The boy had us up and about early this morning as we boarded the train at Waterloo Station on our way to Portsmouth and a view of the Royal Navy - past and present.
Upon arriving into town the outskirts look a little run down, but as you venture further towards the coast opens up and the treasure of the Royal Navy are on display. The HMS Warrior - the first iron clad steam warship that also utilized sails. It is truly a sight to see - you could land a plane on the upper deck alone. The ship could handle 700 plus souls and carried a full complement of arms.
It never actually fought a battle and was about to be dismantled when it was found and refurbished.
And the main event, the reason we ventured down the Southwest train lines - funny how the colours match those of the US air carrier.
The HMS Victory in all its glory is on display here - still a fully commissioned warship, even though it hasn't seen a battle in 160 years.
For all that don't know the history, this the ship that Lord Nelson led into the Battle of Trafalgar - unfortunately the ship made it out - Nelson did not. The ship is much smaller than the Warrior but yet was able to hold over 800 men. We spent the majority of the time climbing the decks hunched over.
For all that don't know the history, this the ship that Lord Nelson led into the Battle of Trafalgar - unfortunately the ship made it out - Nelson did not. The ship is much smaller than the Warrior but yet was able to hold over 800 men. We spent the majority of the time climbing the decks hunched over.
These are the uniforms of the "Man" himself - Lord Nelson. These are just replicas as the real ones are on display in the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich.
One thing you quickly realize is that it paid to be in the upper crust of the ship. This is Nelson's quarters - nice crystal and china. The regular men slept around 18 to a mess (hammocks hanging above the table).
Hey what's with that doo? the wind was picking up , nice relief to the 32c temps. That's an Aussie Cruiser in the background.
This is the new Navy cruiser - the type 45 - runs about 2.5 billion pounds each - chump change. They have 5 more coming.
This is the new Elizabeth class aircraft carrier being built.
Portsmouth seems to be going through a bit of a revitalization and this is one of the latest tourist attractions that allows people to go about and walk on a glass floor.
And just what everybody needs to see at the end of a busy day of seeing the sights and enjoying the good weather.
Well tomorrow we circle back on London and visit St Paul's Cathedral, Wellington's House, Westminster Abbey, and what ever else we can jam into our last day.
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