Last updated: April 22, 2010 @ 00.10

Old Harry Rocks - March 2009 - Old Harry Rocks are chalk stacks, cut from the cliffs, between Swanage and Studland. They are about 12 miles from our place. In some of our pictures from Bournemouth (see my Bournemouth Weekend 2009 June page), you can just see Old Harry Rocks from the balloon pictures.
One legend has it that Old Harry (the Devil) slept on the rocks, where another legend has the rocks being named after a pirate that lived in Poole. Old Harry's wife slipped into the water in 1896, but since then, new wives have been formed.

There is a little walk (20mins) from the parking lot to Old Harry Rocks. Here are some of the pictures along the way.
Our first picture is of the cliffs looking back towards Studland (we'll be showing pics from that very beach below).

Here we are continuing our journey towards the rocks. There are a couple kayaks surveying the cliffs. How small and insignificant do they look? They're probably saying the same thing about the people on the cliffs.

Since it's a bit of a trek to the rocks (and uphill both ways) from the parking lot, we took the opportunity to have a bit of a rest and enjoy the scenery.

The path from the parking lot to the rocks is quite a good dirt path. But, where's the fun in that? We decided to take a "detour" and explore. We thought, instead of going in a crescent shape path, we decided to go cross country. The type of terrain we were going through was low branches like are behind Seth and Kim - nothing that you couldn't handle. What we didn't expect was the 5 foot barbed wire fence to hold back the sheep. I was about to throw Seth over it, but then couldn't figure out how to get myself over, so we had to abandon our exploratory route. Even with the added delay, the bruises, and the bramble scratches, it was worth it.

Here are the cliffs, and in the distance is the Isle of White. Before the last ice age, the Isle of White and this coast were connected.

I'm thinking this has to be one of the most secluded and yet public beaches around. The only way you can get to the beach is by boat, yet everyone can see you. I think I'd put a big sign on the beach saying "Free Beer" and then in smaller print, "To the first 10 people" and then when people brave the cliffs, say, sorry, you're number 12.

Here's a panoramic view of the cliffs (next time I'll do an entire 360 view). On the left side, we have Swanage in the distance, several chalk stacks, and the cliffs snaking towards me. On the other side of the peninsula, you have Studland, and the chain ferry crossing to Poole. Further in the distance you have Poole, and Bournemouth. In the farthest right, closest to us, you have Old Harrys rocks.
Scroll to the right to see the entire picture.

Here is a close-up of Old Harry and one of his wives. On the top of the horizon, you can see Bournemouth.

A closer look at a stack, with Swanage in the distance.

How close can you get to the side?
One-onethousand, Two-onethousand, Three-onethousand, Splash!

Here we are looking back at some of the stacks and Old Harry at the end. Swanage is behind us and Studland off the picture to the left.

Here is a picture of Swanage, which is about 4 miles by road (and I'm betting only a couple if you can swim/fly) from Old Harry Rocks. With all that open sea, there's only one little red sail.
Scroll to the right to see the entire picture.

After spending a couple hours on top of the cliffs, we decided to head to the beach, where we knew there was a little coffee stand (read: shack, with only expensive organic products). Still, with the surroundings, you can't complain.
Scroll to the right to see the entire picture.

Seth managed to find a stream, and he was set.

And what do you need when you have a stream?
A stick of course!!!

After a little searching, Seth was able to upgrade his stick to a front-end loader. Now, the exploration could begin!

And when you have a bigger and better machine, you need a bigger and better stream! Result!

DISASTER! A major accident outside the old fort! Fortunately Seth is well versed in the ability to get heavy machine rolling, so delays were minimal.

It was discussed with the general assembly that the issue of the water leaking into the sea, would have to be rectified. Since Seth was the only one available at short notice, he was given the tender to build a dam. And with that, construction began.

A little testing. . . Some more dirt at the end. . .

SUCCESS! The dam has been successfully built, and tested. Seth and his heavy machinery have been allowed to stand down.

And with that, back into the stream. The dam has been built, so the play can continue.

One last look out to sea, and it was off home.

Good night all.