Mad Sunday, Isle of Man TT - Pink Panther, of course

                       Fancy dress, optional.....


.....but a lap of the famous Isle of Man TT course isn't for tourists and locals. It's all part of the two week Road Races fun, some for charity, some just for the hell of it.  Motorbikes as far as the eye can see down Road, Lezayre turrning into Parliament Square. For more bikers in costume click here. 

Image part of ABC

Denise will understand. 

More TT Race images here

Waiting, Isle of Man TT

                      Not the queue to the pub


It's ABC on the blog circuit this week ad the letter is Z. If you look closely on the image you can see black and white stripes midway in the photo across the road. Those are where pedestrians wait to cross the road safely, and it is called a Zebra crossing. Many countries have these, nothing unique to the island, but use of varies throughout the world. A instantly recognizable image that transcends most languages. The image taken at the two week event, Isle of Man TT Road Races. This may look like the queue for a pint from the pub in the distance, The Central, but the spectators waiting on Parliament Street for the motorbike race to begin. 

Jane Hards Photography


Other ABC posts around the world can be seen here

TT Tourists, Ramsey Day

                              Ramsey Day


As Mrs Nesbitt, who initially started the abc round will be visiting the Isle of Man soon for the annual Isle of Man TT Road Races, a timely image of other visiting tourists. This scene is from Ramsey Day, a day set aside during the Road Races for activities such as the Motorcycle Sprint and display teams to entertain the crowds, along with things for the kids like face painting. The sunshine can't be guaranteed, but a fly over and display by the Red Arrows can be. 


For TT Race photos see Jane Hards Photography

Isle of Man TT, older post

More abc images around the world can be found here

Parliament Square, Isle of Man TT

                             Chasing sidecars


It's almost that time of year again the island is becomes a haven for motorbikers tourists and competitors (one of those is Mrs Nesbitt who created the abc meme) the Isle of Man TT Road Races. As you can see Parliament Square part of the race route, right in the heart of Ramsey For those who follow the races via TV, this is one of the camera checkpoints shown, passing through Parliament Square. It's also the place I do my job, TT photographer.


Jane Hards Photography - TT photos
Isle of Man TT - older post

Image part of abc

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!

Surprise, Mrs Nesbitt, Isle of Man TT

                  Putting the Mad, in Mad Sunday

Let me introduce you to Mrs Nesbitt, though to some of you she needs no introduction. I met Mrs N, virtually through blogging, and then in person when she visits The Isle of Man with her hubby, for the Isle of Man TT Races. It's become a tradition now, to meet on what is known as Mad Sunday (when tourists and locals attire fancy dress or not and ride the race route) outside the Swan pub, Parliament Square, have a coffee and bite to eat and catch up. While Mrs N and I have a chat, hubby rides the race route. This image is now the infamous leaving photo. Mrs N, may not be a resident of the island, but she has probably watched more of the Road racing event than most locals. Be warned, this lady is barking mad, in the nicest way, tons of fun, and always makes everyone feel welcome in her company. Her knapsack, Wilma the duck is also infamous. Mrs N, can get Policeman, and TT stars to pose with her holding the duck, while I capture the image. Looking forward to seeing Mrs N again soon, and a new set of photos to follow.

More Abc's can been found here, and for those that don't know it was Mrs N herself who created this neme.

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 Isle of Man TT 2012.....Day 1

Waiting

While I was waiting for the bikes to appear for the practice lap, I took a few sneaky pics. The building in the background is the local library, the people, locals and tourists, and the guy in the foreground one of the unsung heroes, a marshal. Practice was delayed, due to a communication technicality. That really expensive equipment installed for the TT, obviously wasn't used to glorious sunshine and got slightly confused. Practice eventually got underway, photos done, home in time for the Eurovision Song Contest Results. ............which you really don't want to know about unless you absolutely like to watch 4 hrs of cheesy/camp/earsplitting warbling. Sweden won. Real music lost. Thanks heavens for TT.

Click here for other TT photos

I is for Iconic

Pridddddddy!

Abc

I know I could of had the easier obvious options, Isle of Man, island, Irish Sea but now I have the laptop back a chance to plunder( Viking style of course) the older images. One Harley Davidson being admired by locals and tourists on "Ramsey Day" ( yes we do have our own special day) when the TT Road Races take a a break. I am leaving this post tonight short and sweet, and just leave you to enjoy the image. I know I do. Reminds me soon the motorbikes are back, and so will some of you who will see this image tonight. I did wonder who owned it. I mean take a look at that number plate. Could this belong to an American tourist who liked certain TV show from the '70s or one of our more hazardous Ramsey residents? Leave you to ponder that one.


For more abc's see here

V - IS FOR VISITORS.......

V is for Visitors and oh yes my lunch

Duckie

Two for the road

The lady with the letters herself visited this week. As you you all know Mr and Mrs Nesbitt came to see, yes the motorbikes. True to her word she brought the sunshine too. I swear to you the week before rain, Denise arrives the sun shines. Sitting for the afternoon outside the pub( yes outside novel for me) and watched the biking tourists, had the proverbial bag of chips and entertained the passing hordes. Mrs Nesbitt did that is. Denise had me laughing from the moment she arrived. From tales of her and Jon's road trips through France, teaching stories, blogging encounters, and so much more. In fact at one point the 3 older fellows next to us, well one just didn't want to leave until Denise had finished one of her tales he had been eavesdropping on. The funniest bit though has to be Denise shouting "eh" to a local. He stared back blankly as she carried on talking at him(I do mean at him) until she finally blurted out "sorry I thought you were someone I knew". Why so funny? He was a passing policeman and I swear he thought we were taking the mickey out of him. He was not amused, I on the other hand cracked up at this point and tried not to be arrested for having a good time. I felt like a tourist in my own town. Denise and Jon thank you and a pleasure to meet you both and your friends, and of course the ever present duck, for all to brief a time. See you next year and many thanks for boosting our economy and being faithful supporters of the event

More, More, More, TT

Another Race Day

Leaning

Leaving

Frozen

. Just open the lens, pulled back on the wide shot rocked backed on the heels and let the sky in. Actually number I and 3 were take sat on the floor pushing the camera through the railing and linking my arms round the rail. Not advisable. You also look a demented fool.

The races will be over tomorrow. Last of the bikes to capture. Boo Hoo! I will miss them and the tourists, especially two I met today called.... well no I will leave that to next week, but a lot of you will know who it is. Even got some photos too. Don't even ask about the mistaken identity and the Policeman. Next Week.

Others skies can be found here.

one day left.

See the week of racing just scroll down the posts this week.

DON'T LET THE TOURISTS ESCAPE!

Not The Magical Mystery Tour but roll up anyway

I told you we have tourists. Not just for two weeks in June when the TT Road Races are here either. Real live people spending their hard earned salaries(actually pensions these were more your retired folk) to help boost the economy here North of the Island. All the way from Barnsley, Yorkshire, England. To a Manx person here the island is the mainland and the UK is commonly known as "across" which means wherever the tourists came from, they came from across but are very welcome. Very, very welcome. So where would they go this side of town?

The little group you can see were heading off towards St Paul's shopping centre. That would be a left turn at the conveniently named St Paul's church you can see that's the tallest building on the left. This lot went straight for the Shoprite, one of local Supermarkets. Actually they hit the toilets first but we'll gloss over that one. Next was St Paul's Bookshop, then we had a split in the ranks and they stopped by the one or two cafes we have dotted about the town which would be off towards the right of the image. Of course the odd one or two sneaked off for a heavier tipple in the oh so many pubs we have. Incidentally the grass verge you see that is adjacent to the old Swimming Pool. Apparently that's the place they normally went first for a slap up lunch, but that's now closed and they didn't want to leave the main body of the town and go over the bridge to the new Swimming Pool. The words told you so come to mind. Apparently it suited a Pensioner's pocket. I'm sure they'll love the New Pool soon, 0nce they are brave enough to cross the swinging bridge of doom.


Next time I'll try and get a tourist eating a Davison's ice cream or should I say fighting the seagulls for it. I swear the gulls can spot a tourist from a local a mile off and dive bomb for bag of chips. So no posed contrived smiley images but natural sneaky peeks of grumpy kids, moaning pensioners, stressed parents and argumentative adolescents. Still wish you were here?

Babooshka http://dailyphotoisleofman.blogspot.com/ ramsey daily photo

MONOCHROME ODD SHOTS - HORSING AROUND ON THE BEACH

You never know what you will find on the beach in Ramsey

Monochrome Odd Shots

I mentioned Friday that the beaches (yes two, I know lucky) were ideal for dogs walkers here great for bird watchers and I even mentioned the horses that trot along the beach. Now some of you laughed at this and thought I had gone too far and was spinning you a yarn. As if I would! Here you are then, right in the centre, horses. Even got a dog with them. Now this might not be odd to you if you have always lived coastal but to me this is the only sandy place I have lived near where the horses have a trot along the beach. Donkeys yes, horses no. We do have the Isle of Man Rest home for retired horses, South of the Island, horse drawn trams for the tourists in Douglas and wild horses roaming about but these I have no idea about. Was it you?

That's your lot tonight. Another Birthday to celebrate, no not mine and emails to do. Has anyone else had a problem with hotmail lately asking you to refresh the browser? Hats off to everyone for stopping by and taking interest in little 'Ole Ramsey, Isle of Man visits and comments especially when I'm offline for long periods. For your Odd Shot needs stop by Katney

and if Monochrome is your Mania then Aileni is the one for you.

Are horses on the beach fairly common then? Happy B'day G & J

Baboooshka ramsey daily photo http://dailyphotoisleofman.blogspot.com/

MOORAGH BEACH-SKYWATCH

Life's a beach 

Mooragh Beach is on of the two beaches here. As you can see it is part pebble/shingle and part sand. It's not a beach you would expect to find swimmers and sunbathers.  You do find like I said yesterday dog walkers down here and occasionally horse and riders trotting along the beach. As you can see it's quite a view you get on a clear day.

To the left is Mooragh Promenade. Behind me out of shot would be the harbour jetty, bridge and town. To the right is obviously the sea, but as we are and island you would expect to happen upon land too. You do, England. On a even clearer day you can make out the landscape of the Lake District. I have many photos of the outline of the hills of England across from Ramsey. Looking north the bay sweeps round to the promontory known as Shellagh Point. More of those Manx words. It appears Shellagh means willow and has also become used as a girl's name. I'm not sure those using the name know of it's origin. I wonder if anyone has another meaning or anyone named Shellagh

I haven't finished with beach just yet. Like the wood will shall drift by there often and you can walk virtually with me, if you want or join me on facebook if your'e on.

To join or check others in the neme click Skywatch and the team will help you.  I came across an image that is a beauty but not in our friday club. Take a peek it could be a great inclusion for skywatch. So many wonderful images out there aren't part of the club and would be perfect.

 Vancouver Daily Photo : Living in clouds....

MANANNAN'S CLOAK - MONOCHROME ODDSHOTS

Ramsey hides under Manannan's Cloak

Manannan is the mythical god of the sea, lord and protector of our land, Isle of Man. Manannan appears in many other Pagan and Celtic myths and legends but for us he is the guy who put the "Man" in the Isle of Man, and why you sometimes see the spelling of Mann as well. What is Manannan's cloak though? I can tell you one thing it's not and that is snow. I have really missed not capturing any snow shots his year. Back to Manannan's cloak this weeks Monochrome Oddshot.

Manannan's Cloak.

A mythical shroud of mist that was thrown over the island to hide us from our enemies.

Manannan was also known to be a shape shifter, so next time to you ask a local the way, be polite. It could just be Manannan and if decides you aren't a worthy visitor he will shroud and protect us from you. Shape shifter sounds like something out of Star Trek doesn't it.

We still get the mist descend upon us. The image shows a rolling mist on the mountains, sometimes it rolls in from the sea. It is an awesome sight, especially when caught my sunlight. Sometimes a white blanket, a gold sheet, or a lilac candyfloss gently engulfing the island. Underneath the cloak is the North Barrule Mountain. I never tire of seeing this eerie mist especially when travelling over the mountains and your view is totally obscured. It is so evocative of every horror story, and fairytale you can think of. A bit like the island a horror story built on a fairytale, the legendary blog and Babooshka is the mythical creature that brings you the words and images that won't stay hidden. Now if I can just find That wallaby..

Join my new group on Facebook- Ramsey Daily Photo or Babooshka Akshoobab

Want to join the beautiful and creative world of Mononchorome Monday? Then see Aileni at Loose Ends

Want to join the weird world of Odd Shots Monday? Then see Katney

(I will sort my facebook soon promise. Sorry for neglecting it. We are definitely planning to move to France. The Isle of Man and us will part ways. I have tried.)

ABC - M IS FOR MOTORBIKES, THE ISLE OF MAN T.T.

The Isle of Man TT (Tourist Trophey) is the oldest road races for motorbikes and sidecars in the world. In 2007 the event celebrated it's first 100 years. For 2 weeks the island hosts the competition, the first week for practise, the second for a series of races featuring different classes of motorbikes and sidecars. It is still the single biggest event on the island and the biggest tourist attraction, with particpants and spectators arriving from as far as Australia to the Isle of Man itself. Here are a few I captured from a much larger collection I sell online.

From top to bottom:

John McGuinness( record breaking lap)
Adrian Archibald
Barry Wood, Derran Slous and John Crellin
Tourist bikers waiting for a local to cross. We don't hurry on the island for anyone.

All photos subject to copyright.

If you would like to join ABC Wednesday please see MRS NESBITT'S PLACE
Mrs Nesbitt will also be a most welcome visitor to the TT this year.