Waiting for the fireworks

When we set out we were just going into the forest to find a pond for some photos. We saw an odd looking cloud in the sky which we soon twigged was in fact a con-trail from a jet. So we headed straight on to Calshot instead of Beaulieu to see what was going on - as we got closer we spotted more smoke trails and the Red Arrows making them. Then the penny dropped - it was all to do with Cowes Week.

Calshot was heaving - cars and motorhomes everywhere, however I found enough space to park our little car, right beside this view of the power station.

Further along the spit I spotted this bas relief commemorating the Supermarine S.B6 and the Schneider Trophy air race that used to be held here. I like the way the low evening light reveals the textures.

Lucy was happy - she had plenty of stones to play with.

I looked back to see the sun setting over the oil refinery.

We spotted an odd sight above Portsmouth. At first we thought it was a firework, then a parachute, maybe a mushroom? It turned out to be the full moon rising from behind an invisible cloud.

It was getting dark and we were getting fed up waiting for the official fireworks - some others were evidently impatient too!

I had a theory - if I moved my tripod and took a photo of these zig-zagging groynes then ...

... sure enough, the main fireworks started.