Day 51 (9th August 2022)

 Up and out before anyone had arisen this morning. As it is predicted to be another hot, still day, I wanted to get to at least one of my Germinal CCXXIV places before it got too busy. My first leg of the journey was going just fine until I crested a hillside and gasped at the view.

What the pic doesn't really show was an old building on top of one of those hills. From this distance it looked something like a castle's keep or a church. Checked out the map and it turns out to be Abbotsbury.

Definitely worth a detour.

This building is St.Catherine's Chapel. The town below used to be the site of Abbotsbury Abbey, of which almost nothing visible remains, but the parish church is a knock-out.

The village is full of wonderful thatched cottages and it was difficult to tear myself away. But I did, finally arriving at England's most spectacular shingle beach. Stop #109

CHESIL BEACH

There were very stern signs discouraging swimming, annoying as I'd just changed into my swim shorts. But I didn't want to run the risk of being told off so early in the day, so I looked at a billion billion pebbles for a bit 

before heading east through the very congested Weymouth to get to stop #110

DURDLE DOOR

Strewth, the car park was rammed. Had a little chat with the parking attendant who was interested in the Alphard. Distracted, I ended up halfway down the steep dusty path before realising I'd forgotten my phone. Cursing heavily I made my way back up, ditched my sweaty T in the van and headed back down. Had a very refreshing swim underneath the arch, soaked my cap in the water and made my way back.

I met the same attendant and told him my tale of woe. He said rather than walk to my next stop, I could drive instead as my parking ticket was valid in that car park too. I could have hugged him, but instead got in and drove to stop #111

LULWORTH COVE

I was here a few months ago (in the pouring rain) with Guy and my friends Monica, Larissa & George, but in the heat and the crowds, it felt like a very different place. 

Stopped off at the church at West Lulworth as it looked interesting from the outside. Inside, not so much!

Made my way back to tonight's campsite earlier than usual as I just wanted to flop and drink some wine. There are deer and adders here - eek - so I'd better not drink too much. 

Allons-y 

Douglas Germinal CCXXIV Brain over and out