Black Eye Friday

                                                                         All end in beers

What can I tell you about the curiously named "Black Eye Friday" that you can't actually surmise from the title. After a beer or several the residents of the town usually end up brawling. So what's it all about then?

Once a year this strange phenomenon happens, the last main pay day for most folks before Christmas a little earlier than usual. Now most of us are used to being relatively civilised and seem capable of going on a Friday night, let your hair down pub crawl, end of the working week type of thing we normally do. Costumes, hats whatever maybe worn week in week out. So no change there. Black Eye Friday though all hell breaks lose, and the younger folks tend not to be the idiots involved. Oh no, it's those middle aged men who go out once a year, can't hold their beer, miffed at their lives who are fully intent on causing a brawl....ending up with mass punch ups, a few smashed windows, pubs barring people and probably more arrests than for the last six months. Also the next day you will pass these shame faced idiots sporting the badge of dubious honour....the black eye.... hence the name "Black Eye Friday." Thankfully this idiotic behaviour occurs once yearly but does make me wonder is this sort or event unique to our island?

Tomorrow is another day

                        The remains of the day


Northern skies on the Isle of Man can be dreary grey washouts, or cinematic Gone with the Wind sunsets bursting with colour. To be honest even the washout greys can be moody and atmospheric.  Silhouetted building, one of the suburban parts of Ramsey, May Hill Road, leading out of town.




Image part of Skywatch, where other skies around the world can be seen.



Have a good weekend folks, and happy skywatching.

Weather bomb and waves

                                  Waterworld

The recent weather bomb, fortunately didn't cause the tiny island I live on, as much as damage as last Winter floods. Apart from a watery walkway, we had no major incidents in the town. No one needed a canoe to go shopping this time, as local shops survived without closing until refurbished. Tidal flooding, crashing waves, are part and parcel of living in a coastal town Waterworld one day, walk on the beach the next.


Image part of abc around the world

Location, Queens Promenade, Ramsey, Isle of Man

Melting ice

                                Winter blues
   

It's that time of year again when the harbour freezes over The last remnants of the frozen over Sulby river melting under the (surprisingly warm for this time of year) winter sun. Taken from Bowring Road, Ramsey Harbour, Isle of Man. This time next week, who knows tidal flooding or snowdrifts

Image part of Our World Tuesday 

More of the Isle of Man images can be found on my facebook photography page

Suntrap

                        Good morning sunshine


Insomnia has benefits. Looks like I wasn't the only one up so early, one of the local fisherman setting sail.

Image part of Skywatch, click to view others around the world


Queens Pier, Ramsey, Isle of Man. 



For Simonetta

Valentino Rossi's Parade Lap, Parliament Square

                             Isle of Man TT 2009

Another one for Denise Nesbitt, as she is a regular visitor to the Isle of Man TT Road Races, which takes place May/June for two weeks each year. Denise, and motorbike fans will instantly recognise the "Doctor" Valentino Rossi. Following him was another motorbike and TT legend, Giacomo Agostini. They both completed a slow parade lap of the island wide route, prior to one of the races. 

Over 200 photos of the two weeks racing and visitors can be seen here 

More abc's around the world can be found here 

Snow fell, not Snaefell

                      Not enough for a snow day

First snowflakes of the winter appearing on the mountain, North Barrule, as viewed from Mooragh Park. Not enough for a snow day, so pack those sleighs away for a few more weeks and get back to school. That's the adults btw.  When it hits the urban areas, the towns of the island, and the roads, then everywhere will come to a standstill and the island will be taken over by snowmen. My Icelandic friend, the Norseman will understand the Snaefell, snow fall on the snowy mountain zzzzz. He will also call this mountain a hill. It's blogging thang.

Part of Our World Tuesday posts. Others around the world can be seen here

Ramsey Park Hotel

                              Room with a view

Set looking over Mooragh Lake, is Ramsey Park Hotel completed in 2012. The hotel overlooks, both the park and seafront. On a clear day you can see Scotland and the Lake District, Cumbria. The hotel caters for both business and leisure, wedding, private functions, and has it's own dining area, Lake View Restaurant which is as it says, an dining experience with watery view.


Further details can be found here
 

Skywatch, golden sunrise

                               Good Morning
 

Sunrise over the beach, is never the same two days running. Image part of Skywatch, a group of people all over the world showing their skies. Click here to join or view. 

You can view more of my photography on facebook here 

Upside, of tide out........

the unusual vantage point to photograph from

Yesterday I posted the aftermath of tidal flooding, an occurrence that thankfully only happens every few years or so. Today is the opposite tide action. Not just normal tide out, but extreme tide out. Where I'm standing to take the image is usually underwater. Occasionally the tide is out so far, you can walk from one beach to the other beach, without having to cross the harbour bridge. Often see horses being exercised around this time too on the beach. Unusual sight, like the tide out to this extreme. The next day it can be as high as the walled harbour, and completely under water. No two days are ever the same in a coastal town.

Moe abc's around the world can be seen here

Fireman and flooding, Theme Day, Worker

                           All in a days work

Earlier this year, the town of Ramsey and other parts of the Isle of Man suffered from high tide flooding. No amount of sand bagging the doorways of local business can completely save the properties from the tidal deluge and ensuing damage. The town was easier to canoe round than walk round for a day. In fact some people did canoe home with their shopping. This is Market Place, right near the harbour. The fireman and crew were busy not putting out fires, but pumping the tidal flooding from the local corner sweet shop (pictured) and other business premises along there, such as the local nightclub, cafe, and pub on the corner. All in days work for the local firemen. Thanks to the fire brigade and other services, most businesses were up and running within the week, though some suffered and closed until refurbishment work had been completed.

Image part of CDP theme day, and Our world Tuesday others around the world can be seen here and here

Sulby River, Sunset

                              Summer nights

Taken on a Friday night pub crawl around the drinking spots of Ramsey.  Summer sun setting over the harbour. Beer and sunshine, making way for beer and snow this time of year. 

Other skywatch images around the world can be seen here

Save Ramsey Post Office

          Not every Post Office has a view like this

I had to use the Ramsey Post Office today. This is the view outside, the Post Office is just to the left side, out of shot. I had to post something and get a receipt. This is not something I could do online. I had to post something across to England. In the queue were people cashing cheques who do not have bank accounts. People paying utility bills. People collecting their pension. People posting large items, to big for a post box. People doing all sorts of transactions, they cannot do anywhere other than the Post Office. People collecting forms, like driving license applications. Not everyone is online, or has access to the internet at home. Ramsey has no internet cafe. The Post Office is an integral, important, part of Ramsey community. Today I've discovered plans to close the Post Office, and have sub PO's in local shops. This is not acceptable to the people of the town, and as I type a campaign, petition and meeting are taking place and setting up to voice the residents objections ad overturn the proposed closure.  The Isle of Man is a small island, and Ramsey is the second largest town after the Capital Douglas.  The second town, should have a post office. The people of Ramsey fought and won to keep the local hospital. Now we fight for the post office. Anyone like to sign the petition link here. Not often I have something to shout about on the blog, but even a small town is more than sunsets.

Part of abc. Others around the world ca be seen here.

Ramsey Harbour, under ice

                             Winter is coming

The view of the harbour inlet taken from North Shore Road.  The golden tones of the icy river are from the sun, even though this looks more like an early evening shot, was actually around mid afternoon. The mountain in the distance is North Barrule. Not often the town is snow covered, but the mountain tends to get snowfall most winters.

Image part of Our World. Other images from other bloggers can be found here. 

Queens Promenade, Sunrise

     People ask why move to the Isle of Man......


Sunrises and sunsets like this to name two. The island may me small in size (33 miles, length by 13 miles, width) but we make up for up for the smallness of land, with gorgeous panoramic vistas and seascapes. Image part of Skywatch, a group around the world showing their patch of sky, here

A walk along the river

                      Summer meets Autumn


If you want to getaway from the hubbub of town, look no further than the Sulby river. Nestled in the Poyll Dooey, a former tip, now set aside for wildlife and nature trails you can pack a lunch and weather permitting, head for the picnic area, take a walk along the river, or just wander round the wooded area in search of local wildlife. Little bit of peace ad quiet, on our doorstep.

Simonetta

Round the Island Yacht Race

                                     Gone sailing


Another summer event, though the overcast skies may tell a different story for the race organised by the Manx Sailing and Cruising Club. Ramsey Harbour is the start of the island race, so a good vantage point for spectators and photographers to capture a sea full of competitors before the leaders make a break for it. The race has been run for over 50 years now, attracting both locals and competitors from towns like Fleetwood and Morecombe, across in the UK, and Dublin Ireland. As the Isle of Man is a little island i the Irish Sea, it's easy to access by air or ferry for both Ireland and UK.

The first race was held in Coronation Year and the main trophy was called the Coronation Cup. It's still the prize for the overall winner of Division Two. The contest in Division One, trophy called Ramsey Town Cup. The clubs also race for the Squadron Trophy ad this is awarded to the best three yacht team from any one club entered.

Not as famous as motorbike racing or cycling events we have here, but another sporting event for the adventurous, and another photo opportunity for us photographers of the island.

This post is part of abc ad other abc's around the world can be found here

Ramsey Sprint, Ramsey Day, Isle of Man TT

                                 Usual TT stuff

Isle of Man TT Races area two week event on island usually, June. First week practise, second week races. In between race days we have a day set a side in Ramsey, conveniently called Ramsey Day. It's a fun day out for all ages, with everything from face painting, motorbikes stunt team display, the Red Arrows  display, bike merchandise stalls and take out food stands. Most of this takes place on the Mooragh, where the rugby pitch doubles as a bike park. Strange sight to see a rugby pitch full of motorbikes.  It's also the place for the Ramsey Sprint, seen in the image.


Ramsey Sprint is a drag sprint, with a lot of wheel burns on show. Anyone can compete, though they will have to pay a small entry fee to pay. As you can see, it's not all sprint race, but stunts and entertaining the crowds for some. Visitors from all over the world take part, some with specially modified bikes for that special trick or two.  Sunshine is optional, but always welcome. More of  TT photos can be found here on facebook


This is my Our World post this week and other our world post can be seen here

Parliament Street

                           The local High Street

It's a few years since I captured this image, and a few changes have occurred, but it's still the main shopping area of the town.  Shops open and close every few years, but the pubs, banks and late night take out venues remain. The high street is a one way system which has changed direction a few times overnight, much to the confusion of non residents of the town. If you can't buy it on this high street, then you probably can't buy it in the town. A mix of chain shops like Costa Coffee to more localized shops like The Tide, Ramsey.  You won't find big department stores here, but you will find an eclectic mix of fishmongers, butchers, cafes, restaurants, toy shops, one off clothes shops. Even with the advent of internet shopping, the high street is still surviving in Ramsey.

Shoprite, the local supermarket

                             Gone shopping


There are a few supermarkets in Ramsey, but Shoprite is the one that is probably most local, as it's Manx,  from the Isle of Man. There are about 12 of these stores around the island, serving the needs of the island folk. Not just local Manx produce, imports too, are sold and Shoprite is the only local supplier for Iceland food store goods. Douglas Shoprite now have a Subway outlet too. Ramsey branch has a Lloyds Chemist outlet just set inside the entrance. Some branches even have clothing outlets too. The bread doesn't have to far to travel to the supermarket, as Ramsey Bakery is set opposite.  The shopping bags logo carries the Manx three legs, as seen on the flag. Those bags often turn up in photos in the most unexpected places in the world, thanks to all those Isle of Man TT visitors.

The slogan for the Supermarket chain, is apparently "The Difference Every Day" and the shops are no relation to ones in the USA or South Africa. The bird on the roof is optional.  Shopping local helps the local economy. Like the pub, I do my bit. Conveniently, the supermarket is situated almost next door to The Central pub!

Sunrise and Silhouettes

                              Good morning

After leaving the beach, to catch the sunrise, I came across the rising sun peeking through the foliage of a neighbouring garden. To pretty not to photograph. Intense oranges and silhouette foliage, makes it look more of a tropical sun baked island view, than the windy rain soaked island in the middle of the Irish Sea. 


Image part of Skywatch, and other images around the  world can be see here

Bowring Road, bridge at low tide

                             Birdwatching?

At low tide, the stonework of the sunken bridge is revealed and its 3 arches, which allow the Sulby river to ebb and flow out into the harbour (towards the right of the image) and the Irish Sea. Above the bridge is the main road leading out of Ramsey towards, The Grove Museum, (once not owned by the Bee Gees who hail from the Isle of Man, but by an altogether different Gibb Family. A post for another day.), and the villages of Bride and Andreas. Small fishing and sailing boats are often moored here when not in use, like the one pictured. At low tide cormorants, gulls, ducks, and herons can be seen flying through the arches to the other side, which leads to the Poyll Dooey nature area.  At high tide you can find the same birds diving for fish. You can also find photographers waiting to capture the scene, which on a dry sunny day is not a bad way to spend some free time, even if those birds don't appear.

Today's image is my part of the world, for Our World Tuesday. Other Our World posts around the globe can be found here. 
Click the Facebook badge, to have find more of my photography, here in the Isle of Man and other places, people etc. 

Northern Sunset over The Northern Swimming Pool

                              Northern Skies

The the curved silhouette building, The Northern Swimming Pool, otherwise known to locals as the new swimming pool. Though it's a couple of years old now, it will always be the new swimming pool, and the old swimming pool, now converted into a bowling alley will always remain the old place to take an indoor dip.Very modern in design and interior, located between the harbour inlet and Mooragh Promenade boasting a terrific sea view. Fortunately, the pool is heated, unlike the very cold Irish Sea. Even in Summer.


Sunset over the Wave is my image for Skywatch this week. Other Skywatcher images can be found here.

More beautiful Northern Skies here, and a Nick Drake song.

Meet The Nesbitts

                                 ....And duck

Regular abc bloggers will know who Mrs Nesbitt is, the person who started the weekly post of the alphabet around the word. I too, met Mrs N, virtually through a fellow blogger, and then finally in person right here in Ramsey. I've since met The Nesbitt's every Isle of Man TT for the past few years (although this year was a "flying wave as she goes past" meeting) and we have a mini photo shoot of her and hubby leaving Ramsey. The duck, is her infamous secret weapon back pack. The duck has been held my both Policeman and TT riders who happily pose for photographs with Denise, like Guy Martin for instance. Though I live in Ramsey, and photograph the TT races, Mrs N, was actually here first, visiting every race week for over 20 years, nearer 30. She is as much a part of the TT as the races themselves and island wide is known to many of us locals and new tourist each year.

More Abc's can be found here

Roll on 2014 TT and a visit from a duck and bonkers friend. Mrs Nesbitt :)

The Lakeside, Mooragh Park

                                       Food and reflections


I mentioned in a previous post, the local park boasts, not one but two places to eat. This is the other one, The Lakeside. Overlooking the lake, indoors boutique bistro style restaurant or alfresco dining. Sundays include, roast carveries, with a daily day and evening menu. Flavours of the world and locally sourced produce  are served, with a creative chef twist  The premises is unlicensed but customers may bring along there own alcohol of choice, with free corkage. The Lakeside also caters for private functions, like christenings and Birthday parties.  Not many places can offer a lakeside view with a meal, set away from the hustle and bustle of the town.

Mooragh Promenade, Skywatch

                                  After the rain

There are two beaches in Ramsey. I usually take photos from the other one. This week, skywatch image is from the other beach. The silhouetted building are apartments overlooking the Mooragh promenade and beach. On a clear day you can see mainland UK from the Isle of Man. From those top floor apartments you can view both beaches, the harbour, UK on a clear day and most of the main part of town, and of course a great vantage point for skywathcing.


Other Skywatch images around the world can be viewed here

It's raining again, Bowring Road skyline

                      Typical island weather


To the right, the Central pub, where most people will probably head for a quick one after shopping and work on a cold, wet day in October. Behind the pub you can see the mountains which overlook the town. To the left, the abandoned building which still says Aladdin's cave. Once, it may have been a a treasure trove but not anymore, as it's long since been used as an auction room for Chrystals. Today the Isle of Man is bracing itself for more wet weather. Looking at those swollen clouds, I'd say yes, and head for the pub. The only wet you'll get in there, is the beer.

Moody blues and moonbeams

                             Tonight in Ramsey


I didn't intend to do any photography today, but quickly grabbed the cameras and headed for the beach when I spied the moon over the beach. Very clear night with the moon fortunately above the layer of clouds. Usually obscured by them. Unfortunately, as this was a spur of the moment decision I left without a tripod and preferred lens. A hand held shot in fading light of the moon. Next time, tripod, remote and a warmer coat. Due to no light pollution over the horizon, or little in out small town the colours remain truer, so the intense blue of the evening sky and sea remain without that awful orange urban glow.

Moon phase chart here
More abc's around the world can
be found here.

Ramsey B 33-13 Douglas B. Rugby

               Ramsey in blue, scoring a try


My Our World Tuesday post this week is about one of the local sport games on the Isle of Man, rugby. Played by both men and ladies teams, school teams, and boys teams, the juniors across the island. I photograph Ramsey most home games, played at the Mooragh Park pitch. It's a sport I have photographed for 8 seasons now, through wind rail hail or shine. Even in a snow blizzard. It's a winter game, so the sunny image will soon be replaced with wetter windier images. I have occasionally photographed away games, but usually those are cup semi final or finals. As the island is quite small and not enough teams for a full season to play each other, the teams are part of rugby leagues across. Across to anyone living on the island is England in rugby terms. I've taken the team new kit shot for the rugby club website, and have several images printed in local newspapers, both here and England. Anyone can come and watch, there is no entrance free as the pitch is open, overlooking the beach. My world in winter, rugby.  See below for links to my other photos or my facebook page, click the badge to get there.

My facebook albums here
My latest rugby in print Chester Chronicle here 
Our World Tuesday here

Cafe, Mooragh Park

                              Teas, coffees, ices

There are two cafes situated either end of Mooragh park, overlooking the boating lake, this one at the park entrance off North Shore Road. While the more adventurous can hire a kayak and take to the water, for those wanting to sit a while a rest there is the cafe. Indoor and outdoor sitting, hot and cold food, and Davidsons ice cream, a local favourite, on a summers day. The art deco building is another of Ramsey's iconic features. Shot taken on a winter's afternoon, as the light fading fast on a very still day, for those mirror image reflections.

Daybreak, Ballure Road

                Before even the sun rises, I'm up

Not often you can stand in the middle of the road to take a photo, but before sunrise you can. Absolutely no traffic. Ballure Road is the road leads out of Ramsey, towards, Maughold, and eventually onto the Isle of Man Capital, Douglas. You can see by the chimney pots, this is a residential area. Behind those chimney pots lies, the beach. That's where I was heading to capture the sunrise. On the left hand side you can see silhouetted scaffolding where locals flats/apartments are having a spot of renovation and building work. From those flats you get a fantastic coastal view straight onto both  beaches. Yes we have two, as the harbour inlet separates them, unless the tide is out far enough to have one continuous walk round beach. The view before sunrise is often more intense than sunrise itself.

For others skywatch post around the world see here

The Lighthouses challenge, cycle race, theme day, movement.

                           No time for a pint


The Lighthouses Challenge is a cycle race covering most of the island. The route takes in as you would expect from its title, as many of the island lighthouses scattered throughout the land where riding is possible. Not a race for the faint hearted with 3 distances covering 100, 57 & 37 miles over hill and hugging the coastline, rough and smooth terrain. Not your average Sunday amble, but the island has produced world champions, Tour de France winners and Olympians and the youngsters taking part will hopefully go on to compete too in those events.  The event is open to overseas competitors too, all ages and both sexes. Cycling is a big sport on the island and attracting people to compete in such events is always good for the economy of the island.



My cycling albums can be seen below where you can see the grueling route and lovely scenery of the Isle of Man.

Lighthouses challenge
Manx 100
Cycling 2
Cycling 1

For more theme days from the CDP bloggers see here For more abc's around the world see here

Ramsey swing bridge, open for business

                              Boats and bridges

The iconic swing bridge has been put of action for over a year. Closed for repair, maintenance and a fresh coat of paint. The bridge is a walkway connection from one side of town to another. It's a short trip across the bridge, or a long walk round to the rugby club, swimming baths, Ramsey Park Hotel, Mooragh Park, other beach, hospital and home for those that reside that way. At long last residents of the town can use the bridge again, though boats have to wait a little longer for the bridge to swing back into action and can moor this side of the harbour inlet again. A welcome sight to have the bridge back in place, and a much shorter journey for me too.

Photo taken from North Shore Road, overlooking the harbour inlet.

Part of Our World Tuesday, other posts around the world can be seen here

Ramsey 79 vs Helsby 0. Rugby

                      Try, Try, and Try again


Ramsey may have dropped a division since last season, but so far the first team are on a winning form. Four out of Four wins, and as the scoreline suggest pretty comprehensively too. Rugby is one of the many sport event taking place any weekend on the Isle of Man. Ramsey's home ground overlooks the sea on one side and the mountains on the other. Both first and second team are sponsored by local business. The players are all volunteers, and the club house bar and events too are run by volunteers. All games are free to watch. Local sport is often at the heart of a small town and community, and Ramsey is no exception. Always a good day watching/photographing the rugby, even better one when you capture the winning action, from the winning team. Commiserations to Helsby, but congratulations to Ramsey, back to winning form.

Queen's Pier, sunrise seascape

                               Good morning

Reasons to live on The Isle of Man are many and one of those are the benefits of hardly any urban light pollution, or in some of the coastal or rural areas, none at all. You may have to get up early and get your feet a little wet but the sunrises are really worth the wait, North of the island, East coast. The pier maybe closed to the public now, but it's still one of Ramsey's icons. 


This post is part of skywatch and others around the world can be found here

The Mitre Hotel, pub with a view

                                Beer and boats


The Mitre Hotel has recently undergone a refurb, but the great harbour view remains. Not many pubs can claim a view straight onto a quayside. Another place where you can find locals belting out karaoke, charity nights for worthwhile local causes, carveries and varied food themed nights upstairs. Downstairs, you can hire the private rooms for functions, or listen or to the local folk and Manx music groups. You can even join in at open mic sessions, or for those musically gifted can take their own instrument of choice and join in. Pub bands are also a regular feature. Something for everyone here, can be found at the Mitre. Even if that something is a quiet pint and an evening sunset.

See here for a night out at the Mitre in aid of a local good cause

Karaoke is King! Bar Logo

                            Steve and Bob


Ramsey, seems to have become the unofficial home of karaoke on the Isle of Man. Not that other towns here don't have regular karaoke, we just seem to have more people running karaoke and even more wanting to get up and murder songs or own a tune, depending on who it is. To be fair, the town has a high percentage of fantastic singers who are a pleasure to listen to.  Sometimes it's the comical strangled cat style of singing which is the somewhat hypnotically entertaining in a road crash kind of way.  Steve and Bob, run karaoke on Friday nights in the town, other nights during busy times, like the Isle of Man TT and special holidays. The venue may have changed, from The Stanley pub, to Bar Logo, but the full house of singers have followed them and karaoke, the Friday night Ramsey ritual remains, like the song, the same.



This post is part of abc, and more can be found here

Isle of Man TT, Sure Sidecar Race 2

Side by side. The next shot was a wheel lift and crunch!

Sidecar 15 Roy Hanks/Kevin Perry - Sidecar 16 Gordon Shand / Phil Hyde

This is a new spot to me to photograph from, School House Corner, Lezayre Road, Ramsey. I normally photograph right in the heart of town, Parliament Square. It's not just motorbikes racing at the TT (Tourist Trophy) Road Races, sidecars feature heavily too. There are not many sport events in the world you can get this close to photograph, from the safety of someones garden. For me they are still after 11 years here the best two weeks on the island.


Manx Grand Prix, coming soon.

Stanley Mount West, Sunset

                                                  Night Time Suburbia          

Stanley Mount West, Ramsey, Isle of Man

The photo was taken at the fork in the road, bearing left leading into the town. Bearing right would lead you to Stanley Mount East, still leading into town, but along the sea front. This is the spot I now do a lot of sport photography from, like the local Parish Walk and Lighthouses challenge. The setting sun in this image was captured waiting for the leading walkers to pass through Ramsey. It's a great vantage point for the photographer to capture the sporting action, a quiet suburban street. To see images from the walk and cycle race see links below.

The Parish Walk photos
The Lighthouses Challenge, cycle race photos

For other skywatch watchers images, click here

Dusk, down by the harbour

                                or daybreak

I think it's dusk by the dusky pink light, though I've had to check the camera time. It's a working harbour as you can see my the silhouetted cranes and boats. At this time of night or day though, very few people about. Dusk then. Everyone's in the pub

For more abc's around the world see here

Poyll Dooey, Bridle Path

                               Winter is coming


Taken from the bridle path, though I haven't seen any horses for a while, but there are a lot of cyclists and dog walkers. Perhaps it should be renamed   This is the entrance from the town side of the Poyll Dooey nature reserve In the distance you can see Bowring bridge which is situated next to Bowring Road and that's where downtown Ramsey begins, just a stone's throw away from this tranquil spot. Taken on a Winter's day, 2010 the only day I've ever know Ramsey in the 11 years since I've been here covered in snow. The next day, snow had turned to slush, but the nature reserve remained. 

The Chuck Wagon, Take Away

                       Gone but not forgotten

There are many fast food outlets in Ramsey, from traditional fish and chip shops to the local kebab shop. Others have closed to be replaced with trendier coffee shops and restaurants. The Chuck Wagon was one of those closed in recent years, now replaced by another food outlet, Coffee Break. The Chuck Wagon was a popular venue in Ramsey for bikers, those visiting tourists, over for the Isle of Man TT Road Races. The fastest of fast food could be bought there, for those needing to eat and ride. A bag of chips or a burger washed down with a can of coke was perfect sustenance. I have friends over for the TT, who remember this place fondly, because it reminds them of "that time of year." 


City Daily Photo, theme day today is take away outlets and others around the world can be seen here

The White Bridge, Ramsey, Isle of Man

    Can you tell why it's called the White Bridge?


Since my last posting of the White Bridge, it isn't looking so white. In good need of a coat or two of paint. Currently a rusty tinged white bridge. Head over the bridge and it takes you across the Sulby river and ito the Poyll Dooey Nature Reserve. The hill in the background is called Sky Hill. The bridge is a single file only walkway. though I have seen motorbikes and cycles attempt it. The nature reserve is a hidden gem in Ramsey, just a stop out of the main part of the town itself. 


This post is part of skywatch, and other entries this week around the world can be seen here

Cycling, Manx 100, Isle of Man

                       100 km or 100 miles


The Manx 100 is a testing mountain bike event. Competitors enter either the 100 miles or 100 km of endurance cycling. Over road, mountains, bike trails. It is not for the faint hearted or Sunday cyclist.  This event is aimed at experienced endurance mountain bikers, both local and oversees cyclists taking part. The road signage is minimal, the course is bleak in parts, exposed to the elements, and over rough terrain in other areas. This is the island that has produced world class cyclists, such as Mark Cavendish and Peter Kennaugh.  Mark Cavendish has often said, that the Isle of Man is where he learned to ride, and ride to world class standard, as they are the toughest courses in the world.

The rest of the Manx 100 photos, can be seen on my facebook page  here 

 Other abc's around the world can be seen here

Mooragh Park, Ramsey, Isle of Man, Sunset

                    After rugby, before karaoke
 

During the winter months I can be found most Saturdays photographing Ramsey Rugby home games. This is a winter view, after the game, taken from Mooragh Park, looking towards Skyhill, on the way home. 


More skies around the world can be seen here, as part of Skywatch.

SureStrike Bowling Centre

                                Bowling anyone?


The building in front of the apartment block is the Surestrike Bowling Alley, though a lot of people will remember the building once being the old swimming baths, which have since relocated to a new building and part of Ramsey. Not just a bowling centre, a great large separate dining area too, serving great food, great coffee, and even a bar for those wanting something stronger. The bowling alley can be hired for private bowling functions, for those wishing to have the place to themselves for celebrations.  This is my Thursday place for coffee and catch up with friends.  They also do themed nights too, for something a little different. A family friendly venue, which is ideal for all those kids on holiday atm and adults alike. With the summer weather being hotter than usual you can even sit outside with your brew after your game and watch the tide roll in and out, and head indoors when the inevitable rain appears.

North Barrule, the beach view

                       What is the Barrule? 


North Barrule is the mountain you can see in the distance, over looking Ramsey. This is the view from the beach. Here you can check out the view from Albert Tower, on higher ground. North Barrule stands at 1842ft, making it the second highest peak on the Isle of Man. Worth a trek up there, on a clear day, as you can view, England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. It's also the site of the worst aviation acident to happen on island with loss of life to all 31 people on board a Boeing B-17 "Flying Fortress" in 1945. 


For other abc's around the world click here

Stanley Pub, Sunset

                      After a few Jack Daniels
 

Just your average multi coloured sky here on the Isle of Man. Taken outside one the local pubs, The Stanley, down by the harbour at low tide.


For other skywatch skies around the world click here

Ramsey Rocks, 2014. Beer, bands, and bull riding

                                   
                             Pink Elephants on Parade
 
Ramsey Rocks, is the annual event that takes place during Ramsey National Week, Isle of Man. The harbour quayside road is closed to traffic, allowing people to wander freely to watch the temporary stage set up for the bands, and participate in everything from bull riding (not a real bull) to segway, bouncy castles to sumo suit wrestling. All the pubs are open, so, the adults can still have grown up drink while the kids head for the sweet stand, have too much then throw up on the bouncy pink elephant. A lot of the adults tend to see a few more pink elephants as the night draws to a close and the beer kicks in.  An event for all the family, topped off with sunshine and fireworks to close proceedings.

The full album of the event  can be seen by clicking here

Celebrating Summer, Ramsey Rocks

                                Stage Invasion

You know it is Summer in Ramsey when, Ramsey has a whole week dedicated to the town, full of outdoor events, like the Ramsey Rocks festival. If the weather turns to a washout, then it becomes the usual Friday, beer and karaoke in the local pub. Image from a few years ago, at close of events.

Other summer celebrations can be seen here, as part of the City Daily Photo theme day.