After breakfast we went on the day long island tour. I have to say here that although Martin our driver was very nice, he just was a driver and no tour guide! Previous trips we have been on, the driver gives you a running commentary of everything. Martin said nothing, we just found our own way around.
The first stop was Ryde and were surprised so many places were shut. I thought this was tourist season!
Next stop was Cowes, a really lovely sea breeze and some amazing yachts, no surprise there. We sat watching them for a while chatting to a family who were also in our hotel. Time to return to the coach and Hazel (one of the younger members of the trip, early 50’s,) then told us she had gone to the loo and the door lock jammed! Her husband was waiting outside , so she phoned him. He couldn’t open it and so he called the council whose WC it was. The reply “no one can come on a Sunday, call the fire brigade!” So, they had to, a fire engine with five firemen, one a female. They couldn’t open the door unless they smashed it down so in the end she had to climb through a tiny gap, assisted by one of the firemen. That was her total trip to Cowes, I don’t think she will forget Cowes in a hurry! It did give us all a good laugh though. Then the coach driver hadn’t given clear directions of where we were to meet and so we were late leaving there, looking for people!
Next stop Yarmouth, only half an hour, not worth the bother as we knew from previous visits. Mal and I knew a tiny snack bar that do amazing prawn sandwiches, so grabbed those and back on the coach and on to Alum Bay. Many years since we have seen the Needles and a lot to do there.
But the best way to round off our visit.
Then back to the hotel, dinner and across to the King Harry. It’s a lovely bar, nice people, much cheaper drinks than our hotel and a huge garden. The entertainment in our hotel was a Stars in their Eyes winner. Not many people were impressed, nor us as we could hear it all across the road.
We packed ready for our return the following morning.
Thought for the Day – “A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery while on a detour.”