A favourite place

It’s almost five years since we left the big smoke. Despite spending almost two decades there, it’s hard to remember what life before POD was like. We travelled a lot, had a great deal of fun and drank a few too many vodkas.

She’s got to experience a great deal while we’ve lived in Surrey. There are around 20 National Trust sites to choose from for starters. We’ve discovered, explored and re-visited many of these but still have a few to tick off the list before we embark on nearby Hampshire. Alice Holt, managed by the Forestry Commission is not far away either. Nor is flagship garden RHS Wisley and Painshill Park which is home to a crystal grotto.

As well as what’s available locally, we’re within easy reach of Heathrow and the ports. Last weekend we took the ferry to Fishbourne on the Isle of Wight. We were at the island’s zoo in Sandown just over an hour after leaving Portsmouth. Remarkable really. We’d headed to see the animals first as it was high tide on Yaverland Beach.

By lunchtime there was more than enough beach to play on. Armed with her bucket and spade, POD dug holes, made sandcastles and collected stones. Every time she ventured into the sea, she ran out giggling. It was as if she were competing with the waves and she was victorious! POD also made mud pies and as you’d expect, she got drenched from head to foot.

After lunch in Shanklin we spent some time at Ryde beach before heading back to the port. POD jumped off the promenade into the soft sand umpteen times!

We had the funnest day. And for that reason, this month’s favourite place absolutely has to be the Isle of Wight.

Linking up with Sticky Fingers for #TheGallery where the prompt this week is A Favourite Place.