First day on the Isle of Wight

Angela and I went off to the Isle of Wight for 4 days. Our purpose in going was to see if it was worth considering moving there.The Western point of the island is called Freshwater.

Angela and Patrick went there last Summer for a holiday and got the idea then that it might be lovely to move there. Then they told us about it and I started thinking that it might be nice. But the thinking and wandering was too much for me, I needed to see.

So I flew to Angela's house on Sunday night, arrived at 23.00, chatted until 00.00 then woke up at 03.00 to drive down to the ferry terminal. Despite the lack of sleep we were in good spirits, and excited. (and we only just got onto the ferry, we arrived 3 min. before departure, phew that was cutting it really close)A blurry pic because the ferry was vibrating and the camera was resting on the chair.

Anyway, we got to the Bishop's house where we had arranged to stay. (And again a big thank you to Bishop and Sis Ellis for having us in their home.) Dropped off our bags, chatted a bit and then we were off to explore.

It rained, and rained, and rained. But what can you expect in Britain? We drove over to Ryde first. There is a really long pier that goes out into the sea, which takes you to the fast cat ferry, for foot passengers only. The pier has to be so long because the sea bed is flat for a long way out. I couldn't believe how fast this ferry was, now you see it now you don't. There is a train that takes you all the way to the end of the pier, so convinient.

And then there is also the hover craft, it just ramps up onto the beach.Then we drove up to Cowes, I think it is the sailing capital of the world, but I may stand corrected. Loads of masts, loads of marinas, very bustling and vibrant.
Once we had been there we went off to Newport, we parked the car and as Angela is walking away she notices a bulge on the front tire. GRRRRR. How murphies law is that! So it was off to the local tyre repair place and a two hour wait. We spent the two hours in various shops, and were completely satisfied that there is nothing you can't get on this island, all the major shops are there.

And then as evening descended upon us we decided to drive home using the most direct rout. Big mistake, you know how a sat nav will take you the smallest roads it can find? Well we landed up on Burnt House Lane. Except after the rains of the day I re-named it Big River Lane. This video was taken in the more shallow part of the road, I was too nervous to record in the really rivery bits.

When we got back we were welcomed by a delicious supper and warm beds. Quite and eventful first day.