Rye Weekend

Went to Rye for my second birthday weekend (!) just because I'd always fancied going there. Rye town was very beautiful with lots of unusual medieval buildings. The highlight was the view from the church tower at the top of the Rock - a stunning vista of the rivers, the sea, the town and the South Downs. THere were lots of really nice shops there, including a photographer's gallery with some beautiful local pictures. A spooky picture of Dungeness was particularly appealing. We had a superb lunch at the Ypres Castle Inn, washed down with pints of Harvey's Best.
Later on we walked along the Royal Military Canal Path and over to Camber Castle, getting back to town just as the sun was setting. We decided to get fish and chips at the 'Kettle of Fish' before the town started getting busy for the Bonfire Parade - a good call as when we came out we found people queueing down the street!
The firework parade itself was spectacular, with bonfire societies from Rye and its neighbouring towns all dressed up in wierd and wonderful costumes, floats from the scouts, the local school etc, a fire breathing dragon and a 'burning' ship. I took lots of photos, they will be in the gallery soon.
The fireworks were really good, if short lived, and the bonfire itself was huge, made of wooden pallets in which catherine wheels and other small fireworks had evidently been added. The bonfire societies stood round the fire throwing firecrackers around (not at each other, which I've heard happens at wilder towns). Thought they should have performed some circle dances round the fire for more crowd entertainment!!
Next day it was raining so Patrick drove to some locks that he wanted to see on the Royal Military Canal (not strictly speaking a proper canal, more a defensive ditch)
and we went on from there to Snargate and the excellent Red Lion, quick look around Lydd, pasty and mug of tea at the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway cafe in Dungeness. Lastly, the walk on Camber Sands just as the sun was setting was a beautiful experience.
Another amazing weekend - was sad to have to return to Farnborough!