Day 20 - Paignton to Fareham - Flood Meister's Day

Actual Miles Driven Today - 210

THE FLOOD MEISTER

 - Last nights storm, and the foul weather that I would experience today, caused me to choose this additional name for the Mog.

Eight Full Width Flooded Roads, 

Eight Half Width 

and Umpteen 'Across the Road' Rivers. 

The View from Portland Bill to Chesil Beach

These last three days of my trip should be some of the best as I will be re visiting some of my old Home Stomping Grounds from the 1970's. 

However, I find that, on the whole, it does not pay to predict enjoyment. Yesterdays storm was still in full swing with high winds and lashing rain. 

The View from my Bedroom across towards Paignton 

The Paignton to Torquay and Exeter Line passed beneath the window but I was far too tired to notice any trains passing.

One very wet Green Goddess tucked into the only space available when I arrived at the hotel last night.

Preparing for departure this morning meant stowing a soaking wet Rain Cover back into it bag. 

The Mog underneath it was still very wet from yesterday. 

Torbay is out there somewhere

The Weather Depression was forecast to remain today and sadly, for a change, they were right.

The weather inside of the hotel was poor as well as the rampaging of young farmers and late night door banging was only excelled by the fire alarm being set off at 5am on this 'Sunday' Morning.

I had arranged to meet with Talk Morgan friend John Hayes at 9.30 to drive together for part of the way along my route as he made his way home to Buckinghamshire. 

John is there on time so we head of in the blustery downpour. Passing the Torquay Clock Tower at 9.30am - I am leaving a little late this morning.

Passing along Torquay's waterfront. I have asked John to take the lead as he is more familiar with the area

Setting Off through Torquay and around the inner harbour with John leading the way to keep us on the coast road to Exeter.

Looking back across the harbour towards our under cliff route from Paignton.

The Yacht Harbour with its dozens of boats going nowhere.

Up the first little incline alongside the harbour. A Tourist Coach is ready to go on a trip from a hotel. 

The coast road curves around Tor-bay as we head towards the suburb of Babbacombe

The view ahead is still very murky through my wet windscreen 

This Large Hotel or maybe just an Apartment Block would have a stunning view across Tor-bay on a clear day. 

As the lights turn Green for us we  make our way through the center of Babbacombe. 

No sea view from this part of the road 

To the right of the road all along here, steep cliffs fall away to the sea.

 Approaching the River Teignside town of Shaldon.

The road here slopes down to river level again.

Crossing the Road Bridge System into Teignmouth

The River Teign is quite wide at its estuary.

Teignmouth is on the Coast but with much of the town on the hill ahead. 

John ahead, is already to cross the last part of the bridge system before we swing to the right to follow  the road back towards the beach.

Caught at another Red Light.

Going again, we take the right hand fork which will take us through the town.

We just need to cross this little hill before we see the coast again.

As we run down the other side we can just see the seaside town of Dawlish ahead.

Almost there.

Curving around the Pretty Gardens in Dawlish

John regularly visits his mother who lives in Paignton so we were able to arrange this day, only to have it spoiled by a Gale and Torrential Rain, in which John had already experienced driving his two tone Morgan +4 on the way down yesterday.

Leaving Dawlish behind we head towards Exeter along the banks of the River Exe.

Here we are approaching the small town of Starcross with the coastal railway between us and the riverside. Ahead id the old Pumping House
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starcross

A notable feature of Starcross is the Italianate pumping engine house, the best surviving building from Brunel's unsuccessful Atmospheric Railway. 

The enterprise is commemorated in the Atmospheric Railway pub located opposite the present-day railway station. 

Note that the Brunel pump house now houses the Starcross Fishing and Cruising Club rather than a museum dedicated to the atmospheric railway, as quoted in many guide books. 

Through the narrow streets of Starcross.

Next we pass through the rest of Starcross village

Passing the entrance to Powderham Castle, the estate of which occupies must of the western riverside.

Rounding through the village of Kenton as we head for Exminster.

Almost at our next stopping point. 

It is still my intention to visit as many Morgan Car Dealerships as I can along the way. 

We stop at the rain soaked windows of a nearby garage which of course is closed because it is Sunday.

Specialising in Morgan Cars and Royal Enfield Motor Cycles, we have arrived at Berrybrook Morgans

These were the best photos that we were likely to get.

We had agreed that at Exeter we would go our separate ways after this quick photo visit to BerryBrook Morgan at Exminster.  

John would be taking the M5 Motorway north and I would be skirting the east riverside to Exmouth

Unfortunately as it was a Sunday, they were closed.

My Berrybrook Mog Shot 

My next call on the route was to the village of  Topsham and its Quay where there is large Antique Warehouse where I made a toilet stop. 

Crossing the Exeter Canal Bridge on the old Exeter By Pass.

On my own again and heading south along the River Exe I drive into the delightful riverside town of Topsham.

Winding through the quaint streets down the hill towards the harbour.

Topsham is a lovely spot also located on the River Exe.  Even better in fine weather.

Fortunately this narrow road is part of a One Way road system.

Here I am standing on Topsham Quay looking north towards Exeter.

We have a painting at home of this very scene without the powerboats.

Inside one of the four floors full of Antiques in the Center. 

I would have loved to spend more time in here browsing in the many floors and areas.

Some of the Maritime Articles on Display outside of the Brasserie. The stormy rain has kept everyone away or inside. 

One of the other narrow streets worth exploring, but not today.

I exit Topsham and turn south again towards the town of Exmouth.

Along the way I pulled into the gateway of the Royal Marine Barracks at Lympstone to ask if I could take another photo against the Camp Name Badge.

 Again it was fine to do this as long as I did not photograph the base itself. 

The security officer apologised that 'they' had changed from their original more ornate badge to the simpler one in the photo.

Royal Marine Barracks Lympstone Main Gate.

Plenty of coiled razor wire to keep the uninvited out.

Arriving at Exmouth the scene across the river mouth is bleak with the rain still lashing on the windswept water. 

The 'Pleasure Boat is heading into the river and about to pass Dawlish Warren Spit on the opposite bank

The mist is clearing a little - The view up river towards Topsham

At my next stop, Exmouth River Front, I was amazed to see the River Trips boat setting off with a few hardy customers. 

I suppose when it is your business and livelihood, as long as there are holidaymakers who want to go out with you, then you go in all weather?

A very wet Young Lady Jogger passed by and I said to her that she could have chosen a better day. 

Jogging On.

She told me that she had run all the way from Exeter and still had 20 miles to go on the return loop.

Temporary Parking on Exmouth Sea Front

Setting off again I am reminded of the area behind the wall on the left from many previous visits here.

We had holidayed here and stayed in the once Imperial Hotel.

The large white building which sits just behind the magnificent Clock Tower.

The Clock says it is 11.15am and I still have a very long way to travel to get to Fareham.

Approaching the Exmouth Theater and Ornamental Gardens.

Exmouth has a lovely yellow sand beach which is total people free an the moment.

I drove on along the coast road to lovely Budleigh Salterton and then on to Burrow, Otterton and then Sidmouth. 

Another Wiper Blade shot - Keep going along the coast road.

Just entering Budleigh now. It is not too far from Exmouth.

People who live here in Budleigh, are said to be a little aloof but unlike Exmouth it has only a pebble beach.  Large Pebbles they are as well.

The onward journey involved some Single Track Lanes which were empty of other cars and fortunately were only just creating small streams. 

It was along here that I would meet some of the Road floods. The fear of stalling deterred me from trying to take photos as the wash would rise up over the bonnet and in one case, right over the hood.

When I think back I am still amazed that the Mog got through them all and no water entered the cab.

Through Budleigh Salterton town center.

The Beach Side road. 

Keen Walkers will not be deterred by the weather.

Just about to climb the short hill which takes me out of town

Over the River Otter Bridge approaching the village of Otterton.

These lovely old Thatched Cottages line the road. No front gardens here.

On the nearside this small brook which runs the length of the road is raging being swelled by the storm and may well overflow if this rain persists.

One of the wet roads where I am about to meet the first of the many flooded part along this stretch. 

I can just see the first flooded part in the distance. 

At one stage the flood water was pouring over the bank on my right as would a breached Dam. 

Lovely mud filled water which covered the car as I drove through

Climbing again over the hills towards Sidmouth.

At the top of the hill which runs down into Sidmouth, there was a large branch which had fallen with its trunk fortunately facing along the road so I was able to squeeze through by driving over the debris.

With water running off of these steep hills it is no wonder the valley villages get flooded. 

The run down into Seaton is very steep and a long road. 

You do need good brakes around these places.

I discovered after wards that this hill is listed on the Autocar 1924 list of Test Hill Climbs

I don't remember climbing this high out of Budleigh along those flooded lanes.

I sense that Off Road Parking is not allowed along here?

And still we go down and down this very long hill.

The Hill Road down into to Sidmouth. 

How much further does it slope?

At Last - we arrive at Sidmouth. 

If only it had been a sunny day.

The road winds down towards to beach road.

Finally we arrive at the seaside for the short drive along the promenade.

Rainy Sidmouth. 

No chance to spend time here.

Just about to turn away from the seaside to climb the hills again towards Seaton

I needed a quick comfort stop giving me the opportunity to take this view back along the seafront towards those massive hills.

Arriving at the outskirts of Beer

Another steep narrow down hill road

Beer is another small town of narrow roads which are often difficult to pass during the tourist season.

Beer Town Center.

Climbing out of the village I got this side window shot looking out towards the sea. 

Something here in the foreground seems to have been destroyed by the storm.

More narrow roads as we head towards Seaton and Axmouth

At this point while travelling through Seaton I must have taken a wrong turning.

I left Seaton along the wrong road which took me north on the west side of the River Axe estuary.

Here I am travelling south again on the East side of the river heading back towards Seaton. 

Going the wrong way into Axmouth

Crossing the Axe Bridge into Axmouth

A quick skirt around the town before making a 'U' Turn.

Back out of Axmouth and on into Dorset and another steep decline into Lyme Regis

Into Dorset.

This home on the right is an excellent example of the Thatchers Art.

Into Rousden with just a short way to go to Lyme Regis.

Another steep hill to decent as we enter the outskirts of Lyme Regis.

Even steeper near to the town center which has  only a short beach road.

Another Steep Hill into Lyme Regis

We can just see the sea as the road swings to the left and takes us back out of the town. 

A real Bottleneck in the summer

Needing to take a sharp left this is as much as we will see of the coast here.

In through the narrow streets of Lyme Regis

I was now heading for new driving territory for me. 

Chesil Bank and Portland Bill needed investigation as I had never been to either of them before.

Climbing back through the narrow streets again.

Next we travel through Charmouth & Chideock on the way to Bridport.

Running down yet another hill into Bridport. 

Sadly it is too misty to see the stunning view. 

What a day this has turned out to be!

The drive up and down these hills would be perfect for driving on a good day.

More villages of Burton Bradstock and West Bexington to pass through before we reach Abbotsbury.

The stunning view from here is not available today.

Rarely today I come across some slow traffic heading in my direction.

The Sea is out there somewhere?

Wet roads and Mist, Mist & more Mist.

On the way I noticed a sign for the Swannery at Abbotsbury. 

Having read about the good work they do there protecting the swans, I decided that it was essential to go there as there would also probably be food and toilets on offer.

Over the brow and there is my destination ahead.

.

Abbotsbury still seems to be a long way off at this point

A sharp right turn is needed here.

Into the village - here at last.

Abbotsbury Village

I hope I am on the right track here? 

The Swannery Cafeteria

As I park the Mog there is a wide stream running across the car park so it was a case of wet shoes to get to the cafe.

An outlet for the car park water running towards the beach.

The Swannery Entrance.

I first made a visit to the cafeteria below, where I realised I was the only customer. Well not quite.

I began a conversation with a lady, also from Buckinghamshire, who had adopted two of the swans in memory of her husband. and was making one of her frequent visits to help feed the swans. 

The time spent in conversation resulted in my soup going cold and having to take my Carrot Cake with me to eat later. 

It was never my plan to go swan watching in the downpour outside.

The Island of Portland was my next call needing to run to the top of the hill and back.

The road runs parallel with the massive shingle beach called Chesil Bank.

It is not long before the road turns across the causeway to The Isle of Portland.

Not much traffic on this road either. 

The stormy weather must have put everyone off of travelling.

Crossing the Causeway to Portland

Where the causeway road meets Chesil Bank the size of the Shingle Ridge become visible.

It Bank runs all of the way to the Isle.

My route today will be straight on as this will just be a token visit with still a long way to travel to Fareham, my final destination.

The route is through the town and up the hill seen in the background. 

At the top of the hill I found a Public Car Park and Viewpoint offering this stunning view.

The view from the Top and the Old Fortifications below.

Chesil Beach in all its splendor

I discover that this spot is known as The Verne Local Nature Reserve.

The Information Board.

The Mog at the Top

After a bit of juggling with the one way system there, I finally found the beach road at Weymouth, famous for the Beach Sand Sculptures. 

Not today though.

Heading back across the causeway.

I am soon driving through Weymouth.

I have to find my way around the Harbour first.

Under the railway which takes Ferry Passengers to the Harbourside.

 I notice that the time on the Weymouth Beach Clock is 4.15pm and I still have a long way to go. 

And it is still raining. 

It has not stopped all day.

Weymouth Beach, normally a lovely sandy beach full of holidaymakers.

The sea appears rough but not enough to deter the Jogger.

In order to get to Swanage and Bournemouth there are a few choices of road to use. 

As it was Sunday I was certain that the Gunnery Range Roads at Lulworth Camp would be open to allow my crossing so I headed for West Lulworth where I  would first visit the Lulworth Camp for a photograph with the tanks. 

The sign for Lulworth, so I am on the right road.

A good place to take my photos.

At Lulworth Ranges Camp

Tanks on Show outside on the Green

The Range Roads were fairly clear as I headed for the village of Corfe of 'Castle' fame before heading for the Ferry to Sandbanks on the Bournemouth side of Poole Harbour, where the most expensive properties in the UK are located.

Somehow I managed to miss a turning on the range roads and find myself travelling south towards Corfe Castle.

Down another short hill I am almost in Corfe.

Corfe Castle

Once again, either through lack of concentration or just tiredness for continual driving in this rain, I take another wrong turning. 

Without realising I am heading along a country lane which will bypass Swanage.

I keep going as it should bring me back to the coast.

I am passing the village of  Harman's Cross but on the wrong road.

I have arrived at the village of Studland, effectively missing out Swanage without realising that this was where the road leaded.

The road swing to the left so I carry on regardless.

There is the sea again , just over the fence.

Ahead is the National Trust Car park for Studland Beach.- 

Lots of nudists gather around there among the Sand Dunes.

I am now obviously on my way along the road which leads to the Chain Ferry to Sandbanks and Poole

I would have expected no less but at  least the queue is fairly short enough to catch the next ferry crossing.

Waiting in the Queue for the Ferry at Studland Bay to Poole & Sandbanks.

The wide expanse of Poole Harbour.

The famous Fish Restaurant is on the left and I can just see Brownsea Island in the distance

Creeping forward now as we approach the ferry.

Football Manager, Harry Redknapp's House is in the mist to the left, across Pool Harbour in the distance.

Along the Sandbanks harbour road.

Though Bournemouth along the Beach Road

The journey now took me through Bournemouth, Christchurch and Lymington before crossing the New Forest

An ornate Tuc-Tuc advertising the cafe 

The Avonmouth Hotel, Mudeford. 

Another of our past holiday venues.

Through Milton on Sea

Just approaching Lymington. 

Another pretty town but I will not be stopping here.

Looking back into the town is as much as I would see,

The head of the River where one can take the car ferry to Yarmouth on The Isle of Wight.

Now for the long crossing of the New Forest to Beaulieu.

The long straight forest road is taken with care as there are ponies and cattle roaming free here.

The road seems to go on for ever as does this perpetual rain.

I know that I am nearing Beaulieu when I pass this lake.

The Thatched Cottage is another familiar marker, for the turning to Bucklers Hard, as I approach the junction with the road from Lyndhurst. 

Turning south, on the left is the lake of Lord Montague's Palace at Beaulieu.

At Beaulieu where I always stop at the Classic Car Garage opposite Lord Montague's Palace House.

http://www.beaulieugarage.co.uk/

At the Beaulieu Garage

  http://www.beaulieu.co.uk/

I now had the long run through the forest roads until I reached Southampton where I knew that the road layouts would confuse me.

Skirting around the Docks in Southampton.

The Blue Brick of IKEA on the left.

Part of the old City Wall 

Never fear, I sailed through the docks roads and back out again heading for my overnight stay at Fareham and a visit to see my Sister and family.

Southampton's Royal Pier Head.

Crossing the River Itchen on the Woolston Bridge. 

Arriving at Bursledon Railway Bridge.

On the left is one of my Brother in Laws Boatyards located on The River Hamble.

His Volvo Penta Agency Sign.

Redlands Lane in Fareham and I am almost there.

I finally arrived at my Sisters house for a welcome cup of tea before finding my Hotel B&B for the night. 

I was looking forward to a good rest now to be ready for the run to Dover in the morning

Nephew Paul's daughter Amy, trying the Mog for size.

An now, after such a traumatic day, I am ready for another good nights sleep.