Cast adrift!

More gulls and another pier - but it can't be, can it?

Not a brilliant day weather-wise, but we spent it exploring a little of the Kent coast. After some time in Whitstable, a charming harbour town, we headed further along the coast to Herne Bay, a very different kind of seaside town, being a strange mixture of cheap caffs, run-down amusements, enormous bow-fronted Victorian houses and a smart bandstand.

So, here at Herne Bay are some Gulls. I think they are young Herring Gulls, but I may be wrong. They look as though they have gathered together to discuss which night-club to make their presence felt in tonight.

In the misty distance you can see Herne Bay pier - well that's not quite accurate obviously!!

The pier that is actually in Herne Bay at the moment was the third pier to be built there and it was for passenger steamers. It was notable for its length of 3,787 feet and is also famous, apparently, for appearing in Ken Russell's film French Dressing. Then in 1978 the pier was destroyed in a storm. It was eventually dismantled, leaving a pier described in the Rough Guide as 'stubby'. And the landing stage was left isolated at sea. So, that's what is in the picture here. It's a long way from the pier, I have to say!

There have been many plans to rebuild the pier over the years, some quite futuristic. It's doubtful anything will happen to it in the near future though.