Last night we tried to get some sun set photos behind Perl Castle but unfortunately the clouds came in with about half an hour to go. So we went looking for Queenie shells instead (local, small clams). We reckon the local fishermen must dump the shells as there are so many.
This morning we were off on the early bus to Douglas. Then a swift walk along the front (horse drawn trams don't start running until later) to catch the 10.10am electric tram to Laxey. We managed to squeeze on the tram as there was a coach party and a group from a cruise ship anchored in the bay also on board. The average age was about 80 so we felt very young this morning as we battled through the Zimmer frames and walking sticks as we got off at Laxey.
We had planned to get the Snaefell train which would be sitting at Laxey ready to go up the mountain. However, the next two trams were booked by coach parties and there was a queue for the next available tram - not very fair as no one else can book a seat as it's all first come first served. After a few enquiries it transpired that a party had arrived early so they put on an earlier tram for them and so by the time we'd drunk a coffee we could board the next tram.
On the way up there were good views across the Irish Sea and we could see Lady Isabella (the Lacey Wheel). It was used to pump out water from the lead/zinc mines. Unfortunately it's undergoing work so is currently not working.
Up on the top of Snaefell, as it was so clear we could see the whole of IoM, England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales.
Back down to Lacey we went on a guided walk coming across another water wheel on our way. This one, Lady Evelyn, a smaller wheel was working but I don't think many other people knew as we were the only ones visiting it. After a picnic in the park watching the wheel we continued our walk down to the harbour, stopping off in the woollen mill to watch the Manx tartan being traditionally woven (a bloke on a 'bicycle' was powering the loom).
As the walk took us away from Laxey tram stop we found the next stop down the line. All are request stops so it was a bit odd hailing the tram to stop. We then had to find somewhere to sit as it was pretty full but we managed 😃.
Back in Douglas we had time to go to the Manx Museum until it closed. Did you know that no Romans landed on IoM? It was the Vikings and Celts who form the IoM history. Also as they were neutral during WW2 there was an internment camp with prisoners who were able to roam the island. Fascinating stuff.
A bus journey back to Peel and then our evening has been spent doing the washing. Whilst waiting for the cycle and in between tumbling we've sat on a bench overlooking the beach, soaking up the last few days.
Tomorrow it's back on the steam train to Port St Mary and a visit to Rushden Abbey.
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