In the West Country

Friday finds us in Plymouth,England .Plymouth, among it's many claims to fame is most notable for being the launching point for the Mayflower in 1620 and the place where Sir Francis Drake left to battle the Spanish Armada. Local legend has it that Drake finished his game of bowls (lawn bowling ) before going out with his fleet.

We were docked at the pier used by the ferry service that goes to France. A shuttle service provided by the local authorities saved us all a half hour walk in to town and dropped us right in the city centre.





We walked a bit in the city centre getting photos of the Guild Hall and St Andrews Church. There was also a children's play area with some organized entertainment, an out door setup for Olympic Games viewing, some large pedestrian only outdoor shopping malls, and even some palm trees as this is the sunny south of England.

We then went to an old section of town called Barbican. Very scenic and it goes down to the waterfront.


The steps pictured here are the original steps from the Mayflower launch. We were told that the steps were originally located where the ladies room of the pub (Admiral MacBride) is now. Our hero enjoying a pint in this pub. Barbados friends will notice the name of another pub pictured here.

From fellow travelers we learned about a one hour bus tour around town so we took that. Excellent trip and one area we went to was called Royal William Yard. Now being gentrified and apartments there go for a measly £1M. The picture above showing the Bakery sign is part of this area. We also learned that there are 59 places around the world named "Plymouth " or some variation of it. After the bus trip we walked to an adjacent park are called Plymouth Hoe. There they have their own version of the London Eye, this one is somewhat smaller .


Returning to the ship on the same shuttle as some crew ,our favorite bar server Melanie was on the same bus. She had to hustle off to get ready for her 4pm shift start. We leisurely got ready for a formal night dinner that started for us of course in The Crows Nest. The main dining room was decorated as a casino and the waiters were dressed as croupiers.Lobster Thermidor and steak on my menu as well as our cake from the pervious night.

During dinner the sea was becoming increasingly rough and the ship started rocking somewhat. It made for interesting walking and I ended up taking some Gravol to settle a somewhat upset tummy. Sleeping with the rocking ship was also a vivid experience. Normally I write this blog before I go to bed but not this time. So Saturday morning it is. We arrive Dublin around noon and we have full days planned for Saturday and Sunday.

Location:Plymouth,England