Isle of Man - Retirment home for horses and another Glen

If you remember my post about the tram in Douglas, you would no doubt have seen the magnificent horse pulling the it.  As happens to all of us, there comes a time when we can no longer do as we have in the past.  It was heartwarming to see that the Isle has a 'retirement home' for all the Douglas work horses, as well as any other equines in need of  a green pasture and leisure time.  It is funded solely by donations and has been around since 1950.

 Even donkeys are invited to the party.  Everyone lines up at the fences waiting for the visitors to feed them treats!  

After our visit with the horses, we headed off to Peel, on the west coast.  Its main attraction is its castle, which now lays in ruins, but in its prime, protected the coast from marauders.  

The quaint city centre is a maze of narrow streets with an abandoned church that managed to salvage its headstones.

We ended the day by visiting our final Glen visit; Silverdale.  It is near Rushen Abbey (now a ruin), so naturally many of the attractions have a religious slant.

This bridge is called the 'Monk's bridge' (built in 1046).  I can just imagine the monks in quiet contemplation, as they walked through the forest and crossed the bridge to continue on their spiritual path.

  
Dinner was a simple pasta and salad.  We were too tired for anything more adventurous!  Too boring for a photo!

Tomorrow; the last day of racing and a 'special order dinner'!

Isle of Man - Food fair and Groudle Glen

On our next 'non race' day, we headed back to the capital, Douglas, to do some last minute shopping for gifts (yes, K, got your Isle of Man trinket).  Although it was raining, we were thrilled to see a thriving food and flower fair happening on The Strand.  There was everything you could imagine; olives, jams, salamis, crepes, 'turkish delight', cakes and even a huge pan of paella.

I had to take a picture of this smiling Italian; He even sucked his gut in for the picture! Too funny!

  

Our next Glen adventure took us to Groudle Glen.  It's history goes back to 1890 when an enterprising businessman purchased the lease for the whole Glen, built a hotel and promised 'romantic walks' and attractions.  It boasted sea lions and (sad to say) chained bear cubs for the amusement of the guests.  The highlights of the Glen are a water wheel and huge viaduct.  You can still hear it moaning and groaning as the wheel moves scooping up the water!

    Sad to see trees uprooted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ono our way back to the cottage, we traveled through Douglas.  This is the view of the bay we admired coming down the mountain.

Stay tuned for more racing and the 'church cakes'.

Isle of Man - A hikers dream: Glen Mooar (Spooyt Vane) & Dhoon Glen

If you love exercise, these two Glens are a must.  Glen Mooar, located on the west coast, is home to the highest waterfall, known as Spooyt Vane or 'White Spout'.  We walked through lust forest paths before heading down steep stairs, anticipating a wonderous site. We could hear the rush of water on our descent to the base of the falls.  We were not disappointed:

We have been most fortunate that the weather has co-operated during our walks.  Most of the paths would be extremely slippery if they were wet.  I really didn't fancy a head first fall down one of the ravines!!

After a hard day's hike we went back to the cottage for a cold supper of chicken salad, tomato caprese and crisp greens.  All washed down with a chilled Pinot, followed by a selection of cheeses with baguette!

The hike to Dhoon Glen continues tomorrow.  (I know K will be upset with me as she hates it when I tell her I have something to share with her, but by the way, I will tell you tomorrow)!