My first port of call was always going to be Fairlight. So, with a heavy heart, I gathered Rowan and pulled off. I stopped at a supermarket, as I had intended, to get some ‘emergency’ food. I then took the roads across Hastings and climbed the steep hill back up to Ore for the fork right onto Fairlight Road. I took the unusual route as the turn into Fairlight Road from the opposite direction is very sharp, coming back on itself. I suspected that I would have needed to take up a lot of road to make the turn.
It was interesting to see how the truck performed with the redesigned and now heavier caravan. All went well and soon, I was turning into Lower Coastguard Lane. I continued to the end car park which I had always used 40 years ago, when I first used to visit the area. It had changed a little and on this day, was incredibly busy. There was no space. I ended up right at the end in the disabled parking spaces. I had no choice. It was far too busy for me to manoeuvre my way out.
That evening, I should have repositioned, but became lazy, opting to do so in the morning. Next morning, though, became very busy early on despite the heavy rain. A lady from the council appeared saying that there had been a number of complaints. I apologised and as soon as I could, moved out of the disabled bays to a better position. The lady said that I was welcome to stay there for the weekend. It didn’t occur to me at the time why the lady appeared to be really cool with me. I remembered her much later on. She had visited me when I was in Hastings. That evening, I made a point of reversing all the way back through the car park, turning round and reversing all the way back to where I was, now facing towards the exit. That way, I could leave whenever I wanted without panicking anybody.
Fairlight means (to) clear bracken and the Snow White silica sand found there is great for making glass, which can be seen done in Hastings. The area is also rich with fossils. There are also an awful lot of snakes about, mainly Adders, though at this time of year, one is unlikely to spot any. They would’ve been numerous in the searing heat of the Summer. They have a habit of basking in the Sun. So, if you visit when it’s hot, watch where you step! Though their bite is not normally fatal to Humans, you will feel very nauseous. If you’re walking dogs, keep an eye on them. Dogs will succumb!
The hills there are known as the Firehills. The area is a National Park called Hastings Country Park. The views East lookout over the Firehills. The lowland in the mid distance is Pett Level with the body of water being Rye Bay. The spit of land beyond is Dungeness Point and beyond that is the Dover Strait overlooked by the White Cliffs of Dover. Across the English Channel is France, clearly seen on a good day. At night, the horizon lights up as the street lights of the French coastal towns are illuminated.
The one thing that I was particularly aware of was the night sky. I had not seen it in nearly three years!
The caravan was certainly noticed! I had a bus-load of tourists walk by, clicking cameras. I just happened to notice them as I looked up. I then opened the door and said, “Hello”.
Rowan was still a little lost and still sniffing all around the caravan; in Arian’s favourite spots. She had lost her appetite. She was just nibbling at her food. Neither of us were in good spirits. It is incredibly quiet without Arian constantly hassling!