Isle of Man

In need of........

Peel. Sat 31st July to Mon 2nd August
We wanted a couple of days here, and couldn't have picked a better weekend. It was an Historic Boat Weekend, so the harbour was full (so we stayed in the bay) of lovely old boats, that went out for a short sail round the bay each afternoon! On shore, a few events were on. a competition to see who could throw a heaving line accurately (men) or furthest (women). We entered and both came third respectively - tho not without alot of go's!! A competition to build and paddle a boat across the harbour entrance was fun to watch - and they all made it in their own style!
After such a good curry on Monday, we headed for the only curry house in Peel in the evening, hoping for more good food. Boy were we disappointed. More of that later, but it was not good!
Sunday was carnival day. After smoked bacon sandwiches for breakfast (Peel smokery) a saunter round we watched the parade with a beer or two to help the viewing! A relaxed afternoon on board watching the old boats sail round the bay, then a wonderful fireworks display to end the day. We couldn't have picked a better weekend to fetch up in Peel!!!
Monday was a bus ride to Douglas, a ride on a horse drawn tram and food shopping - treats from M&S food hall!!

While we were in the harbour there were basking sharks everywhere it seemed. At one point there were about 6 just a few hundred yards away! Isle of Man is an international hotspot apparently!