Jaye Marie and Anita Dawes

We made an early start, setting off at 10. am. They said I might recognise the route, and a blindfold was debated. I’m glad they didn’t do that, for I love seeing all the trees and scenery in Hampshire.

Immediately, I knew we were heading for Portsmouth and wondered about the intended surprise. What had they discovered that I hadn’t already seen?

The journey ended at the entrance to Portsmouth’s Historic Boatyard. I remembered I hadn’t visited those docks or seen the beautiful old ship, the Cutty Sark. One of England’s last clipper ships.

I was told to expect breakfast, and they smiled at me, knowing I had probably guessed where we were going. The Hovercraft station was close to where we were standing, and one was coming to the shore. I have always loved to watch these coming and going. All the noise and drama has always drawn me like a magnet, so I stood and watched.

I turned away when the noise stopped to see everyone standing outside the Hovercraft booking office. That was when the penny dropped with an almighty clang!

I wasn’t being taken to see the Cutty Sark; I was going to be a passenger on a hovercraft.

The Historic Boatyard would have been wonderful, but a ride on a hovercraft was the last thing on my mind. The one I had just watched coming in was actually waiting for me! I was so excited, like a child on a special outing.

We walked into the waiting room and joined the other passengers. Someone must have mentioned that it was my 80th birthday, for a congratulations label was stuck to my jacket. The hands on the clock finally reached 10.30, and the causeway door was opened. As the rest of the passengers began to gather their bags and suitcases, I suddenly felt nervous. I loved boat rides, but this would be so different. Would I like it?

Walking to the Hovercraft, my legs felt like jelly. Close up, the Hovercraft was huge. I began to wonder where we were going. This wouldn’t be an ordinary boat trip, round the harbour and back again. We would be going somewhere.

I couldn’t believe it when they said we would cross The Solent to the Isle of Wight.

It was a distance of two nautical miles and would take just ten minutes.

Once we were all seated, the powerful engines were switched on. I watched out the window as the huge rubber skirt around the craft slowly inflated and lifted us off the ground. The noise was barely noticeable, which surprised me.

When we began to move, we floated out to sea in a cloud of mist and sea spray. The sea was calm, gentle ripples as we floated at speed, smoothly and effortlessly.

It was over far too quickly.

As we made ready to leave, a message came over the Tannoy, the usual thank you for travelling with us stuff, but then my name was mentioned. A cheerful man’s voice was wishing me a happy birthday!

We disembarked at a place called Ryde. I had expected a typical seaside town, but Ryde seemed a little posher somehow.

Far too many hills for my poor old legs, but we had 4 hours to have lunch and enjoy ourselves. The threatened rain stayed away, and in the afternoon, the sun appeared.

Too soon, it was time to depart, but I didn’t care. I would be having another ride in the Hovercraft!

The images were too difficult to include today, as I am having another birthday party with the rest of the family, but I will create a post with all the best ones tomorrow!