Queen's Pier

                         What lies beneath

Queen's Pier, Ramsey, Isle of Man, sadly closed to he public now to walk along and in need of repair, but still one of the most iconic sites of the town. Dating back to 1886 and originally costing £45, 000 to build and once one of the main communication points between the island and Scotland. Now it's a become a boon subject for photographers, especially at daybreak as the sun rises. Today's theme at City Daily Photo is "triangles" and more around he world can be seen here. To view the larger high res image of this photo click here

Darling buds of Spring

                                 It's a start


This time last year we had freak snow storms. Last month we had freak high tides and flooding. Finally, the signs of Spring and settling Seasonal weather at the right time. Wait a minute on the Isle of Man, and the weather will change. Next photo could be daffodils bursting through snow.

Isle of Man, Skywatch

                               Cloud Set

It was supposed to be a sunset, but the weather decided differently. Pretty nonetheless. Other world skies can be found here

Gone fishing

                             Pretty in pink

Two types of people you're guaranteed to find down by the beach and harbour any evening (whatever the weather), dog walkers and those fishing. Usually find the fishing type just here on one of the two jetties Ramsey has, next to one of the two lighthouses. You can't get more local than freshly caught sea fish and a bit of peace and quiet too is a bonus.

Tie dye Skywatch

                            Good morning

Before the rain, breaking dawn colours just ahead of sunrise. The advantage of photographing on a beach, on a small island, no light pollution to spoil the the view above and over the sea. Other skies around the world this week cam be found here

Down by the Harbour

                          The real world
                            


City Daily Photos are all about the place we live, the good the bad and the ugly. I could post a sunset everyday, however pretty, isn't the real representation of this small coastal town. The harbour is still a working one for a lot of island residents, and not just a marina to dock vessels. The sea is a livelihood for many island folk and on a small island a working harbour and dockside is as a pleasure to see along with a sunset.

The Britannia Pub

                     Gone but not forgotten

A few years a go I posted a round up of Ramsey pubs, which are the hub of this small town community, and featured the pub in the photo, The Britannia, known locally as the Brit. Sadly this pub served its last pint a few weeks ago, along with a few other island pubs owned by the local brewery. A shame to see a Ramsey institution close its doors and shut up shop, but a sign of the times. Hopefully this will be the only pub in Ramsey to close, and local bands can find another suitable venue to gig. See other posts to read how thriving the Brit once was.

Mooragh Park

                                Surf's up

It gets a little windy now and then. Normally the lake is quite calm as you can see in previous posts. I don't think anyone was trying out the gym equipment featured in another post scattered about the park that windy afternoon. In fact, I think I was the only fool up there that day. Just for the photo of course.

On a clear day

                                 England

On a clear day you can see several parts of the UK and British Isles from the Isle of Man. One morning I could see England, and the view of the Lake District from the beach and candyfloss clouds above the mountains. Not often as clear as this, but a great view when it happens. The island is often used as a film location and coincidentally the part of the film "On a clear day" was filmed right here in Ramsey round about the spot I captured the photo from.

The Central

                             Fancy a pint?


The Central is our local and favourite pub in Ramsey. This was taken just after the pub had a complete overall and upgrade from a run down on its last legs place to a thriving hub of the drinking community. A change of staff and management completed the makeover and unlike other pubs in Ramsey, (and the island for that matter) this one has survived the cull and indeed goes from strength to strength. Anyone visiting for the Isle of Man TT has to visit this pub for one of the best vantage points to view the action while supping on the local brew or whatever your tipple is. 

Mooragh Park

                            Outside Gym

Since I last blogged something strange appeared in the local park. Not aliens, outdoor gym and workout equipment. I've yet to see anyone actually use it, but I'm sure a few people have a sneaky morning workout before work.

Rugby

                        Ramsey vs Marple

Saturday afternoons from late Autumn to late Spring are spent photographing Ramsey Rugby and whichever team they are playing that week. This week, visiting Marple from across, or should I say England. Ask any local and the island is considered the mainland, and England, Scotland and Wales, "across." Sadly, I have to mention the result which was a loss for Ramsey, playing in red and blue above, though the photograph shows the one and only try scored by the lads. I'd also like to add, this photo does not show the gale force wind that almost knocked me off my feet several times!

Welcome to my office

                      Life's a pebble beach


It's just a test shot, but I liked the morning sunlight reflection giving warmth and colour to the pebble beach.  Just waiting for the sunrise to photograph is always a gamble, but I never leave without photographing something.


“I do not know how I may seem to others, but to myself I am only a small child wandering upon the vast shores of knowledge, every now and then finding a small bright pebble to be contented with.” Plato

Ramsey Craft Centre

                Needles, pins and arty things

A visitor to the island, many years ago,  follows the blog and asked me if a "pretty little shop full of brightly colours cottons" still open in Ramsey.  I'm happy to say, indeed it is.  I've had many a sewing emergency (ok one or two) averted by this little local shop. Just a quick post and a snapshot, with the morning sunrise reflection, though I will photograph inside for our visitor soon.
Simonetta

80, 000 alcoholics, clinging to a rock

                   It's 5 o'clock somewhere


There are a lot of Isle of Man motto's but today I'll introduce you to this one. "80, 000 alcoholics clinging to a rock" give or take one or two. As the population rises the number will change but the alcoholics part of the motto will remain. It's a tongue in cheek reference to the small size of the island, its location (the middle of the Irish Sea) battered by the elements and of course the fact we have a lot of pubs. This shot captured in one of those pubs, On a cold wet winter night, a warm fire, a friendly pint puller are a welcome site to the island dweller. Pubs are the hearts of any small community. Use them, or lose them. Go with the flo, Frankie and try your gin with cucumber. Some people have a real yen for it.   Dedicate to absent friends, who miss the island and why I have reignited the blog.  Chin chin, bottoms up, Santé!  (though it will always be lemon)

Crashing waves and floods

                          Incoming............

Like a lot of places around the globe Ramsey too suffered the damage of the recent floods. Consistent rain, coupled with extremely high tides joined together to batter the island. Homes and business's across the island received a fair amount of damage, though fortunately the house shown did not. You can normally walk along the beach here (I take most of my sunrises here, to give you an example of a calmer day) but you couldn't even walk along the road adjacent to the beach, due to the overspill of the ferocious incoming tide. Did I get wet, yes. Was it worth it, again yes. Though I am considering buying a waterproof camera, or at least waterproof housing for the camera. Also, wellies.

People on the street

                                                      Ramsey Rocks


First day of each new month is Theme Day. This month's theme is "People on the street." I've chosen one from the archives. People on the street enjoying the local yearly festival, "Ramsey Rocks." Well enjoying it until it becomes Ramsey Washout and we endure through the rain. Or hit the pub.

Other cities taking part in the theme cam be found here
http://cdpbthemeday.blogspot.com/2014/02/march-2014-gallery-people-on-street.html