Island Race

Backblip as WiFi crashed and deleted text. Silly me!


Our ferry coincided with the Isle of Wight Round Island Race and passed between many of the yachts. We could see what a challenge this was as they battled 54 knot winds and choppy seas. Of the original 939 entries from a 6am start, by 8pm only 153 had finished.


Arriving early for our 12.40pm ferry we were able to take the 12.10 and had more playtime before heading to our accommodation so were delighted to discover the Isle of Wight Steam Railway at Havenstreet. Here we found engines in steam running trips , although today these were limited due to a 'dangerous building' under inspection. One of the cherished engines, Calbourne (see extra) was, with another, due to be scrapped but was rescued by a generous anonymous donation; the donor was later revealed to be the artist, David Shepherd. Although known for his dramatic pictures of African animals, in particular of elephants, he also painted magnificent steam engines.
There's a lot to see and many families were enjoying the variety of activities but, after a sandwich lunch in the sunshine, we made our way to our holiday home, crossing a ford to do so.


I have now caught up on the Trooping of the Colour, having watched on my phone as we drove but was frustrated by the subtitles and strap line obscuring most of the screen. Wasn't it lovely to see Princess Catherine in attendance, on the balcony smiling with the children and with King Charles. Brava and Bravo to them.