Sep 05, 2011

After a doubtful weather forecast we set out for Minster to catch up with Gareth (Dawn was called into work) and daughter Emily and headed off on our bikes to explore. We enjoyed a day of balmy sunshine, a little ferocious wind, beautiful scenery and a combination of blue and threatening grey skies somehow missing the rain which finally arrived 10 minutes after we got back to Marshside.

Much of the countryside we rode through today was once marsh land and over the centuries has silted up providing rich soil for agriculture which is abundant in the area in many forms.

Broadstairs was a delightful seaside village, actually probably more a large town than village and among other things is famous for the fact that Charles Dickens was once a resident and penned several books as he looked out to sea from his home on the bluff overlooking the beach and harbour. It used to be open to the public but has been a private home for a few years now.



Broadstairs with the Dickens house on the bluff in the distance

Dover Castle was an impressive sight perched solidly on top of the cliff and we nearly got blown off the cliff top as we overlooked the huge ferry terminal where the ferries and other boats and ships were struggling to negotiate the breakers and so getting in and out from behind the sea wall. Apparently it is not uncommon that in rough weather the ferries moor outside the seawall for several hours to wait for the seas to calm. Hate to think what that must do to the schedules of the transport companies, drivers of the semis lined up and the delivery of the thousands of containers which move through there every week.



The Dover Ferry terminal

Sandwich was just an absolute delight and we wound our way through tiny streets, many of which were one-way due to the minimal distance between ancient old buildings. So very quaint, we just loved it. Found an ancient old hotel ‘The Bell Hotel’ so had to take a pic for all the family connections. Beautifully looked after. Check it out on the web at www.bellhotelsandwich.co.uk



The Bell Hotel