Starting the Day on a Boat

Setting off on still grey waters, with a cup of strong coffee and a good book is not a bad way to start the day. I may have a longer commute now, but there is something quite delicious about the way travel creates a chunk of time to do nothing but sit.

It’s just as well I have some extra time as I’ve taken on a big social reading challenge and I’m a slow reader. I’m too easily distracted and on this, of all weeks, I have lost my iPod. So, instead of Joanna Newsom’s clear tones and James Yorkston’s easy turns, I have enjoyed a ferry soundtrack of business calls and tv show debriefs. I’m only surprised by how sociably inclined other people are so early in the morning.

Southampton’s big industry port and busy shipping lanes sets a different pace from Cowes’ sailing boats and quiet marina. City rush hour traffic is a shock to the system, and I’m suffering from bike envy, seeing those wheels nip off down a speedy side road while I join the slow-moving rank of cars. In comparison to that, a boat is a most civilised way to travel!

Up on the Downs

It used to seem odd to me that we call the high land on the Island ‘the Downs’. Surely they’re the Ups?

Apparently it stems from the Anglo-Saxon word dun, meaning ‘hill’. On the Isle of Wight these chalky ridges stretch across the length of the island, making them great for one big all-day walk, or dozens of mini adventures. Our recent habit of diving in the car on a Friday evening to catch the last of the light inevitably takes us Up Downs and we revel in the high fast winds and the ever-changing clouds, with the brightest rays of sun and the biggest plops of rain.

It’s always fun to come up here and get whipped about in the wind and lean against it’s push. We had to belt it down the hill again as the rain descended. But it wouldn’t be a mini adventure without a few mishaps.

Mini Adventure to Mottistone Down

Dashing out between downpours, we scrambled through shiny wet ivy leaves, stepped over bramble tripwires and slid up the muddy path to the top of Mottistone Down.

The view at the top never gets old, with the entire South Wight stretched before us and a sunset that changed the light every minute. We walked down the hill as the light faded and got back to the car in time for the next downpour. Perfect timing.

A Sunny Ride Round the Island

Somehow cycling around the Isle of Wight in May wasn’t enough for this year, and on Saturday morning we found ourselves once again setting off on the chain ferry to register for the 110k route around the Island. This sunny September day was in sharp contrast to our previous wet ride, and a perfect celebration of Autumn. It wasn’t a ride for stopping and taking pictures. But, Tom did a great job at balancing camera and handlebars for some snaps from the saddle.

I love this ride in any weather, but it is all the more delicious in the sunshine.

Mini Adventure to St Catherine’s Point

Friday afternoon, dashed home from work, and straight out the door to catch the last of the light at St Catherine’s Point.

We hopped over rocks, scrambled up cliffs, wandered across fields, and watched the setting sun, before walking up the lane for a pint at the pub. Just one hour exploring a new patch of ground and everyday hassles feel a world away. I am in love with mini adventures.