Spring cancelled

What the bloody hell has happened to spring?? This grey, cold, damp gloom is more reminiscent of January than late March. It's soul destroying, depressing and downright unpleasant. Early spring can be variable but this is just horrific; the sky is grey, it's cold, the trees look dead, birds aren't singing, flowers aren't out, apart from snowdrops and a few sad-looking daffodils, and the light levels are atrocious. The only bright spot is that we haven't got any more snow down here (yet) just biblical amounts of rain and sleet, leaden skies and temperatures in single digits Celsius. I sincerely hope we get a decent summer after this...we certainly deserve one, particularly after last year's dismal effort.

I decided, despite the atrocious weather, to go over to Southampton to see the new AIDAstella which was making her first call at the port. I got the 1030 car ferry across, that decision influenced by the fact that AIDAstella was starboard side to in berth 46, therefore facing outwards, and would make a good photo from the ferry. I also wanted to avoid Newport traffic and the chaos brought by the ongoing gas main work.

CMA CGM Musca was on her way in, passing Cowes as I boarded the ferry but, in the murk, it wasn't worth getting the camera out. One that got away. But at least the sodding rain had finally stopped.

Braving the elements I went on deck as we approached Fawley. A few more hardy souls, most with shivering dogs in tow, were on deck, as was another ship photographer.
I am not overly happy with the processing on these, but it was challenging because of the dark conditions.

There was a dead bee on deck, probably a victim of the vile weather. I wonder how many more tiny tragedies there are, thanks to the cold and wet early spring?

The laid up container ship Qingdao Tower was still at berth 40 and she's expected to be there another few weeks to months.

And here is the 'star' of today's show, AIDAstella, which is on her maiden voyage. It's a shame the weather wasn't better for her (and me!) but, despite that, she still added a splash of colour (and a dodgy paint job - those eyes and lips) to the docks, brightening up the scene somewhat.

I went round to Mayflower Park to photograph general cargo ship Sudkap which was at berth 101.

Back to the ferry and home, via the city centre for food and to look at the new 'Oceans' shop which has opened. They sell a range of nautical (liner-related) items and also have some nice models on display.

Car carrier Grand Phoenix was also in port today.

Jaynee-W was the only ship on the move as we got back to the Solent, apart from Energy Champion but she was too far away.