An afternoon in Peel

On one of the few sunny days we had, Ken and I decided to visit Peel, on the west coast.  One of its highlights are the castle ruins

A panorama of Peel beach 

A favourite pub with the motorcycle crowd

All the bikes parked outside confirms its popularity!

On our stroll, we came across a really, really small museum called The Manx Transportation Museum

An antique porter's trolley

Another thing Peel is known for is the Peel Trident, 

the smallest car ever made.

They are now very rare and are very valuable

Peel Harbour

We treated ourselves to dinner out at the local Italian restaurant in Port St. Mary, Andreas, run by a charming couple from Italy

...the real McCoy!!

Seafood fettuccine

Only a few days left.....

A visit to Peel

Peel sits on the west coast of the Isle of Man

 and was critical in the protection of the island from invaders, with its large castle able to keep watch by land and sea.

 This visit took us up to the Leece Museum to browse through its collection of motorcycles and artifacts specific to Peel

Does anyone remember playing on a horse like this??

 A unique facet to the museum is a grotto full of racing bikes, with a backdrop of the TT course, allowing people to pretend they are actually racing....I had to give it a try.

Here is an old photograph showing how important the harbour was to the prosperity of Peel

Charitable giving was also very important to the town.

My favourite was a pair of shoes from the late 1700's

The harbour still bustles with boats today, 

although many are pleasure crafts.

More adventures tomorrow.......

A Little Culture

The Isle of Man is not just about scenery and motorcycle races; there is plenty of culture to soak up as well.

In Peel, you can visit The House of Manannan.

It boasts interactive displays of the history of the Island.

There is a new one this year, featuring ancient artifacts.

These ancient coins were in fabulous shape

Check out the sword

 

Shirley stopped to admire the full size replica boat 

that the vikings used to conquer the island

 This story reinforces the inportance of fishing on the island

 As Peel is the 'Kipper' (smoked herring) capital of the island, those of us who enjoy them (David & Christine), stopped in for this delicacy

 at a local lunch stop, Moore's Kipper shop

  Enjoy guys.....

 

 Shirley and I enjoyed a fresh crab roll instead

Yummo!!!

 More culture coming up with a visit to the Manx Museum

Nature and History at Silverdale Glen

Another one of my favourite pastimes in the IOM 

is to walk the many Glens.

Before heading to Silverdale, 

we popped into Peel to stroll through its history.

 

  The cobblestone streets are quaint.....

...and the houses reminiscent of Newfoundland

After sharing the largest 'bakewell tart' I have ever seen....

....and a drive over the mountain....

 .....we headed over to Silverdale Glen

It meanders through the forest and surprises with picturesque waterfalls....

...and history at every turn

At the end of walking path is the Monks bridge

 I feel very special walking on the very same stones that touched feet from so long ago...

Regaled the troops tonight with homemade burgers...yummo!

Off to Ramsey tomorrow....