Have you met Lady Isabella?

One of the most famous landmarks in the IOM is the water wheel at Laxey, 

fondly called 'Lady Isabella'.

She was used to pump water out of the coal mines - a real engineering feat!

I didn't have the nerve to walk right to the very top, but made it halfway up

Laxey is also known for it's Wollen Mill, which produces the local Manx tartan,

 still woven by hand.

A more colourful example of the tartan

Dotted along the mill were lovely sculptures....

When we got home, the resident Manx cat, Charlie, 

decided to move into the kitchen and take a nap on the chair

We did have to kick him out to eat our supper!

More racing to come....

Jurby Festival

During our first visit to the IOM in 2009, we attended the inaugural Jurby Festival, a Classic Bike extravaganza. It takes place in the north end of the island at an old airfield.  In 2009, 5,000 people were there, but it has grown to over 15,000, 

quickly establishing itself as THE event to attend.

Needless to say, there were thousands of bikes there.  Some to do laps around the runway, but the bikes in the parking lot was a sight to see!

just loved the colour combo on this one!

 This pair were very much in love!

Bikes of all ages were there to be admired

I particularly loved this little passenger

I even got to rub shoulders with the legendary Sammy Miller, who won several off-road world championships in the 50's & 60's.  He now owns a well known classic motorcycle museum in the south of England, open to the public..

A replica bike from the old movie "No Limit'" showed off around the track

During 'Paddock Day', we were entertained by his musical talents!

Stay tuned for excitement from the starting line!

Festivities in the Paddock

Each year the paddock is the host to festivities including a classic car show

Ever seen so many Morgans all in a row!

Discussing the finer points of the car

The boys salivating over a Maserati

We took a tour through the paddock

This fellow needed extra padding for his ride

If it is bright and shinny, it goes faster!

Who said paddock life is glamourous!

Teaching them young how to handle themselves

 Dinner at our new fav Italian restaurant in Port St Mary

Note the 2 spoons!

Next up, a visit to Jurby and Laxey

The Classic 500cc race

We went back to one of our favourite spots, "Harold's Farm, to watch the 500cc race, featuring classic vintage racing motorcycles, some priceless!!

The day started with a parade lap of all the old bikes

All gathered in the front yard to watch!

A friend of our cottage mates

Fans, from 6 to 60!

When we returned to the cottage,
we were greeted by the resident cats looking for their treats!
I started treating them the first day and now they know to show up at cocktail hour!

 A spicy curry for dinner!

Back to the paddock tomorrow..... 

Glen Helen

One of my objectives here on the island is to visit as many Glens as possible.

Today it was Glen Helen's turn

Our friends and cottage mates

An early Victorian fountain

Our next stop was to visit Tony East's private museum, A.R.E.

Ever ridden a GRANITE motorcycle?

Our last stop was a visit to Ramsey harbour.

It certianly was 'low tide'

Off to the races tomorrow!