Sunday discovery

One pleasure in living on this beautiful Island is knowing almost every road. We can set off on our bikes and simply make up the route as we go, knowing almost every tiny country lane across this corner of England. But, occasionally we discover a little pocket of the place that is brand new to us, and we marvel that it has remained hidden from us for so long. Today we set off on foot along the coastal path from Yarmouth to Newtown; a perfect amble through woodland and meadows before reaching the top of a hill to breathtaking (and brand new!) views of Newtown creek, the New Forest, and the Downs. Autumn has truly fallen, and I am loving every windy, bonfire-infused minute of it.

End of the Road

We’re still reeling from a great weekend at this year’s End of the Road festival. Breaking with a five year tradition, we abandoned Green Man festival in favour of one closer to home (and more likely to be sunny). We weren’t disappointed; a full weekend of sun, food, books, comedy and music.

The woodland library was the venue of choice for our mornings, host to readings by the lovely James Yorkston from his new book, as well as Laura Barton regaling us with tales of American road trips.

With flying books, tiny people and a forest of lights and origami cranes, this was without doubt the most magical library I’ve ever visited.

At the far end of the festival was the beautifully situated Comedy Stage. Although not extensive, the atmosphere was great, with stand-out performances from two members of Pappy’s and the righteously angry Robin Ince (“But it’s difficult to get angry when so much photosynthesis is going on all around you.”)

It is always hard to choose where to eat at a festival, with so many delicious choices. We overcame this difficulty by eating as much as we possibly could. Cafe Dish, set in the middle of the gardens, amongst peacocks and macaws, was the breakfast spot of choice. Their freshly-made croissants were worth the wait and calories. Hmmmm, butter..

And, of course, we had our fill of beautiful music; some familiar loves like Joanna Newsom and James Yorkston, and plenty of new discoveries like Josh T. Pearson and Sam Amidon. The Paper Cinema put on an incredible live performance, completely changing my mind about puppetry; go see them if you can!

End of the Road is our new favourite way to end the summer. We will be back!

Garlic. And lots of it.

One of the best things about living on the Isle of Wight is the number of festivals and outdoor events. This past weekend we had the Ventnor Fringe, V-Dub Island, Cinema Under the Stars and the Garlic Festival.

The Garlic Festival has happened on the Island for the last twenty-five years and I’m always surprised by its infamy. Often when I tell someone I’m from the Island they ask me if I’ve been to the Garlic Festival. And now I can say that I have.

It is certainly a place for garlic lovers. Garlic sweetcorn, garlic beer, garlic sausages, garlic chutney, garlic ice cream… The list goes on. But it’s not only about the garlic. Lots of lovely local produce was on display. The Tomato Stall‘s ketchup was my favourite find.

And if you don’t fancy eating anything, there’s plenty else to do.

Late summer in Newtown

Today was the first time I felt us nearing the end of summer. After my birthday, the end of August seems to swing in so fast. There was a sniff of autumn in the air, from a neighbour’s bonfire, which feels so different from that hunger-inducing smell of a barbecue in July.

We walked around Newtown this afternoon, after the sun made a welcome late appearance. As still as a millpond, the bay looked like a boat village, with all the sea dog holidaymakers.

Is it too soon to start getting excited about autumn? Soup and bread, knitting patterns, seed catalogues…

We haven’t been out on the allotment since Tom sprained his ankle last week. I console myself with the (possibly misplaced) idea that there is little we can plant at the moment anyway. Almost all of the weeds are now cleared, so that feels like enough of an achievement for now. Besides, that mound of soil has waited this long, it can wait another week.

Meanwhile, back in town…

Cowes Week has been in full flow. Our town has been awash with tourists, crews, buskers, and ice cream stands. Come November, and cold short days, it will be hard to believe it’s the same town.

It may be hectic, and impossible to ride a bike down the high street, but it’s great fun. Even if you’re not a big fan of boats.

The extreme sailing series proved more interesting to watch than boats usually are. Their synchronised tacking was beautiful, but the near-misses and hairpin bends were the most exciting.

I was surprised by the constant crowds. An odd sort of spectator sport.

The best bit about Cowes Week is the huge firework display coinciding with my birthday.

Happy August!