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| Hamble River |
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| Netley Castle |
The three rivers are - the Itchin, Southampton Water and the
Hamble. Our Blue Funnel cruise started at Ocean Village where we sailed through
the Marina, with its many moored boats - large yachts, launches, small
runabouts (as it were) and many other types. Out into the Itchin from where we
could see three docked cruise liners but more about them later. We turned south
to head into Southampton Water. There is some beautiful scenery on both sides
of the river - the New Forest to the west and to the east bits of Southampton
and some more pretty scenery. On that side of the river was the ruined Netley
Abbey and Netley Castle. Fortunately there was narration so we did know what we
were passing. Remember it all? Not quite.
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| Watch out for pirates on the Hamble! |
Across from the Fawley Oil Refinery we headed inland up the
pretty Hamble River. As well as the
scenery there are pleasure craft of all
shapes and sizes to see. Some anchored in the river, some at marinas and all
along on both sides, some glorious scenery. I love the river crossing ferry -
painted pink! 
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| Queen Elizabeth |
Having seen the delights of the Hamble we turned and headed
back to Southampton Water and the
Itchin River to get close up to the huge
ships in the docks. The inevitable cargo vessels from car carriers to container
ships but, of course, what we really wanted see were the three huge liners.
First Cunard's Queen Elizabeth, then two P&O ships - the small Adonia (been
on that) and the larger Oriana (also been on that - love its ballroom!).
And, did we ever get lucky - the sun shone all day long.
The excursion was organised by Woods Travel of Bognor and
had made many stops to pick up passengers. A great way to visit places without
having to worry about driving or public transport.
Useful web sites:
www.woodstravelco.uk
www.bluefunnel.co.uk
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| The Adonia |
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