Cutty Sark

One of the main reasons we chose to visit Greenwich was to have a look at the recently restored Cutty Sark - and I must admit she looked really grand against the perfect blue sky.  Again I wanted to step back and see the Thames choc a block with these wonderful old ships in days gone by.

 The Cutty Sark was originally built as a tea clipper - bringing back it's precious cargo from exotic places.  Some of these journeys took over a year to complete - unbelievable.

 The figurehead (Nannie)is a replica as the original one is restored inside.  She carries a horses tail in her hand.

 Below deck, the tea chests give you a good idea of how they would have been stacked.  On the mid deck you can read all about the crew and their fate and the voyages that were made.

 I loved it on deck, but really could not imagine being up here in rough seas.

 And I certainly couldn't imagine cooking up meal after meal, month after month,  using meagre dried ingredients for all the crew.

 The captains quarters were a lot more luxurious.  I loved the glass holders hanging above the table.

The collection of figureheads was fascinating - I would love to own one of these.

 You could read the story behind each one.

 This one had been found floating around in the Thames!  Now that's what you call a decent bit of driftwood!

They have done a wonderful job of restoring and preserving this lovely vessle.  Its wonderful to think that she has come to rest on the river where she worked.

 I can highly recommend a tour of the Cutty Sark - it's brilliant.