A nostalgic train ride

 On a beautiful sunny day, Christine and I decided to take the historic steam train from Port Erin to the capital of Douglas.

Our steam engine 

Our Carriage

The views from the window were picturesque

Once we arrived in Douglas, 

we strolled the quay looking for a place for lunch.

Look, we found another wallaby

We found a lovely seafood restaurant called Little Fish cafe.

We sat at  a table outside and ordered our drinks.  We were so happy to have found an outside table overlooking all the boats until we saw a seagull swoop down and help himself to the salad a  man was eating next to us. On to plan B...move inside!

We both ordered 'queenies', which are small scallops found only in IOM waters.  Mine were in a po' boy sandwich and Christine's was in cream sauce....yummo!!

It was a great day...more fun tomorrow.

The First Race Day!

Saturday August 26, was the first race day.  It started in the morning with the Senior Classic TT Race.

Here is what the course looks like:

We were watching at Cronk y Voddy (#11), which allows for a fabulous view of the racers speeding up the hill at full throttle, running at  about 160 miles per hour.

Take a look at #2 Jamie Coward and 15 time TT winner #3 Michael Dunlop charge up the hill!

One of my favourite competitors is Maria Costello, a 20 year veteran racer, who is a 'Member of the British Empire', and well-known racer...she was running in third place for most of this race, but, very close to the end, she was passed and came in 4th.  Great job Maria!

After 152 miles and 4 laps, the winner was
 Australian champion and past British Superbike champion, Josh Brookes

After a lunch break, (no, you really don't want to see my chicken sandwich), we watched the Lightweight Classic TT.

Here are the first 2 off the starting gate, #1 Ian Lougher and winner,
setting a new lap record of 120 mph for a 250cc motorcycle,  #2 'Kiwi' Bruce Anstey

Hot on Bruce's heels is 15 times TT winner Irishman superstar, Michael Dunlop

Here is the winner, Bruce Anstey, on his final victory lap!

At the end of our day enjoying the high speed chases down the road, we headed to Port Erin for supper at The Station

A very cheesy lasagne

Fish & Chips

Cheesecake

Sticky Toffee pudding

A visit with the animals tomorrow

Party in the Paddock

Just before all the racing excitement starts, a huge party takes place in the paddock, starting with a classic car and bike show.

1926 Austin

Not exactly sure what this is???

1954 MG TF

BMW racing side car

Late 1940's Norton off-road competition bike

1970's East German built MZ motorcycle

 I call this one "Kissing Kawasaki's"

There was a fabulous rock n roll band playing music,
 and even Elvis showed up!
Lots of fun for all ages!

After a full day, we came back to the cottage for a 'crock pot simmered' chicken curry...yumm!

A day at the races tomorrow.