A Busy Day - Ramsey

After leaving the gardens, Lou took us to one of her favourite places to go for a walk.  Poyll Dool was once the local tip and has been regenerated into a nature reserve.  This is the White Bridge over the Sulby River which runs into Ramsey Harbour.

Next stop was the Queens Pier. 

In its hay day this had a little train running its length to carry the cargo and passengers from their vessels moored at the end of the pier. Now it has had all the old cast iron railings removed, the building at the end of the pier is gone, as is all the train track and is closed to the public.  It is considered to be conserved, pending restoration.  However, it is sadly on its last legs (lots of them).

I love the way the graffiti under the pier even has a patriotic theme.  See the three legs of Man.  It  appears to be scratched into the concrete, rather than painted.

The breakwater was our next stop.  Fancy that, more lighthouses.

It’s looking a bit nasty up in the hills, but thankfully staying fine down here.

As we were heading back to the car there was some activity at the Life Boat House.

No, it wasn’t a drill, there was a little boat broken down just the other side of the breakwater. We went for a walk around to the harbour to see them come in.  The swinging bridge was opened.

Here they come, all safe and sound.

Here is Lou, playing the tourist guide.  She did a great job. We learnt so much more than if we had just been wandering around ourselves.

Further along the harbour she pointed out her dad’s historic sailing boat (on the right).

The fishing boat her son works on.

And finally, the little green sailing boat her other son owns.

It was a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon in Lou’s company and we were then talked into staying for a scrummy tea.  Thanks Lou.

We’ll be seeing more of Lou soon.

So, after starting our touristy stuff at 7.30 am, we finally got back home at about 10.30pm. A rather busy and enjoyable day.