Stealing days at Whitstable.

After we left Margate we headed back to Whitstable - we were there last September when I got a fortnight's respite care - first break in years.

We didn't realise it back then but the season was over. This time it was full of people and everything was open.

I think I preferred it empty!

It is still a working fishing port;

Although not everyone was working when we were there;

There's a nice new toilet where I did my injection in the baby changing room. We both liked these tiles but when I tried to take a picture I got some very strange looks from people.

Robyn went back and took this later;

About 10 years ago, quiet little Whitstable got very fashionable amongst the rich London 'movers and shakers' and it shows; it's full of the kind of people (and their spoilt children) that I can't stand.

It's quaint and full of seafood;

We had a really nice fish and chips, right by the sea.

I didn't fancy it but Robyn had Oysters, which the town is famous for; 

It was a long, long day - we did it because it was going to be the only day it didn't rain that week.

We stole a day from a miserable rainy summer.

Robyn wanted to get me home but I managed to spin things out to get the sunset;

Which was well worth it;

I didn't really want to go back because our visit last year was so special but it was still nice.

Neil Harris
(a don't stop till you drop production)

Home; helpmesortoutstpeters.blogspot.com
Contact me: neilwithpromisestokeep@gmail.com

Whitstable.

After we left The Isle of Sheppey we went to Whitstable which is a fishing harbour on the North kent coast. About 15 years ago, rich and 'fashionable' people discovered it and started staying and buying houses.

The shops changed, the houses got 'prettier' and the character of the town changed too.

I liked the art work above - in 2010 they built a wall of stones enclosed in wire mesh to protect the part of the harbour known as 'Dead men's End' where all the rubbish collects. Locals made these clay plaques which make up a layer of decoration and each one is a bit like its maker.

The town has always been famous for its oyster beds and there are plenty of chances to eat them if you like that sort of thing. It's not for me really....

 

 

The seafaring heritage is everywhere;

  

 



And it's very much a working harbour still.....there are all the smells of rotting fish and diesel oil that you get where there are working fishing boats;

There's lots of fresh fish to buy although I couldn't help feeling very sorry for the poor lobster tied up and alive, frightened out of it's wits on the slab - they have very good eyesight.

The old fishermens huts have been painted pretty colours and you can rent them to stay in;

And the town is, rightly proud of its fishing heritage which is seen everywhere;



As are oyster shells;

 

There are lots of old fishing boats to be seen and the houses are divided by little alleys almost like tunnels which are probably part of an old smuggling culture too! 

  

 This is my favourite because it's the narrowest;

 

 

 

 

They aren't joking, it's very narrow; 

 

 

 

Click on a picture for a slideshow and better quality.

 

Oh and I added a sunset for you from just before we came home.

 

Neil Harris

(a don't stop till you drop production)

 

Home:  helpmesortoutstpeters.blogspot.com

 

Contact me:  neilwithpromisestokeep@gmail.com