Friday May 2, 2013
Rene and I started with a walk around Cowes while Hugh and Penny got up and organized (we were motivated by a 2 hour time shift). The island has a beautiful boardwalk along the Solent which divides it from the North Island (England). We then traversed inland past many old (really old) homes and ended up back in town. After breakfast we took the car south stopping to marvel at a 42 ft yacht (same size as Necessity) standing on her keel in the dried out river flats at low tide. The owner had tied a halyard to the wharf to keep it from tipping into the river bed. The tide here is about 10 feet. We travelled to the south east of the island where we ascended a down (ridge) to catch a great view of the east coast. The lovely green pastures and hedge fences along the narrow country roads gave a new meaning to keeping your eyes on the road. Glad Hugh was driving. We saw the smallest church on the island (pre 1100) and had crab sandwiches and chips in a terrific free house (pub not owned by a brewery). The day was sunny and pleasantly warm so we sat outside.
After lunch, we continued along the south shore and finally ended at the Needles, a spit of broken rock which sticks out from the south west corner of the IOW. We climbed a mile or so up the road for a fantastic view of the rocks and the west entrance to the Solent. Here about 60% of all the boating in the UK takes place and there are races that attract nearly 2000 boats!
It was time for a rest stop and Penny took over the driving getting us to Yarmouth, the oldest town on the island where a true English pub beckoned. By the time we finished it was time to head back home as two of Hugh & Penny’s Atlantic crew were coming for dinner.
We enjoyed meeting Jasmine and Richard who both have their Royal Yachtmaster qualification and have sailed many miles with Hugh & Penny. We enjoyed Penny’s chicken dish with feta and peppers and Jasmine’s fresh focacia bread along Rene’s salad and some vino. Another great evening.
Brian in West Cowes, Isle of Wight