Old villages and old friends

When Ken was 17 years old he met Rob in high school and became fast friends.  They used to heat up 'Castrol R oil' in a cast iron frying pan and listen to old recordings of the TT races, pretending they were there.  That was Ken's introduction to the TT that now brings us to the IOM each year.  Ironically, it was Rob's passion for motorcycle racing that flamed Ken's, but Rob had never been himself.  That all changed this year when he decided to see everything first hand.  With our extensive knowledge of where to go and what to do, as we had been shown by Christine & David during our early years, we included Rob in our outings to make his first visit memorable.  

Our first stop was a little sightseeing with a visit to Cregneash village to see how the Manx people lived many years ago

We wandered around this lovely old village, learning what crofting  life was like in the late 19th century

Religion was a very important part of their daily lives, so needless to say, there was a lovely old Church

Celtic Cross

Our next stop was the The Sound, (also know as the Calf of Man)

which is the most southerly point on the island

The day's finale was a 'family' supper with friends prepared by moi!

 It was a perfect day!

Cregneash

Time has a way of erasing some of the past 'Ways Of Life' and traditions, and the Isle of Man is not immune to it, but 'life the way it used to be' is alive and well in the village of Cregneash.

Here, the last stronghold of the Manx language and customs, continue on with recreations and quaint crofters cottages.

Their way of life was very simple; farming and fishing to stay alive.
The inside of this farmhouse was filled with smoke from the fire, their only source of heat to cook and stay warm

The Loghtan sheep was their main livestock (as is today as well), and they are unique with 4 horns

The barn was home to a 4 month old baby.

He only has 2 horns now, but the other 2 will grow in

A unique type of patchwork quilting kept their beds warm at night.

Wool from the sheep was also spun into wool for clothing

Some households were a little more prosperous than others,
with separate rooms for living and laundry

The dairy room

 
It was one of the sunny days on the island
and the view out to The Sound was fantastic

Good bye Cregneash

Off to the Ramsay Sprints tomorrow!

Back to The Isle of Man...

It is hard to believe that it has been a year since I visited this charming island.  It is just like coming home...meeting up with old friends, eating at my favourite pubs and getting the opportunity to show the island off to my visiting Aunt.

Our first day started off with a trip down to 

the Calf of Man to take in the views.....

as well as a jaunt around Cregneash, a preserved historic village.

Sighting of the local 4 horned  Loaghtan sheep....what a handsome fella!

Since the day was starting to clear, we headed up to the top of Snaefell mountain by way of a 1865 electric railway

Such a clever design on the cappuccino.....The Three Legged Man!

As we are here for the Classic TT, we felt it was a fitting tribute to visit the statue of Joey Dunlop, 26 time TT winner who tragically was killed during a race in Estonia.

Adorning the mountain was this artist's rendition of the local sheep.

A quick visit to Laxey to meet up with Lady Isabella...

...a walk through the mines...

... and admiring the source for the waterwheel.

 First dinner out......salmon pasta at The Station in Port Erin.....yummmm

Nighty night...