Spitbank Fort - September 08

'Treasure Islands' hunt for treasures meant leaving the big island to go over sea to a small built island Spitbank Fort located a mile from Portsmouth in the Solent. I met with Neale Brickwood, owner of Spitbank Fort and nwe set sail from Gunwharf with a small party, which included Japanese research engineer Dr Masaaki Okada and a dog called Harvey

Dr Masaaki Okada had flown over from Japan to see the fort after researching and writing papers on it. Dr Masaaki Okada's research is in specialist engineering which we were about to witness. It was his first time seeing the Fort for real and he was very excited at the prospect! I too had passed close to the Fort on my numerous journeys to France and had often wondered what mysteries were contained within, so a special day for us both!!

On arriving close to Spitbank Fort I realized the momentous effort it must have taken to construct it back in 1875. I then understood Dr Masaaki Okada interest in researching this engineering work and his excitement at viewing it for real. It appears to be an impossible construction, which sits proud and solid in the sea, the sight of which is both spectacular and unique.

The landing was remarkable; the boat was hoisted up out of the sea on cables, next to the landing platform by the side of the fort, all very unusual!

Once inside I was shown around all the rooms and then sampling began with the assistance of Neale who was especially adept at digging out samples from shell hoists, stoves and even the hardcore of the structure - marble! Having walked around in a full circle I felt very disorientated to find myself back where we had started but not having to go back on myself!!!

The view from the top was stunning and fantastic to be able to look out at this panoramic view of Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight. It was possible to pick out from the view some of the many places "Treasure Island" had been so far! Whilst at the top there was panic when Harvey the dog started to try out his Olympic diving skills by nearly jumping off the top of the fort - about 40 feet! Apparently he had jumped before and lived to wag the tail!!

How they ever constructed Spitbank Fort is just amazing. I can definitely say that this has been the most intriguing and unusual building of the treasure hunt so far.

• Seran Kubisa and Neale Brickwood:
  

• Approaching Spitbank Fort:
  

• Transport to the fort!:
  

• Dr Masaaki Okada first viewing of the Fort:
  

• Landing platform:
  

• The Interior:
  

• Inside the Fort:
  

• Access to lower levels:
  

• Neale collecting samples from a shell hoist:
  

• Harvey:
  

• Going back to Portsmouth:
  

• As we left:
  

• Leaving the fort behind:
  

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