Oh my island, in the sun..

Ben and I have just got back from a fantastic few days on the Isle of Wight. Last time I was there I don't think I'd even reached double figures in age!! And yes dad, we did look for your jelly shoe that you lost last time round, but waiting for the tide to go out twice in the space of twenty years, really was asking a bit much... Nevermind, perhaps one day it will wash up on Scarborough beach and then you can reunite it with the one Stuart found a few weeks ago in the Loft! That's my pop, always the useful hoarder!

It was great seeing the Needles and Alum Bay, Shanklin, Sandown and Ventnor etc again, reliving some old memories, although unfortunately places like Blackgang Chine and Robin Hill Country Park were still closed for low season, still it meant we did more appropriate (but equally as fun) things like visiting vineyards!

On the note of Blackgang Chine, I must mention a book I recently bought from Tescos, called `B**llocks to Alton Towers' -It's a superb look at alternative days out in Britain, rather than queuing for hours to pay great masses of dough, to then be cattle herded round an unimaginative tourist trap... It mentions the 'good ol' blighty' feel of Blackgang Chine, capturing the essence of "British-ness" - it also mentions Mercat Tours, who I used to guide for in Edinburgh!

For those of you wanting to visit the fab I.O.W here's some handy info:

www.redfunnel.co.uk -Southampton-East Cowes Ferry
www.thelincolnhotel.org.uk - Great value, clean hotel in Shanklin near beach.
www.rosemaryvineyard.co.uk - Free wine tasting, interesting info and mini tour! Bonus
www.blackgangchine.com - you know you want to...
www.robin-hill.com - Family fun and fresh air, what more could you want?

Pubs/restaurants worth a mention -

Pavarottis; High Street - Old Village, Shanklin: Try the Green lipped mussels in Pernod! One of the best meals we've had in the UK, good value and nice location.

Crab Inn; Old Village Shanklin: Just over the road from Pavarottis Italian, the Crab offers an old world exterior with slighty more modern interior! Local beers on tap and a nice beer garden for when it finely warms up! Good menu range too.

Fisherman's Cottage; Bottom of the Chine, Shanklin: Great interior, nestled at foot of chine. Interesting collection of decor, well worth popping in.