Balmoral
Originally Balmoral was due to set sail back to Dover on the 12th February 2008 at 3pm, ready for her new maiden voyage at 5pm the next day.  By lunch it had changed to 5pm.  As I was still using my dad's camera we'd planned to head over to Mayflower Park first for closer photos.  It was a mild, sunny day with barely a cloud in the sky.  You'd be forgiven for thinking it was summer, especially as the bumble bees were out!  After a chat with the woman in the ferry ticket office about cruising and ships which we had to end due to a queue forming behind, we strolled down the pier to await the ferry coming back.  Hotspur IV looked gorgeous gleaming in the sunlight.  I wish they'd use her for harbour tours, especially when we have the big ships in or some event, and that they'd put the outside seats back during her loooooooong refit!  Great Expectations does the job but Hotspur is the better of the two and it's unbelievable she's 62 this year.
Once we got off at Town Quay we made the short walk to the park.  They're building a new playground by the cafe for the kids which is making good progress.  It was quiet by the dock gate but several people were taking photos of the ship in the park before quickly leaving.
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		(C) Copyright Patricia Dempsey 12th February 2008 Not to be reproduced without permission