Ballaglass Glen

As everyone who reads this blog knows, on my IOM bucket list is to visit all 18 national Glens.  So far, I have been to 10 of them and today makes it 11, with  a stop at Ballaglass Glen.

The first person we met was the Wise Old Man

Ballaglass is known for its beautiful river that runs through it

Pictures do not do this Glen justice...

At the end of the loop is the main waterfall

 with an abandoned stone house.

The paths were varying in degrees of difficulty for walking, so we worked up quite an appetite for dinner.....homemade burgers rounded out a fabulous day!

A party in the paddock coming up tomorrow!

This 'n That

I thought I would take a breather from writing about specific places or events and chat a bit about a number of unrelated topics.

First up...we are staying at a cottage on a working Farm, which I mentioned earlier was an internment camp during WW1 & WW2.

Upon arrival, all sorts of goodies were waiting for us, such as fresh milk from their cows, cakes and fresh eggs....I must say, I have seen a lot of eggs in my time, but never a light blue one! (top left)

 Chickens roam freely, as do many resident cats.  This Manx one decided our doorstep was a great place for a nap...might have had to do with the bit of steak I gave her the night before....:)

 Our little garden is not large, 

but has lovely flowers growing on the wall

During an evening stroll in Douglas, I came across this lovely wall art

I know you have all been waiting.......I have been so busy that there was no time for lovely meals to share, except for a fabulous evening out with our friends Louise and Trevor at Attraversiamo Steak House in Ramsay.   Check out our delicious dinner...

Seafood Linguine

Cod Fillet

Chicken with fresh mozzarella and tomatoes

Thanks so much for a great evening....

In closing, check out the amazing view to the south of the farm...

....so peaceful.

Coming up....a new Glen to visit. 

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 lazy day

After spending time with the Mann Sanctuary cats, we thought a visit with the horses at their 'retirement home' would be a perfect end to the day.  After giving years of their life pulling trams on Douglas promenade, filled with island visitors,

 they finally get a lovely pasture to live out their final days.

You can buy buckets of feed for them and

 they certainly appreciate the extra treats.

The next day it was raining, so a visit to The Manx Museum 

was a perfect way to stay dry.

We have visited many times before, 

but each year they have special exhibits.

As this year we are staying close to Peel, at Knockaloe Beg Farm, we were fascinated to find out that this land was used as a WW1 Internment Camp, which is what the current exhibit is about.

A painting of how it looked

 This gives an account of what took place 

I feel very fortune that I was born during a time where I didn't have to live through a war in my home land.

Continuing through the museum, 

I did enjoy a few more local paintings.....

We finished off the evening by enjoying a hearty homemade (by me) pasta bolognese....yummy!

Off to Peel for the day tomorrow.

A return visit to the Mann Cat Sanctuary

A must for all animal lovers (especially of cats),

 is a visit to the very unique 

Mann Cat Sanctuary

Their motto is a quote from Albert Schweitzer:

"Until he extends the circle of his compassion to all living things, man will not himself find peace"

They are only open on Wednesday and Sunday afternoons and are especially busy when the island fills up with many visitors attending the motorcycle festivals.  Today was no exception, as all the kitties were out in full force greeting everyone and waiting for their treats.

David giving some love

Napping on the blankets for sale

Looks like he had a pretty rough start in life

Everywhere you go, kitties are either sleeping

 or getting tons of attention.

I even witnessed a little hissy fit between 2 of the pussies

It was a lovely visit.....I will return before too long!

Thanks to Sue Critchley and all her volunteers, for making this sanctuary a place of peace and love for so many unwanted cats.

Jurby Transport Museum

After a fitful night's sleep, we started thinking about what we had not visited on the island, so decided to head up the west coast to the 

Jurby Transport Museum

The pictures speak for themselves...enjoy!

Check out the old fire truck and hose they pulled behind!

This is the cutest child's motorcycle and sidecar I have ever seen

Coming up tomorrow,

another visit with the cats at the Manx Cat Sanctuary.