8th August On the Steam Train to Port Erin

Up early to catch the train into Douglas. Then after heading in the wrong direction initially we managed to get to the train station just in time to get the 09.50 train to Port Erin.

We had a lovely hours run through the countryside along the south coast of the island. Looking across a very calm sea.

Our engine - just after disconnecting at Port Erin

We met up with Richard at the Port Erin stop, who then gave us a tour of the bottom end of the island. Odd being in a car again. 

       Port Erin is a mini version of Peel

After visiting Port Erin we looked over to Calf Island. Currently off limits to everyone because of Avian Flu. We may be heading through the Sound on our way to Port St Mary in a few days time, but it depends on the state of the tide.

Calf of Man, with the Sound running in between 

Then on to Castletown which was originally the island's capital. However, the harbour was too small so was changed to Douglas several hundreds of years ago.

                   Castletown Castle

Back at Peel for a very late lunch we then followed a walk route through the town informing us about the guinea or slave trade. IoM was a major stopping point on route to collect and deliver slaves. It turned out to be a hot day today - not had many of these 😎.

        Had to have an ice-cream treat 😋

A lovely late afternoon and evening sitting out in the cockpit. It's been a bit chilly so by about 6pm we're usually inside to keep warm. Made a nice change.

        Back to sunbathe in the cockpit 

Tomorrow looks like an early bus to Douglas to get the electric tram to Laxey.