Plymouth and Pirates. . . . . . . . . .

Still a little more on the recent trip to England.

After crossing Dartmoor on our day out with my friend Jackie, we 

continued on to the city of Plymouth for a flying visit and lunch.

Below is a little of the history of this important English city.

The first settlement in Plymouth, Devon, goes back to the Bronze Age. It continued as both a fishing and continental tin trading port through the late Iron Age into the Early Medieval period. With its large natural harbor and easy access to the Atlantic Ocean, Plymouth found wealth and strategic importance during the establishment of British naval dominance in the colonization of the New World. In 1620 the Pilgrim Fathers departed from Plymouth to establish the second English colony in America.  After the Restoration a Dockyard was established in the nearby town of Devonport. Throughout the Industrial Revolution Plymouth grew as a major mercantile shipping industry, including imports and passengers from the USA, whilst Devonport grew as a naval base and ship construction town, building battleships for the Royal Navy. During World War II in a series of air-raids known as the Plymouth Blitz., much of the city and dockyard were destroyed. Following the war the city centre was completely rebuilt to a new plan.

via Wikipedia

Smeaton's Tower Lighthouse on Plymouth Hoe.

The Hoe is the natural heart of Plymouth with breathtaking views across 

Plymouth Sound, one of the most perfect natural harbors in the world.

Sir Francis Drake, intrepid explorer and local hero, immortalized in a statue on the Hoe.

Go HERE for more information on this amazing British sailor.

Jasmin was interested in the Barbican area where the 

Mayflower set sail for America in 1620 carrying the Pilgrim Fathers

to the 'new world'.

More memorable than the local history perhaps, were these 'pirates'.

They were celebrating a birthday in the downstairs bar of the lovely pub 

where we enjoyed delicious fish and chips upstairs. Granddaughter Jasmin. 

had a laugh - I love this pic of them all together, and I know

 it will bring back Plymouth memories for her later in life

North Sea to Baltic Sea……………

The weather was kind to us most of the cruise, and even beyond when we arrived back in England.

Days at sea consisted of non-stop interesting pastimes, lectures, classes, entertainment, eating, and most important, exercising………to walk off overindulgence in the restaurants. Days ashore were healthy as they brought miles of walking over cobblestones in fresh air and sunshine. We did a 2-day guided tour in St. Petersburg where we covered a lot of ground in a minibus, canal boat and hydrofoil……we walked and walked in every other port of call, thankful for comfy shoes and temperatures.

Funny thing is, after the third day I realized, regarding the eating part of cruising -

1. I would never eat like that at home
2. I'd worked hard to lose 10lbs before I tripped lightly up that gangway in Southampton
3. I would hate myself for the remainder of the Summer if I arrived back home carrying those 10lbs and having to start over again
4. Bread, no matter how fresh from the ship's ovens below my stateroom, all crunchy and delicious, is not required at every meal
5. Walking three - six - nine laps of the Promenade Deck (3 were a mile) was fun, easy, interesting,  scenic, and a lot better for me than lazing by the pools, turning lobster red, and putting myself in danger of melanoma. I no longer sunbathe, and anyone in their right mind shouldn't as we all know by now, don't we?

So, hopping on the scales the first day back I was pleasantly surprised to see I had only gained back two of those pounds despite eating much more than usual. I didn't diet and enjoyed lovely meals, but made better choices after those initial three days when I stuffed everything in sight and felt horrible!

One of many signs around the Promenade Deck.

Here are a few pics from around the ship taken as I walked at different times 

of day and evening………………

After rounding Denmark's Cape Skagen, we proceeded on a southerly course following the Danish and Swedish coastlines toward the 'Great Belts', sailing between the islands of Sjaelland and Fyn. Excitement was felt as we neared Ostbroen (East Bridge), the quite amazing and largest part of the Great Belts Bridge, which is actually a series of bridges and tunnels connecting Sweden and Denmark.

Everyone was out on deck or their balconies as we passed under the bridge, which 

seemed awfully close to the Queen Victoria's smokestack, and a general sigh could be 

heard followed by a cheer…………………

……and we left it standing, an amazing feat of engineering in the beautiful waters of the Baltic Sea.

On the return we actually passed under the bridge again, but during the night so missed seeing it.

Sir Francis Drake, Vice Admiral and born in my home county of Devon, was the second sea captain to carry out a circumnavigation of the world, 1577-1580.  Knighted by Elizabeth 1 in 1581 he was a legendary hero to the English. 

I loved his words quoted on our breakfast tray placemat and must say I'm beginning to agree with him.

Next time, heading to Estonia, and our first port of call, the beautiful little capital Tallinn.