Cregneash

 

On the south side of the Island,  there is a quaint little village which is a living illustration of a farming and crofting community in the 19th and early 20th century

                  Did you notice the horns on the sheep?  It is a Loaghtan

                               Here is a typical barn for the period.

                                                         This a a replica cottage

                                         that would have been a crofter's home

The views from this village are also stunning!!

Up tomorrow.....A visit with the cuties at the  Manx Cat Sanctuary.

A Day in the Paddock

 All good racers are not the only heroes of the sport...it is a team effort with countless hours of maintaining the bike, tinkering with the engine  and making sure it is safe for the rider to blast down the race track safely. At a regular track event, spectators would not be allowed to walk around the paddock area to see all the 'behind the scenes action', but it is different here.  They welcome the fans to  walk around and get close and personal with the race teams! See for yourself!!

  

          They are now lining up the bikes to be scrutineered! 

As I have been super busy enjoying all things Bike, I haven't had a chanced to make any spectacular meals.  I hope to post something yummy looking soon!

Castletown

 Castletown is the former capitol of the Island and can trace its roots back to 1090!!  The main attraction is Castle Rushen which was originally built in 1265 for a Norse king, then fortified between the 13th & 16th centuries.

Walking through the town, with its narrow streets, is like taking a trip through time!

The town is located on the coast of the Irish Sea, and was also know for its shipbuilding. The harbour overflows with boats and each year they host the 'tin bathtub races', which we watched a few years back, but missed this year! Here is a snap from that event!

I found this apartment building quite unique!

I promise to add some Food pictures soon!

Off to the races today!!

Evening Practice

 Even the most seasoned riders need to brush up on their game to race around the Island.  The first week of the Manx Grand Prix (MGP), is all about practice.  The riders are grouped by class, then take off one by one down Bray Hill (the start/finish line) and speed around the course, getting in as many laps as the time will allow.

One of our favourite spots to watch is called Ballacrane, where the riders speed along a straightaway, then have to make a sharp right hand turn to start heading north. It is very exhilarating to watch the riders lean their bikes over to make the turn.  I still can't believe that they don't tumble over for that maneuver.

    

                                    These little guys were just hanging around!!

                                            Coming up....a day in the paddock!

                                                         Back to The Isle of Man!!

After a 3 year hiatus, we finally are able to return to our favourite Island to watch the motorcycles  race around the island!!  With much anticipation, we dove to Toronto to catch our flight to Manchester.  We had forgotten all the hassle that goes with airport nonsense: long lines, security checks and pat downs.  We anticipated getting fed on the plane, so didn't have anything to eat at the airport.  After several delays, (missing Co-Pilot), we broke down and bought a bag of chips and a coke as all the restaurants were closed!!  We treated ourselves to Business Class, so anticipated that the meal would be an improvement over what was being served in Economy.  No such luck.....dried out chicken with a sauce that had no taste.  At least the wine was acceptable!  

I think that one of the worst airports I have ever been at is Manchester.  We all trotted off to the baggage claim and waited for our luggage, and waited, and waited.......2.5 hours!!!!!  The company who was hired to unload the plane didn't show up!!  All I can say is that I am glad we had a 5 hour window before catching the plane to the Island!!! We had to change terminals....so back to all the security checks, yet again.  I never seem to make it through Manchester without getting pulled over for something.  This time it was the little welcome kits you get in Business...yup, it had an extremely small tube of toothpaste.  I should  be ashamed of myself for trying to pull that one over the security guards!!

We finally arrived and was picked up at the airport by the lovely hostess of the Air BnB, that we had to spend one night at.  The local pub just down the road from them stopped serving food due to Covid, so she kindly drove us to the next village to get some dinner! 

You can't go wrong with a Steak and Ale pie!!

We are now at the stone cottage where we will be for the next 2 weeks.

Coming up....actual pictures of motorcycles practicing!!!