The XMTSAS 'Saltire' visits the coast and an ancient church

[Hamish]

The bright, sunny weather promised for Monday did not materialise, so The 'Saltire' and I stayed indoors by the huge gas-driven roaring log fire at Bicknell Grange and gossipped irreverently about our mutual friends. I learned quite a lot, some of which actually surprised me, about some kilties I thought I knew reasonably well - especially ........ No! No I must not divulge any names ....... I promised I would keep schtum, and I am a man of my word.

On Tuesday, the sun did shine but, alas, the temperature remained below freezing and the north-easterly wind had an edge like a freshly honed blade. Still, this was The 'Saltire's' last day at Storrington for, on Wednesday it was due to fly back to the heat of San Jose in California with its palm trees and Saguaro cactii (!) in readiness for the NorCal Burns Supper. So, the sun was shining and what does one do when the sun shines? One makes a dash for the coast! Yes, well, we did that and it was so cold that our teeth were chattering uncontrollably - not that The 'Saltire' has teeth, but you know what I mean! We were in Worthing (the nearest seaside resort to Storrington) which lies a few miles to the west of Brighton and faces over to France. You cannot actually see France from Worthing because it lies below the horizon, but that's where you would see it, were it possible....!

Here we are, on the beach and wishing we weren't:



The pier, one of Britain's oldest, has a theatre, an amusements arcade a Night Club and the usual refreshment vendor's kiosks along its length. At this time of year, however, only the theatre is functioning. Here is an arty-crafty image I took whilst we were there:



We snapped this shot about half-way along the pier - in the far distance, behind us, is Brighton and the white chalk cliffs of Beachy Head:



When we reached the end of the pier, The 'Saltire' fancied a few moments of free-flight:



........ but was pleased, I think, to return to the warmth of my gloved hands. It was time to get back to the car before any frozen parts of the anatomy dropped off, but one last photo had to be taken. On Worthing's sea front, is the Dome Cinema, believed to be the oldest working cinema in the British Isles where films have been shown since 1911. The interior, which has been restored, is much the same as it was in those days but audiences now enjoy the wide-screen and surround sound! The building, seen behind us, is something of a temple for devotees of the early days of movies:



As we sat in the car, thawing out, one final location awaiting a visit from The 'Saltire' came to mind.

To be continued.........

Take care,
Ham.

[pdcorlis]

Oh how I do love cliff hangers Hamish! I hope both you and your wee guest managed to recover from any hypothermia this adventure may induced!

Well Done Sir!

[English Bloke]

It was a bit nippy up here int' North West as well so you have my sympathy, Thanks for braving the elements though, it's been a while since I've been to Worthing. Great pictures.

[Standard]

Looks like a chilly day to be at the beach! I'm glad you and the Saltire got thawed out.

[Darkislander]

These shots are great. I love the icy-blue colour of the sky. Thanks for those.

[MartinGrenoble]

Nice to see somewhere I recognize, Hamish.
Many a chilly hour have I spent on those pebbles, but never in mid winter -- I'm not that mad!

I bet you are wishing you could accompany your little friend back to California, no?

All the best,

Martin

[cessna152towser]

Lovely pics, Hamish, but do you have any snow lying down your way?

[McClef]

I went to Worthing once but don't remember much about it except it had a Dayville's ice cream shop!

Probably isn't there any more though but good to see the Saltire in free flight!

[Hamish]

Nice to see somewhere I recognize, Hamish.
Many a chilly hour have I spent on those pebbles, but never in mid winter -- I'm not that mad!

I bet you are wishing you could accompany your little friend back to California, no?

All the best,

Martin

No, I realise, Martin, that I must be mad to venture on to the beach in January - sun or no sun - but I was anxious to show the wee airship as much of Sussex as I could during its short sojourn here. We'd have seen a lot more had the visit been in the summer months!

Although I am not lucky enough to be flying off to California with The 'Saltire' now, I AM going at the end of March for a couple of weeks - and cannot wait. Oh, the jonesing!!

Take care,
Ham.

[Hamish]

Lovely pics, Hamish, but do you have any snow lying down your way?

No Alex. Sadly, no snow at all. We did wake to the thinnest covering one morning last week, not even ¼" deep, but it had thawed before I finished breakfast! It has been dry and very, very cold this past week, that's all.

Take care,
Ham.