Across the Sea... and Back

Portland is another gem that I didn't know about.

The local government provided free shuttles to Weymouth.

We got off the bus near Portland Castle, and visited the D-Day museum. It has a lot of actual equipment, and related experiences of people in Portsmouth during preparations for D-Day. A large number of US troops prepared for the invasion in this tiny area- and there is great appreciation and affection for those who participated in the evolution.

Of particular note was the recollection of a woman who was involved in prepping armaments. When working, they did not wear their uniforms, but rather coveralls and tucked-up headscarves. She saw a car driving by, and inside were King George VI, Churchill, and General Eisenhower. She was in a quandary, because she felt she should salute her sovereign and commander-in-chief, but she didn't have her cover on. She apparently fumbled around a bit, and finally saluted, amusing the car's inhabitants who got a chuckle out of her dilemma.

We then proceeded to Weymouth, which is a delightful town. It was a beautiful day, and a lot of locals were out enjoying themselves. At the recommendation of a couple we met, we laid into some Fish & Cops, as one does, and then went to a pub for a beer & a cider. And saw a crochet-bombed bicycle.

Then back to the ship.Read more