper part with a lot of Art Nouveaux architecture.

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Belgium - Zeebrugge & Ostende

29 September - 4 October

Antwerp (6) Motored to Zeebrugge – wind on the nose and drizzle turning to rain by the time we arrived. Brightened up after lunch. Very long walk (nearly an hour) to train station and discovered no trains at weekend. Zeebrugge a dump and we decided to go on next morning.

Next day we had sunshine and a light west wind so we part sailed and part motored to Ostende and moored near the entrance. On our return from a walk around Ostende we found the boat bouncing around very badly (fenders nearly popping out). Decided we would be better in the marina the other side of the lock – we phoned them up, obtained a berth and moved – very quiet and closer to the station.

Day out to Antwerp by train. Had a walk around historic part for an hour, in the pouring rain. Caught tram to South Antwerp to visit Jim's aunt, Sister Camille. She was delighted to see us, introduced us to all the nuns and showed us around the care home. They gave us afternoon tea when we arrived, and an early supper before we left.

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