Nigel's Photo Blog

  Landscape in north of island Today ws a day of two halves. In the morning, my wife and I went on the quaint and historic electric tram from Douglas to Ramsey in the north of the island whilst in the afternoon I undertook a seven mile hike in the south of the island using Douglas as a base. Morning Trip As will be evident from the images below, we passed through open countryside with views of the sea then arriving in the pleasant port of Ramsey. Ramsey was the landing point of the 'Jet-Ski Romeo' who, in late 2020, undertook a hazardous trip from Scotland to Isle of Man by jet-ski in context of a romantic liaison with a local, Isle of Man girl-friend. He was jailed for his efforts and then deported back back to the U.K. in time for Christmas.    Boarding the tram at Douglas Herd of goats Market in centre of Ramsey Beach at Ramsey Aptley named 'Bleak House' found in a high-end district. A 'fixer upper' for someone! Ramsey Harbour Cruise ship off island'

Today we visited Port Erin and sites nearby in the south-west corner of the island. The weather commenced dull and damp but progressively improved. Narrow guage steam railway at Port Erin Our arrival coincided with that of a novelty, narrow guage steam train from Douglas, about fifteen miles away. Port Erin is a somewhat faded coastal resort but does benefit from an extensive sandy bay. We availed of some refreshments here then explored the harbour. Port Erin Bay   Port Erin Harbour Promotional vehicle at Port Erin. The Isle of Man TT or Tourist Trophy races are an annual motorcycle racing event run on the Isle of Man in May/June of most years since its inaugural race in 1907 Marriage lintel over front door of harbourside property at Port Erin. This seems to date from 1781. Sailing training in Port Erin Bay Next, we drove further south to the tip of the island which overlooks a small island called the Calf of Man. This location offeerd some good views including a few seals bobbing in

  Street decoration in Heysham Today, my wife and I had time to spare whilst waiting to connect with the ferry from Heysham, N.W. England to the Isle of Man.   Heysham Ferry Terminal We decided to explore the old, central part of Heysham village, a decision which trasnpired to be very wise. We were treated to fascinating old residentail architecture dating as far back at the 16th century, two ancient places of Christian worship dating back to the first millennium. a 10th century 'hogback' grave marker (in excellent condition) an exceptionally colourful and well maintained public garden plus exceptional views over Morecombe Bay. This 2-3 hour unplanned trip may yet prove to be the highlight of our entire vacation.  View from remains of St Patrick's Chapel Artist's impression of St Patrick's Chapel in 1st millennium Butterfly at work in Glebe Garden Vacationer in Glebe Garden View of Morecombe Bay from St Peter's Church. Heysham St Peter's Church, Heysham, par