h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Just came back from 4 days in Dorset - nice break, and was very lucky with the weather. Was expecting to see Weymouth all tarted up in preparation for Olympic sailing in 2012, but it is still the same slightly down-at-heel seaside town as two years ago. Only difference seems to be some road improvements.

So: arrived Tuesday afternoon, settled in to B&B (great place, highly recommended: http://www.theharbourhouse.co.uk/ ), had a wander round town. Wednesday: got the bus to Portland Bill lighthouse, walked back along the coast path on the west side of Portland, to Chesil Cove, then bus back to W; swam in the sea about 4pm. Thursday: train to Poole, ferry to Brownsea Island, walked round some of the island, saw the original Scout camp site etc (haven't been there before, although spent many years actively involved in Guiding). Friday: walked round the RSPB reserve at Lodmoor Country Park, on the outskirts of W. All these excursions in lovely sunshine.

Had booked return train for 1pm today, to get an extra half day there, and set off to see the other RSPB reserve, in the centre of town, but just as I was getting there the heavens opened, and after sheltering from the rain for about half an hour, decided to give up on seeing the marsh harriers and kingfishers. Not having much luck with birds this year, although I did see egrets at Brownsea and (?) godwits at Lodmoor, and possibly a kestrel on Portland. Anyway, went to the station in the hope of getting an earlier train, but abandoned this idea when I found out it would cost me an extra £36 - more than the whole return fare.

Raining in London, but fine again by the time I got home. Dinner at the pub, as the fridge was bare. Chores tomorrow, in preparation for work again on Monday.