November | 2015 | waves and pebbles

Copyright 2015 Kay Underdown/wavesandpebbles

I’m now catching up on what I’ve done over the past couple of months when enjoying the freedom to go out and about in my car and on the train. These are photos taken at Chatham Maritime, just round the corner from the Chatham Dockside outlet shopping centre, Dickensworld tourist attraction, Odeon cinema, restaurants, coffee shops and an ice cream cafe which apparently is well-worth the queueing, and lots more besides. If you are interested in learning more about the area take a look at Chatham Maritime Trust’s site. The Trust is a registered charity and guardian of the Chatham Maritime Estate which has lots of history.

Beyond the boats, which can be seen in the photo below, is St Mary’s Island. This island is very small and filled with modernish residential houses. The island inspired one of my poems which was a bit gloomy and in no way represents what I think of the island. I thought I had shared the poem before but on checking don’t think I have so when I find it, I’ll share it.

I never used to visit the Island until a couple of years ago when a friend told me they often went there for walks. I had seen no sign of anywhere much to walk but one day was determined to find it. I parked on the island and eventually managed to slip through a footpath between houses which took me onto the perimeter pathway. From there I was right beside the river estuary (if that’s the right way to describe it – never one for geography). It was a beautiful sunny day and I wish I had the photos to show you here. As I walked around, the high fencing/walls beside the path hid the houses and all that could be seen was the path and the beautiful views of shimmering water and bobbing colourful boats. It seemed to have taken me to a magical place that I never knew existed, it didn’t feel like the Medway I knew – another hidden gem. Walking further round to one end I came across an amazing massive sculpture, the Mariners, which was to mean more to me in the future – more on this in another blog. Here is the link to the sculptor Sam Holland’s website.

I am to-ing and fro-ing a bit in time, but I wanted to share how worthwhile it is – if you find yourself near Chatham Maritime and St Mary’s Island – to stop off and take some time out for yourself. There are two bridges which go across to the Island, one where the cars go and one where there is a lock, and this is the best route to the pathway from Dockside (though watch out for the parking restrictions).

The pictures shown here do not do the area justice but they are a reminder to me of the day I visited. I can’t walk far so stopped off by the pub and visited the Co-op supermarket. The cool breeze is always so refreshing and lifts my spirits. The pub the Ship & Trades is a great meeting place and – unlike here – is often very busy with a convivial atmosphere. I can thoroughly recommend the food and they are always very helpful with meeting special dietary requirements.

The following photo is one of my attempts at having a different perspective and I liked the way the shapes made geometric patterns. I sort of like it. Now I’m off to see what other photos I can share with you. Kay

This photo was taken from my hotel room in Brighton when I escaped with my daughter for a couple of days before returning home for my last cycle of chemo treatment which I am having today. I have very mixed emotions and hoping that I don’t end up back in hospital.

My post today was prompted by the realisation that people were still reading my blog and if I left it much longer I might never return. I realise how much I have missed the blogging world but I have taken time out to get out and about as much as possible before I am restricted again. I have also been experimenting with other social media, Twitter in particular, but there is no comparison. I find Twitter fascinating but there is not the same sense of community that I feel might be gained from being part of the blogging world. I would be interested to hear other people’s thoughts on this. There’s a lot of social media options out there and for me they each serve different purposes and it’s finding a way to use them without social media taking over your life.

I’m just going to leave it there today. I’ve still been taking photos which I will catch up on and blog about. My Apple desktop is a scattered mess of photos which will no doubt give me inspiration. I’m keeping calm and relaxed and there is just something about the photo I have chosen for this blog that takes me to a different place.