… view from the balcony; beautiful as ever!

.. lovely!

From Freshwater Bay, it was off to Blackgang Chile (before it falls further into the sea!)

… and then it was off home.

… it would appear the the holiday season, in Shanklin for sure had ended!

From the shores of Shanklin, it was off to Newport. I was glad I did because these was a cycling open day.

Andrei Burton was putting on an awesome display in the high street;

Check out these standing jumps across 1.5 bike lengths!

In the jump below Andrei jumped vertically over a banner that was at shoulder height!

… quite an amazing chap.. check out the website http://andreiburton.com/

Had to check out some of the beaches today; read the newspaper at Freshwater Bay…

and then zipped down the coastal road to Ventnor. From there it was off to Owl and Monkey Haven to check up on my namesake ‘Martin.’ But first the Gibbons!

… NOISEY!

… I think most would lose an arm wrestle with these guys!

… finally came along to visit ‘Martin.’ He doesn’t look very happy – he’s on his own, the zoo is trying to raise £33k to get a pal called Lulu from France to keep him company.

… he looks angry!

.. ‘whoops, look cute for the camera!’

After saying my goodbyes it was off to Sandown for a trek along the beach…

The techniques are still used today with the filming of 3D TV, although the reproduction techniques have changed the principles are the same. A slightly different image is sent to each eye, the magic of the brain does the rest.

From Dimbola in Freshwater it was down the A3055 stopping off at some beaches to check out the views;

Stopped of at Shanklin for a spot of Fish ‘n’ Chips before going onto Sandown Zoo.

… they always look so ‘snooty’

Below are the two guys I came to see, Ike and Jackson. I adopted them in April, they are quite a pair I can watch them for hours.

.. the neighbours aren’t impressed with the two guys antics!

Like the Jaguars and Tigers as well…

… the bird had flown the coop, no-ones home!

Never, NEVER put a slow vehicle at the front of the queue!

… even the tree’s have young ‘uns

… erm, mate – i think there’s something on your face!

… more young ‘uns

… “this is a leaf, you cannot eat it” explains mum.

… from zoo to moozeum

First time I’ve been to the Military Museum nr. Cowes. Its quite a big place but then you need a big place to keep tanks that weigh 63 tones!

… bit low spec’ these tanks, where’s the CD player?

… plenty to keep them busy!

Over to Ryde to see the hovercraft and views over to Portsmouth

… did you know they now run an underground service directly from Charring Cross to Ryde; bit of a trip, but the tunnels really long!

Appley Castle; Steve Job’s holiday home?

… have I got a morbid/Goth theme going on this holiday break?

… is Doctor Who trapped in his Tardis within a Toy Museum?

… standing room only…

… a lost craft?

… my chariot awaits!

Luckily Red Funnel quickly sorted out a spare ferry?! It wasn’t long before we had a convoy leaving Southampton and on our way to East Cowes.

The arrival at the hotel was good, the owner recognised me from earlier in the year and had arranged for my favourite room. The great staff in the restaurant were still there and just as friendly and helpful. It actually felt like I was coming home and I hadn’t been away…

I have to admit the views from the balcony are quite amazing, but its very different; the single room is basically a bedroom with en-suite and walk in closet which performs multiple functions as a dressing room, kitchen (kettle, tea/coffee making facilities and fridge) along with the usual clothes hangers you’d expect!

Needless to say its a great over-nighters’, but not practical for a stay all week.

Today was a trip to the shops, namely the premier Cabot Circus! Yes, I know its a shopping centre, with all the same shops as every other major city but what makes this different I think is the architecture, particularly the sweeping sail like canopies billowing above, beautiful.

After a two hour lunch; there wasn’t a lot I’m just a very slow eater! It was a jaunt back to the room. I was tempted to go out for one last walk about but as you can see the weather is quite threatening; yes, just as I’m writing this I can tell you it coming down ‘cats and dogs’…

Maybe one last walk around tomorrow…

.. these are new kids on the block! but Dad doesn’t allow ball games

… WOW! open WIDE!

.. OK, was it something I said?

.. look proof! my name is there!!

… love macro work!

… couldn’t believe the wings were see through – stealth you see (or not!)

… couldn’t visit Bristol without going over the bridge