Vikings at Sandwich and Pegwell Bay
A rather dull day today - which only got worse! Our destination was Sandwich and Pegwell Bay National Nature Reserve. We had a pleasant walk, saw few birds and the rain was beginning as we returned. Whitethroat - my only bird of the day! The Viking Ship Hugin on permanent display on the cliff top at Pegwell Bay, Ramsgate is a replica of a Viking ship which sailed from Denmark to Thanet in 1949 to celebrate the 1500th anniversary of the invasion of Britain, the traditional landing of Hengist and Horsa and the betrothal of Hengist's daughter, Rowena, to King Vortigen of Kent. Out of 53 crewmen, only the navigator, Peter Jensen, was a professional seaman. Viking conditions were faithfully observed and the only instrument carried was a sextant. The 'Hugin' was offered as a gift to Ramsgate and Broadstairs by the Daily Mail in order to be preserved for posterity. As there was no point in staying out, we returned via the shop and hoped for an evening walk