10th August Last Day on the Island

We've had busy last day packing in everything that we hadn't managed to do in the previous week.

First up, after hanging out our load of washing that we hadn't managed to dry last night, was a bus journey into Douglas to catch the steam train to Port St Mary. On our tour round the south of the island with Richard, we didn't visit it as we had previously thought we'd be sailing via there for Holyhead. As we're taking a direct route we thought we'd pop over to have a look. Well worth it as it's my second favourite spot after Peel.

         Port St Mary overlooking the bay

Not necessarily the best place to get a bus but quiet, pretty, uncluttered and calm. Noticeably not touristy and we didn't even notice seagulls squawking. We just chilled out and waited on a bench on the green for the next bus to Castletown.

         Overlooking Castletown harbour 

Last time we were in Castletown we did a whistlestop tour. This time we had time to explore and visit Castle Rushden which had been a place for the King's and Lords to live before being converted into a jail.

               Checking out the view

            Port St Mary in the distance

Coming out of the castle looking for a picnic spot we bumped into Richard who'd been to the Post Office. So we enjoyed a cuppa in the newly extended town Square before we got on the bus with the intention of visiting Rushden Abbey. As it was nearing 3pm I decided to check out the closing time and found that it was shut all day! No worries - we thought we'd get off at the steam railway station at Ballahalla as the next train was due about 10 minutes after the bus got there. 

Unfortunately we worked out from the very quiet platform that the train we thought we would be catching doesn't run today 😅. So back to the bus stop to get the next one to Douglas. Just as well that we have unlimited travel.

After another bus to Peel we were just back in time to cut Ian's hair, get the washing in, shower and change to be out for a 7pm meal with Richard. We had a lovely meal in The Boatyard, a seafood restaurant on the side of the harbour. I tried out the Queenie scallops, a Manx favourite 😋.

Anya now has additional ballast as we both feel comfortably full. I feel in need of a nap 😃.

Tomorrow the plan is a 9am start, as soon as the lock gate opens, and then we'll head to Holyhead. Should be there by the evening but our speed really depends on if we get any wind assistance at all.