We had a wonderful, relaxing day visiting the Isle of Wight yesterday (despite Gerrys Mum gashing her leg on a toilet door on the ferry on the way out! But a quick visit from the first aider and all was well again! It was a beautiful morning with clear and sunny views all along Southampton Water. All in all a great start to the day!
A FAIRLY BIGGISH BOAT
On the way out, we passed the 'Independance of the Seas'. This is one of the worlds largest passenger liners. We also passed it going out on our return ferry journey. I am one of those people for who cruises do absolutely nothing (apologies to those who love them, everyone to their own). I think I would be stir crazy by the end of the first half of the first day! Where are the trees to climb, the bugs, snakes and lizards to seek out and photograph.
BUT - although I would not want a cruise, and I think the ship is pretty ugly (a giant floating sardine can), as an engineer by trade I have to admit it is an impressive achievement!
FAWLEY OIL REFINERY
We also passed Fawley Oil Refinery on the way out. I can never quite decide if it is beautiful or an abomination. However you look at it, it is impressive how much cleaner the site is than when I was a lot younger! It is no longer pumping masses of polution from the dozens of chimneys and, again as an engineer, I have to admire the technology. I have, with my brother Gary, walked along the perimeter (quite a few years ago) during the longest endurance walk we ever did (46.75 miles, non stop in one day - sorry feet!) and whether you love or hate the oil companies, I doubt anyone could deny it is a technological miracle!
TOURISTY STUFF
Well, I am getting withdrawal symptoms, but will try and steer clear of wildlife for a little longer to give you a change!
The Isle of Wight is a 'Touristy Paradise' I guess, and a lovely way to spend a day with Gerrys Mum and Dad. Lots of quaint little villages, and surprisingly low prices!
A few beautiful little sights tucked away in peoples driveways - like these model Gypsy caravans. There were half a dozen, from full size down to about the size of a dog kennel. Unfortunately a big white van was parked in the driveway. I did manage to get this shot though with a little twisting and stretching!A MISSED OPPORTUNITY!
Couldn't resist a picture of this sign! Unfortunately, Stan and I were not allowed to take advantage on the day!
Maybe next time?
VENTNOR GARDENS
Possibly the highlight of the day was a return visit to Ventnor Gardens. Apart from a reasonably modest car park charge (£1/Hour) the gardens are free and provide a lovely way to kill a couple of hours. 
The gardens are laid out by country and have an impressive diversity of plants. Gerry and her parents have a much better collection of photos than I do, as I was busy searching for creatures!
WILDLIFE
Well, I bet you guessed I would get around to wildlife sooner or later! But just for once, I only have a little bit to say! The day was spent strolling and chatting rather than digging and delving!
Apart from a multitude of bees, I only managed to find a handful of bugs - including the 2 tiny oddities shown below.
This one in particular is intriguing so if anyone out there can enlighten me, feel free! It was very colouful but not very active.
Probably the highlight of the day (for me) was finding a number of Wall Lizards at the gardens! This colony has thrived for many years now. These beauties are arguably Britains third species of lizard. 
There are DNA tests being carried out in Germany to try and establish whether they are a true native species! I do hope they are, we could do with more! We saw both males and females with the males being very colourful and (I think) easily mistaken for Sand Lizards.Finally, towards the end of the day, we returned to a large pond in a small village where some years ago we had a wonderful sighting of a Heron. We thought it was too much to hope that we would see him again, but Lo and Behold! there he was preening himself in a tree, and giving me my best shot of a heron to date!
So, all in all a lovely day! Please do leave a comment and goodbye till next time!
Hey Ian, looks like you had a great day out! The Heron photo is really great! And all the photos of the flowers & lizards are lovely.
ReplyDeleteThanks Charlie - It really was a lovely relaxing day! Mum and Gerry took some really good flower shots, I always concentrate more on the unusual as you have probably gathered! Heron was too easy really, it could have almost been trained to pose!
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