Don’t look for a link between Portsdown Hill and the picture. There isn’t one. I don’t have a picture of the escarpment to the north of Portsmouth (at least, I think it is an escarpment – I’ll have to check on that). Anyhow, this hill; Portsdown is about 400 feet high. From the top of it you get an absolutely magnificent view of Portsmouth, Gosport & the Solent. There are several places for viewing, one in particular has a burger stand. The food they sell is excellent, every time I drive past, there is an large queue. Sometimes, I’ve even stopped to partake. Not tonight though. Tonight I was enroute to the radio club.
But, it being the 5th of November, I had not taken in to account just how popular this area was going to be for bonfire night. It was heaving. Traffic jams, people all over the place. It easily added 10-15 minutes to my journey.
But, I can entirely understand why it was like this. I reckon that the viewing point was not that far above the point where the rockets from organised shows, and especially peoples gardens would detonate. I can only think that the view must have been quite out of this world. To the point where I am considering joining the chaotic throng for next years event. Things had calmed down for my return journey about two hours later. But there were still fireworks going off. Best though to be there Early evening. That’s when things are really active. Interesting evening.
Bills Posts 