Shotley or Area 57

We have now been unable to leave Shotley for four days because of the Diamond Jubilee pageant on the Thames.  This event has caused a total snarl up of all boat traffic around the area and seems set for another couple of days at least.  It would not perhaps be so bad if we were not having to pay £33 a night for the privelege of being bored out of our skulls in Shotley.  Its an unreal place, apart from its extraordinary berthing prices the marina owners seem to think that having an empty club house, employing several staff to man said club and charging £11.30 for a beer, large brandy is good business.  Perhaps the abscence of customers willing to part with their hard earned spondooleys has escaped they're notice.  I mean its no mean affair here, they have a bar, two large inside restaurant area's, a large covered outside eating area and rarely more than 4 or 5 customers.  Doesn't that say something?  Well enough moaning.  We need to find somewhere cheaper to leave the boat whilst we return to Louth for the upcoming wedding.  We have twice been to Harwhich on the little foot ferry and discovered a really good pub called the Alma.  Chris really likes it because they have Raclette on the pub grub menu and beer is normal prices.  Going to pop into the HMS Ganges museum today.  I want to take in a photo of my dad when he was an instructor here.  Its also very wet and windy  so I will also set about downloading some more pictures whilst we wait.