The Barbican

Ah, The Barbican - where getting lost is all part of the adventure. I mean, who needs a GPS when you've got your nose to guide you? And let's be honest, following the scent of fresh fish and chips is a much more appealing option than staring at a tiny screen.

So there I was, wandering around like a lost puppy, but with a rumble in my belly that could rival a lion's roar. And then, like a beacon of hope, I saw it - a beautiful, rocky area just begging to be fished in. I could practically feel the sun on my face, the wind in my hair, and the sweet satisfaction of reeling in a big catch.

But let's be real, I'm not exactly a winter person.

I'd rather not have my kahunas turn into ice cubes while waiting for a bite. So I'll save this spot for a sunny day, a cooler of beers, and a crew of my best buds.

Because if there's one thing better than catching a fish, it's catching a buzz with your friends while pretending to fish.

Ah, life on the Barbican - where even the rocks are calling out for a good time.

Returning to the harbourside, that stretches around from Sutton Harbour to a very popular destination.

The Barbican a beautiful waterfront location.

Take a sip of your favourite beverage and enjoy reading about this adventure.

The Leviathan

Oh boy, have you seen this thing called The Leviathan? It's like something out of a horror movie, I swear. I mean, if I saw that thing coming towards me in the water, I'd be out of there faster than a cat on a hot tin roof!

The locals have given it the charming nickname of "The Barbican Prawn," but honestly, it's more like a mutant sea monster from a sci-fi flick.

Apparently, some dude named Brian Fell from Derbyshire designed it back in 1996. I don't know what he was thinking, but he definitely succeeded in scaring the living daylights out of anyone who lays eyes on it.

This monstrosity has a tail like a Plesiosaurus, the fin of a John Dory, Lobster's claws, the head of an Angler fish, and Cormorants' feet. I mean, seriously, what kind of mad scientist puts all those things together and calls it a "prawn"? It's more like a Frankenstein's monster of the sea!

If I were a foreign fishing trawler and stumbled upon this thing, I'd turn my boat around so fast I'd break the sound barrier. And I'm pretty sure I'd have nightmares about it for weeks afterward!

Mayflower Steps

As I mentioned in a previous blog post, Sutton Harbour was famous as the departure point in England of the sailing ship the Mayflower.

Well, this is the spot!! 👇

The Mayflower set sail on September 16th, 1620, from Sutton Harbour in Plymouth, England, with a group of English families known as pilgrims onboard.

These pilgrims were looking for a new life and seeking religious freedom in America. They faced a gruelling 10-week voyage across the Atlantic, with many hardships and challenges along the way. Finally, on November 21st, 1620, they arrived at their destination, what is now known as Plymouth, Massachusetts.

Sutton Harbour has long been recognized as the departure point of the Mayflower, and in 1891, the first Mayflower memorial in Plymouth was a simple stone, engraved with the words "Mayflower 1620," which was set into the pavement of the harbour. However, this was not the only commemoration of the Mayflower's departure from Sutton Harbour.

In the early 1930s, the 18th-century Old Customs Watch House on the Barbican's West Pier was demolished, and four large granite columns were rescued from the demolition.

These columns were later used to build a commemorative monument to the Mayflower, which still stands today.

The cost of incorporating the 1891 engraved stone into the monument's design was a modest £235, which was spent on moving it ahead of the Grecian arch. However, in today's money, this would be equivalent to around £20,000.

So, as you can see, the Mayflower's departure from Sutton Harbour in Plymouth is a significant historical event, and the city has gone to great lengths to commemorate this momentous occasion.

Visitors to the harbour can still see the Mayflower monument and imagine the hardships and challenges faced by the pilgrims as they set out on their journey to the New World.

There! Bit of history for you.

Fishing Trawlers

Oh boy, talk about some good old-fashioned fishing action! From where I stood, I could see two trawlers unloading their catch, and get this - they caught those suckers using just a line and a pot. I mean, that's some serious MacGyver-level fishing, am I right?

This place is a fishing port and marina, and let me tell you, it's buzzing with activity. Boats coming in and out all day long, loaded with all sorts of fish and shellfish. It's like the aquatic equivalent of Grand Central Station.

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm all about adventure, but the thought of being out there on one of those boats kinda makes me nervous. I mean, I can barely stand up on dry land, let alone on a wobbly fishing boat. I'd probably end up taking an unplanned dip in the water.

But hey, maybe I'll muster up the courage for a day-long fishing excursion in a smaller boat later this year.
It's only £26 per person, and they provide all the gear you need. And the cherry on top? You get to keep whatever you catch.

I ain't kissing no slimy cod.

Short Trawler

The trawler in the photograph was certainly an unusual sight to behold. It was almost comically short, with a makeshift plate welded to the back, and painted a bright green color that seemed to scream "look at me!".

One couldn't help but wonder if the owner of the boat had run out of money before being able to afford the entire thing, and had to settle for half a vessel instead.

Maybe they figured that welding a plate to the back and painting it green would make it appear more complete than it actually was.

As I gazed upon the trawler, I couldn't help but imagine what it would be like to sail in something like that.
It reminded me of a bathtub, with the mast sticking out the plughole and the outboard engine at the back. I chuckled at the thought of someone actually trying to navigate the high seas in such a vessel.

But as amusing as the whole situation was, I knew it wasn't worth getting in trouble with the owner of the boat.

I decided to snap a few more pictures and then move on before anyone started to take notice. After all, I wouldn't want to be caught laughing at someone's boat... or would I?

Small Boat

The small fishing boat was indeed a charming sight to behold, especially in comparison to the comically short trawler from earlier. Its petite size and simple design gave it a quaint and nostalgic appearance, almost as if it belonged in a classic movie scene.

I smiled as I learned that this type of boat was called a pocket trawler. It made sense, given their small size and the fact that they can easily be put on a trailer.

It was clear that this boat was well-loved, with its beautifully painted wood and sturdy ropes suggesting that it had seen many fishing trips in its day.

As I looked closer, I could see all the little details that made this boat special. Everything about it had a certain charm that was hard to resist.

And then, as if on cue, I could picture myself sitting in that boat, casting my rod out and feeling the gentle bobbing of the waves beneath me. Of course, I knew that my sea legs were not the strongest, and that I was likely to get a bit seasick after a while. But still, the thought of spending a sunny day out on the water, with nothing but the sound of the waves and the cries of seagulls around me, was too tempting to resist.

I took a few more photos, trying to capture the essence of this lovely little boat. And as I walked away, I couldn't help but think that maybe, just maybe, I would be back one day to take it out for a spin myself.

I Licked It. So it's Mine

A Bit More Flashy

As I looked at the boat, my mind started to wander, and I couldn't help but wonder what could be causing it to sit at such a strange angle in the water.

Was it the result of a design flaw or just some unattractive parking? Or maybe it was something more bizarre, like a giant man with a beer belly and man-boob napping in the back, causing the boat to tilt to one side.

But as I looked closer, I realized that there was no peeling paint or visible damage, which made me think it was more likely a conscious design choice. Still, the angle of the boat made it look a little out of place, almost as if it was beached in the water.

As I continued to ponder, my mind began to conjure up even more ridiculous possibilities.

What if the boat was actually crowded with seals, basking in the warm sun and causing the boat to tilt under their weight? What if it was both?

And boat's owner woke up to the sound of barking seals, only to panic and dive out of the window in fright?

The thought of it all made me chuckle, but also a little uneasy. Who knows what kind of weird and wacky things can happen on the open seas? I certainly wouldn't want to stick around to find out.

The Barbican Landing Stage

This is a point in the harbour where you can get a boat ride out across the water for an hour scenic harbour cruise. Take the boat for £10.00, passing Plymouth Hoe and Drake’s Island and other places.

It is rather busy all year, so I will definitely be taking one of those trips to explore and take more photos.

As I was walking along the dock, I spotted a harbour master in his boat, but something seemed off. He was moving back and forth, back and forth, for what seemed like an eternity. What on earth could he be doing? I mean, was he trying to shake off a swarm of pesky seagulls or something?

Suddenly, a theory popped into my head. Maybe he's a new hire and someone decided to pull a prank on him by super-gluing the levers together and stealing his seat. It's not the nicest welcome to the job, but I couldn't help but chuckle at the thought.

Anyhow, he looks a fine harbour master.