Day trip to Brighton Beach & Richmond, Surrey

We set off for a great drive down to Brighton with a slight detour at the Devils Dyke to take in the scenic English countryside. The weather was impossibly gorgious today (probably sokmewhere in the mid 70's), the best day of the year apparently. We wandered down to a great little cafe and called our You Tube friend Jane (stylistbrighton) who promptly came down to join us. I have communicated with Jane mostly through You Tube as she makes the most creative and excellent videos, and has a real passion for it. But most of all, the warm personality that comes over on You Tube, the thing that initially drew me to her channel was just as delightful in person, it felt like we were meeting a friend we had known for many years. Jane and Mark share a passion for photography and talked at length as we strolled the shops. Jane is currently working for the BBC on a series that is shooting here locally.

We wandered the alley shops of Brighton, then went down to the seafront to take in the amazing beach and pier, of course there was ice cream as we enjoyed an amazing afternoon before saying goodbye to our friend Jane. I really hope we meet again.

Then we drove up to Barnes, Surrey to visit the area where Mark and Jill grew up. A lovely area, then on to Richmond to visit the home of a famous rock star who lives in the area, though, we did not go in, or knock on the door, just wanted to see it in real life. We visited Olympic Studios, the same studio where The Who recorded their landmark album "Who's Next". Then drove back to Crawley to another great neighborhood pub for a pint and some great pub food. Don't worry folks, we are walking a lot and burning off everything we are eating.

Tomorrow we will be going for a drive through Tumbridge Wells then up to Southend-on-Sea to visit with our friends Mikey Cuthbert and his partner Rene and their new baby Beau Bena. It's going to be great!!