The Isle of Wight

For my birthday (a month ago) we went to the Isle of Wight. It was quite by chance as we’d been trying to get to the Isles of Scilly but as they were completely booked up forever, we settled on the Isle of Wight and I’m so glad we did.

Big T had been as a child but I had never been so a new destination is always a good adventure.

We took the train to Portsmouth and connected with the catamaran direct to the island. Door to door in about two and a half hours made it so easy and we’ll certainly be going back.

We stayed in the very charming town of Seaview which faced Portsmouth and from there we started to discover deserted beaches, secret seafood cafes, beautiful unspoiled villages, personal history and so much more.

Deserted Island

Seawall

Fishing and sailing

My appetite was whet again for sailing and Agnes indulged in a little paddling as we enjoyed my birthday lunch at The Hut, Colwell Bay.

Fabulous seafood of all descriptions under an open roof in mid September. It couldn’t have been better!

The Hut

We enjoyed an emotional journey to visit the 12th century church at Bonchurch where the ashes of my grandparents were scattered and then we walked around the windy coastal path for lunch at a hidden shack. It was very special.

The Old Church at Bonchurch

Leaving the island, I certainly felt a pull to return and of course, Agnes loved it! I suspect we’ll be back!

Not going home!

Deal

Last weekend we went on a day out by train to Deal and what a fabulous day it was!

The view from the cliff top from Dover to Deal was nothing short of Mediterranean as the sun glinted on the waves below and the cliffs gleamed white in the sunshine. Spectacular!

Arriving in Deal we meandered our way down to the High Street where independent interior shops sat next to wine bars, food stores and a Saturday market was in full swing.

We found our way into the conservation area where tiny fisherman’s cottages captured our hearts and imaginations as we (or rather I) have fancied a weekend cottage by the sea for ages.

Tiny

We spent a lovely day in Deal, we sat on a bench by the sea, we learned about the Goodwin Sands, we walked to Walmer along The Strand, we drank Dandelion and Burdock which was not like the original, we visited two very nice pubs to support the local economy and then we headed back to London on the train.

Deal beach and pier

We were tired but replete from sunshine and fresh air.

Spyglass Cottage

I fell asleep that night dreaming of tiny seaside cottages with carved wooden seagulls in the windows.

Deal Castle

Since September

Things have been very busy, days and weeks are blurring into each other and every deadline met is followed by another three.

This year has challenged me on the work front and I’m still feeling challenged.

Multiple moving parts or spinning plates mean that to take one’s eye off the ball for a second results in about a billion things falling through the cracks or smashing to the floor. We’ll, maybe not quite that bad but that’s how it feels sometimes!

With all this comes a return to the office in a couple of weeks which means I’m now sitting in a Superdrug waiting for a corporate flu jab. At this stage I’m taking anything I can to avoid getting sick when we’re all sitting back in the air con!