Ferry crossing at Dartmouth

We have visited Dartmouth several times, and from there have taken the ferry to/from Kingswear. The "lower ferry" at Dartmouth has been running since the 1700's, and is fascinating both to watch from the shore, and to cross over by. Basically, it consists of a floating platform which is pushed and pulled along by tugs. When leaving the slipway, the tug goes astern (good nautical phrase eh?!!) whilst pulling the ferry along ......

casts off, swings round .....

then ties up and starts pushing it (so for part of the crossing, the ferry is effectively drifting on it's own!).

In the middle of this, the tug driver leaves the tug moving on its own (i.e. nobody driving it!) and hops onto the ferry to collect money from the passengers, before returning to continue the journey ...

Meanwhile, the other ferry on the other side is doing the same, and they cross in the middle!!

Dartmouth is one of our favourite places, we have been there by bus - (double-decker, sitting on the top at the front of course, like children!!) The bus route goes via Slapton sands, and the views are absolutely wonderful ...

Strange happenings on the Hoe ...

One thing I have always enjoyed is people-watching, and where better than the Hoe? People taking their dogs for walks & throwing them sticks/balls, picnics & BBQ's going on, or simply out there enjoying the view. As they say, anything goes on the Hoe .... from hot-air balloons:

... or failing that, somebody pulling a bus along (well why not, with petrol prices being so high these days?!)














Sometimes the Army use the Hoe for training purposes, usually very early in the morning (so they can't be seen perhaps?!). Well, it was either training, or they were trying to build a giant bonfire ...

However, I was not prepared for the sight that met my eyes the other morning. Seeing hunky Army lads running up and down is one thing ... but giving each other firemens lifts??? They could have asked for willing female volunteers .... !!!

Another evening, I could hear a lot of grunting going on, so was naturally intrigued .... and guess what I saw?? Kickboxing! Needless to say, I doubt if there would have been very many female volunteers for that ....