Isle of Man TT

               The Greatest Show On Earth




The Isle of Man TT (Tourist Trophy) is two weeks of road racing (first week practice, second week races) that takes place on the Isle of Man, May/June each year. This means the island is given over to tourists from across the globe and motorbikes. The races are actually run, not on a purpose built track, but around the island itself, the roads us locals use everyday normally. It has been described as "The greatest show on earth" and indeed is both dangerous and exciting. It's also my favouite time of year on the island, the busiest time, and fun, fun, fun. This is one from last year, my usual spot in Ramsey. My other usual spots are the pubs. Not many places in the world you can photograph a bike race and prop up the bar at the same time.





Isle of Man TT 2014
24th May - 6th June

The White Bridge

Single File only

Another Ramsey landmark,  and regular haunt, the aptly (if not imaginatively) named White Bridge, situated in The Poyll Dooey Nature Reserve, crossing over the Sulby river.  It's basically a single file pedestrian only bridge, although bikes and motorbikes can be walked and not ridden across. It really is quite a narrow and sturdy, but perfectly formed walkway that allows you to reach the other side of the river without getting your feet wet. 


When looking for information about this bridge,  I've  just found the vaguest reference, or uncorroborated info. How long it's been here who knows, apart from the ducks possibly who appear to live below it, coming out for a waddle and food off locals. A mystery perhaps an older local can solve.

Isle of Man, Skywatch sunset

                Brighten up my Northen Sky
 

The sun rises over the beach in Ramsey (the North East of the island) which is brilliant for seascape sunrises, but unfortunately not for seascape sunsets. So, I do the reverse of the morning capture and wander onto the beach as far out as I can (tide times allowing) and look back towards the town itself and capture the setting sun over the Ramsey landscape. Either way I get wet feet. Small price to pay for natural beauty.
  

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Queen's Promenade, floods and high tides

                              Waterworld


 In a complete contrast to yesterdays colorful Queen's Pier sunrise and peaceful weather, back to high tides and localised flooding. Fortunately not too bad, just a few rogue crashing waves swooping over the top of the promenade wall. Enough though to render the path and road out of bounds for the afternoon.  Queen's Promenade, Ramsey, on a very, wet, wet, wet, day. Bad day for fisherman, good day for surfers. Pass me my wellies and a canoe!

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