Wednesday 3 August 2011

Island tripping

Yes, a day trip, from the New Forest to the Isle of Wight.  We caught the 8.30 (ish) ferry from Lymington to Yarmouth and had twelve days before our return crossing.  
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And the day was fabulous.

We started off at Victoria Fort, visiting both the maritime archaeology museum and the aquarium.

Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos
Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos
Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos

We then had a picnic in the grounds of the fort, watching the boats sailing up and down the Solent.
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From there it was a short journey down the west coast to Alum Bay and The Needles Park.  My heart fell at the queue for the car park and hoards of people but Mike and Rachel convinced me it would be good.  And it was!  

We visited the glass demonstration - best one we've ever seen both educationally and artistically.

We saw boiled sweets being made and sampled them, yum.
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We made an Alum sand model, well Rachel did.  She chose a cat mould and really brought it to life with her sand filling.  We even let Rachel go on the carousel and vintage cars.
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Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos

But the reason we went to Alum Bay was of course the needles.  From the flat we see their beauty all the time.
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It was lovely to show them to Rachel at closer quarters.
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And to show her how our flat looks from there.
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Our original plan had to be to drive across the Island to Sandown to visit the Dinosaur Isle, but we decided to spend less time in the car.  Instead we saw a bit of the island.
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Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos

And went to Allerton Village for a wonder around and dinner.
Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos
Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos

The day was topped off with an hour on the beach at Freshwater Bay, perfect.
Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos
Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos
Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos

For 70% of the cost of going to Paulton's Park for the day we went on a ferry, saw 3 museums, 2 demonstrations, went on some rides and enjoyed the sun at the beach.  For a day break going outside the New Forest area, the Isle of Wight gets my vote.
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