Tuesday, 9 May 1978

Fine, clear

Through Bournemouth to Sandbanks. Caught 10.30 ferry to Brownsea Island – open boat. Large castle on island now let by National Trust to John Lewis who use it as a staff holiday and conference hotel.

A peacock at Brownsea Island

Small church. many peacocks strutting and calling and displaying tails. Walked to stone to mark the first campsite of BP [Baden-Powell].

Where “scouting” started

Crossed car ferry to Swanage. Through Corfe Castle where remains of the castle are high on the hill. beautiful well ordered countryside blocked by hedges on the sides of the road.

Wareham to Weymouth on dockside.

Walked up through the town plaza. Bought soap, hair cream and spencer at M&S [Marks & Spencers].

Along B3157 to Bridport to Lyme Regis, A3052, A376 to Exmouth. Trouble to find a cafe. Had KentuckyFried on the roadside seat. Found some jumper leads.

To Exeter 377, A380 to Newton Abbot to Kingskerswell 4 miles short of Torquay. Talkative B&B lady, very nice bungalow, beautiful gardens. Son in South Australia, CSIRO, checking wines.