Nigel's Photo Blog

  Texel Sheep Today, as planned, we visited the Isle of Man's Southern District Agricultural Show which was held conveniently close to our base at Douglas, the island's capital. Isle of Man Pipe Band  Whilst held at a farm and with an underlying agricultural theme participants included a wide range of quasi related businesses ranging from the local radio sttaion to craft people and even the army reserve. The island's Pipe Band gave an impressive performance. Images and videos herein tell the story. Isle of Man Pipe Band aka Ellan Vannin Pipe Band Vintage Tractor Parade Vintage tractor: Fordson Super Major Modern, New Holland Tractor   Comb of Bees Manx Honey. (We bought some) Various exhibitors Classic Car: Triumph Stag Line up of vinatge tractors  Hay/straw turner on vintage Massey Ferguson 35 Vintage Field Marshall tractor.  Vintage baler Local police officers. Note white helmets.  Manx Radio Overall, a worthwhile visit which enabledus  to connect w...

  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 bobbin...