Sometimes we’re ready to leave a housesit and sometimes we just don’t want to go and our stay in Lymington seemed to come to an end far too quickly. Before we knew it we were packing and organising ourselves ready for the long train journey north.
Ronnie the Chocolate Lab
We try not to have favourites but our canine friend Ronnie is certainly one of the loveliest dogs we have ever cared for and one of the reasons that we were so sad to leave. Every walk had been a joy and just looking after him had been so easy as he was unbelievably well behaved. I’m sure he knew something was going on as we packed our cases and sorted out things out. He followed us both around and seemed a little worried whenever we were out of sight so we gave him a lot of attention and cuddles to ease his worries.
The New Forest and Lymington Town
It wasn’t just the pets and the house though, Lymington is such a lovely little town and the surrounding New Forest is spectacular in places. We’d done so many walks but obviously not even touched the bulk of the forest plus there is so much more of the coast to explore and we just didn’t have time. It’s a wonderful place for a holiday or long weekend so if you haven’t been I’d suggest that you get your act together and sort a trip out immediately.
So a final barbeque was definitely on the cards as the weather warmed up again. And a final couple of beers of course, just to assist the tough work of barbequing obviously.
Milford on Sea
We’d managed a sneaky little afternoon out at Milford on Sea the previous day as Ronnie was out with his regular weekly dogwalker Louise for a few hours. Milford is an unspoilt traditional English seaside town with a stony beach, ice cream stalls, colourful beach huts, and quaint little shops. Perfect for a long walk along the coast and back in the August sunshine. Oh and we just had to stop for an ice cream and a spot of ‘people watching’ didn’t we? What could be better?
Time to Leave
Usually we like to see our housesitting hosts when they return but this sit was a little different. Annabelle and her family were due back Saturday evening and with their being a houseful we had to leave before they came home. Our train was booked from the tiniest station I have ever seen, Lymington Pier, so we said our goodbyes to Ronnie and Lily the cat (who didn’t seem at all bothered that we were leaving) and set off for the 20 minutes walk down to the harbour.
The station is actually right next to the Isle of Wight ferry port so there were a few cars queuing for the ferry and hundreds of holidaymakers queuing for coffee as we trundled past. When I refer to Lymington Pier as a station what I really mean is a platform. On it’s own. In the harbour. Really pictureque and quaint in the sunshine but I dread to think what it’s like in bad weather.
Onwards and Upwards
Well upwards as on a map anyway as we were heading up to the Midlands for a few days to visit old friends. A slightly complicated trip involving changes at Brockenhurst, Waterloo, and St Pancras but no big deal really. We always book all of our train tickets well in advance on a train splitting website that usually saves us between 30 and 60% of the standard ticket price which makes travelling by train the only way to go for us.
Late breaking news
As we headed north on the East Midlands Express we messaged Annabelle to say thanks for inviting us to stay and wishing her a good journey home. She replied immediately inviting us back in the new year for a couple of weeks so it’s not goodbye to Ronnie and Lily at all now, it’s just au revoir. We’ve got a whole lot booked up between now and next February but we are so looking forward to returning to Lymington. May need a coat and boots next time of course.
22/08 – 25/08/2018
JWalking 
Great post
LikeLiked by 1 person
So pleased that you liked it.
LikeLike
No problem check out my blog when you get the chance 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Of course.
LikeLike
no problem check out my blog when you get the chance 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It all looks wonderful, even Rocky looks sad to leave xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Everyone was sad to go. Good news is we’ll be back!
LikeLike
It’s marvellous when you get to look after perfect dogs. I wonder if our Mr Tilley will ever be one of those – he’s still so full of puppy spontaneity. I’m sure he’ll outgrow it one day, I live in hope. No doubt Ronnie will remember when you return and will greet you with a ‘where have you been’ greeting.
Love those beach huts.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Here’s hoping that Ronnie hasn’t forgotten us when we return. I’m sure that Mr Tilley will get better and better as he gets older.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can see why you want to go back there.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s such a lovely place so we’re well pleased to have been invited back in the New Year. Slightly different weather though.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Even in rubbish weather it’ll be lovely.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We actually really like the coast in winter, almost as much as the summer. A bracing windy walk on the beach can’t be beaten.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lymington does look like a beautiful place to stay, and such lovely pets to keep you company too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lymington is highly recommended, seems to be a little out of the main tourist route of the New Forest so not as busy as other places.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Always a bonus!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was thinking it must be sad saying all those goodbyes, but actually you’re just making new friends all around the world. 🙂 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It can be a little sad but you’re so right about making friends. We know people all over now and so many seem to want us back.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lymington looks wonderful and beautiful! Thank you for sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the comment Amy, always appreciated.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Never been there but looks lovely – and you get to go back 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a lovely place, great to cycle too. You should give it a visit someday.
LikeLike
So, you must now be on the payroll of yet another Tourist Information Board! You’ve sold me on Lymington. Love the cats total ambivalence to anything except getting fed. Great news about the repeat business. That must be very satisfying.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah it’s lovely being invited back as it shows we must be doing something right! Not sure the cat will be bothered of course.
LikeLike
Thanks for visiting The Glasgow Gallivanter! I have been scooting through some of your Scottish posts. It’s always interesting seeing somewhere I know well through someone else’s eyes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hope you enjoyed them. We loved our time in Scotland especially over the best summer ever.
LikeLike
I did. You’re right, it has been an amazing summer.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lymington looks like the cutest seaside town. How fortunate that you will get to return and spend more time with gorgeous Ronnie and Lily. Safe travels as you move on.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Sue, we’re really looking to seeing them both again and it’s just so nice to be invited back.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like Lymington – it’s such a lovely town and not as touristy as a lot of other coastal towns. And it’s so close to the beautiful New Forest too which is a real bonus!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think you’ve hit the nail there Kate, it doesn’t seem very touristy and the forest is right there. We loved it and are thrilled to be invited back next year.
LikeLike
Seems like heaven!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not that far off it actually.
LikeLike