Did anyone read or hear the news that travelling on public transport face masks were to be compulsory from 15th June in the UK? Margaret caught a bus into town to meet me this morning and said that she had worn her mask. Next stop a man got on but no mask and the driver didn’t object. Margaret kept quiet but then he started coughing and sneezing, no mask and no hankie or kleenex, germs everywhere. This she found worrying, and waited to see if anyone said anything but no so she decided she didn’t want to be there and stood up to get off. She mentioned the cougher to the driver who said well yes passengers should wear a mask but it was not mandatory and he couldn’t enforce it or say anything. She got off and waited for the next bus. An inspector looking person there when asked said they can’t enforce it in case someone has underlying breathing conditions that stop them being able to use a mask. So there you have it, compulsory but not mandatory.
We took the number 50 Breezer to Swanage, wearing masks,sat upstairs, front seat and wonderful views all the way. I love that ride, the bus goes on the chain ferry at Sandbanks over to Studland and then round all the country lanes until it reaches its destination. The driver seems to race along, swinging around the bends throwing us from side to side and hitting overhanging trees with an enormous bang. I’m sure they know where the best branches are. I can recommend it to anyone. I took my Spanish sisters-in-law on the same route by car once but nowhere near as exciting.
Swanage was sort of sleepy and sunny and quite beautiful with a stunning view of the bay. Fish and chips is the order of the day for most people visiting there and so we took our place in the queue, two metres behind the previous person and got our lunch rolled up in two sheets of paper with salt and vinegar added by the staff. One of those polystyrene boxes would have been helpful as we weren’t allowed to use the tables and chairs outside. We found a bench on the quay though and happily tucked in. Suddenly a seagull flew in and helped himself to a great beak full of Margaret’s chips, very scary. That encouraged others and they were all hanging around waiting to see if there was some morsel for them. I had a piece of fish in my fingers and a bird came for that. They are fast and vicious and I don’t think they are even hungry, there’s a whole bay full of fish right there.
Next stop was a search for a public toilet that was open, sigh of relief, wash our hands and then a Purbeck ice cream for desert and a cup of tea. A little wander around the shops without buying anything except some post cards and back on the bus to come home. A perfect day out after having been in lockdown. I know when to feel grateful. Good night campers, sleep well.
😴💤😴