The Isle of Wight

"Every summer we can rent a cottage in the Isle of Wight, if it's not too dear. We shall scrimp and save..." Ah, the Isle of Wight. We could have spent much longer here had time allowed. And the weather! Absolute hot sunny seaside perfection.

Here's a quick shot of Kel on the ferry, heading over to the island.



Upon arrival at Ryde, we caught the train. Look at it! The Island Line's rolling stock is composed entirely of London Underground trains built in 1938. Awesome, no?



Kel was impressed too.




The boys hanging out on the train.






While on the Island, we also visited and traveled on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway. Obviously.




The best part of the Isle of Wight was THE BEACH! A real sandy beach on a hot sunny August day. Just like home.





I admit to being a bad mother who didn't pack swim shorts for this weekend away because I had no idea that it would be so hot and sunny. I never even anticipated that we'd be swimming! Jackets were packed, swim shorts were not. So, the boy swam in his undies and vest. And he wasn't the only kid there doing it.









The white cliffs of the Isle of Wight. The white cliffs of Dover are not really so unique.



Looking back up at Shanklin.




Kel ended his day at the beach with a go on the inflatable slide. Weeeeee!




Too exhausted to sit up on the train back to Ryde. But happy exhausted.

Portsmouth

We stayed overnight near Portsmouth with Steve and his family (our extended family in a very extended sort of way). That evening we went down to the seaside for a walk, some chips, and a visit to the amusements.




Bit of time delay here.




I love this shot of Kel and Uncle Steve sitting on the rocks, watching the hovercraft come in from the Isle of Wight. The land that you can see in the background is the Island.




Kel enjoying the amusements. Here he goes on the teacups, insistent that he wasn't going to spin it much...



...and then the well meaning (possibly sadistic) ride operator gave him a good spin every time he went past. Not so great on the post-dinner belly it seems.




More rides.







Throwing stones into the sea.




A chilly couple.




The hovercraft docked at Portsmouth.





At the end of the night, Kel's legs were all worn out. Lucky, as always, to have Uncle Steve!

Tonbridge Wells

These are from a day at Tonbridge Wells, where we went to ride the Spa Valley Railway. Also the first day of a weekend with Uncle Steve!












Kel adores his Uncle Steve. Is there any doubt?




Who is this??? Finally insisted that Nic take a couple of snaps of me, just to prove that I do exist on the other side of the lens.





And my gorgeous Nic.








The Doctor Who phone box!






Reading railway magazines on the train.





At the Pantiles in Tonbridge Wells.