Tuesday 10th March 2026

On our rest day we went to see the ‘other man’ in my life … the gorgeous blue-eyed Cillian Murphy as Mr. Tommy Shelby in his new Peaky Blinders film “The Immortal Man.” I know it’s out on Netflix very soon but it was worth every penny to see him on that enlarged screen. And “by order of the Peaky Blinders’ we have been requested not to give any spoilers … so please don’t ask!

Wednesday 11th March 2026

The walking of Portsea Island – you learn so much doing this coastal walking … I had no idea that Portsea was an island, I didn’t know that Southsea was a district of Portsmouth and I didn’t know that part of the city of Portsmouth was located on Portsea Island. But I do now. And although I didn’t walk the entirety of the island today, I really enjoyed the section I did. Steve and I walked the first 5 miles together and then, after our picnic lunch, Steve headed off at pace to complete the loop and I sauntered on for a couple of miles, taking some down time in Southsea to catch up on phone calls, read my book, enjoy wonderful sea views, bask in the sunshine, tuck into pistachio ice-cream and just basically chill.

We had parked up in Hilsea and found our way through the streets, fairly higgledy-piggledy, struggling with signage, skirting the ferry port and HMS Naval Base, making our way to the waterfront section of the city. Steve got told off by a lady for taking photos of the Naval Base – he didn’t seem bothered and we didn’t get arrested!

We enjoyed walking through the City Streets, again such a lot of Naval presence. Took in views of the Historic Dockyard and the Spinnaker and had a brief glimpse of Gunwharf Quays Outlet Shopping … but no time for retail opportunities today.

There is a huge re-construction of the promenade in progress so we were diverted off for sometime, but what they have completed is outstanding and was very much appreciated when we could get back on.

After this photo we parted ways for a few hours. While I walked at a leisurely pace and enjoyed relaxing in the Rose Garden and then the Canoe Lake, Steve completed this section of coastal path with great bravado. He seemed to enjoy it and the next few photos are parts of his onward journey.

Steve clocked up a commendable 14 miles, completing the island of Portsea. I’m proud of myself for listening to my (not-so-immortal) body and taking today just a bit easier.