Isle of Wight Holiday

Met up with my sister at Southampton Central, bundled my rucksack into her car, then headed off to the Isle of Wight in the car ferry. Was a bit too blowy to be outside and the smell of chips and vinegar was everywhere on the (only) inside deck, but apart from that it was good fun. We spotted lots of familiar villages and landmarks along the Solent and were pleased to see the Eat Cowes landing, the start of many good childhood holidays.
We had no difficulty finding Ruskin Lodge. Good views, close to the beach and CAMRA bar, and our rooms were beautiful – plus a friendly housekeeper, handsome owner and two cute kittens! What more could one ask.
Having unpacked we headed down to Freshwater Bay where the waves were crashing onto the little prom. Then it was into the Fat Cat Bar at the Sandpipers Hotel for some refreshment. There were some superb real ales on during our stay (we went there a few times) including Goddards Bitter, Elland Bargee and Caledonian Top Banana – as well as a kilo of moules mariniere for under £7! Bargain.
Sadly the weather wasn’t that good while we were there, but the Isle of Wight is very geared up to tourism and there were plenty of things to do inside, such as Alum Bay glassblowing and sweet factory (we went back several times to stock up on handmade sweets), Carisbrooke Castle, Butterfly and Fountain World, Newport shopping (we got absolutely soaked inbetween shops though), Chessel Pottery and a number of local pubs. Apart from the Fat Cat, other outstanding pubs included the Bargeman’s Rest at Newport, where I had a stunning pint of Goddards Inspiration whilst listening to a really good Jazz band and eating a huge burger. There was also the Red Lion in Old Freshwater, which did a superb Lobster Chowder, and the New Inn in Shalfleet where I ate some beautiful tiger prawns in garlic accompanied by a pint of Ventnor Gold.
Fortunately the day we’d booked to go on one of the Walking Festival guided walks was sunny, so we enjoyed walking around Colwell and Totland bays and up to Tennyson Down whilst learning more about the history of the area. Next day I thought I’d take Shirl on the short walk from Alum Bay to the Needles – but the wind had picked up again and she nearly got blown off the cliff! She fell over and the contents of her handbag flew about in the wind – we had to pick up cheque books, ciggies etc before they all blew out to sea! She was all right apart from an impressive bruise on the knee.
It was great to get away from the stressful situation at home for a while – but it was straight back into the grind of redecorating when I got back. Never long enough, holidays…
PS photos in Valerie's Gallery just as soon as I can get my home PC to sign me in to Blogger :-/