This was to be the second year in a row we were to stay in Port Erin. We came here, for a short trip out in 2008 and we fell in love with it straight away. I had enquired about a room for 2011 a few weeks ago as it is necessary to book so far in advance and was dismayed to learn there were no vacancies. I had a frantic day of phoning round the island for accomodation and managed to find a guesthouse in central Douglas. With this knowledge therefore we headed for Heysham ferryport on Friday morning and along with the hundreds of other bikers waited to board the ferry.
A chap nearby started chatting to us and the subject came round to accomodation - and then he began his worrying, nay alarming tales of B&B/Guesthouse disasters in Douglas! We were both listening intently, eyes opening more and more as each disgusting detail was described with graffic detail! Fortunately at this moment the bikes were summoned to board the deck and so we did not see this guy anymore but his words were ringing in my ears for a very long time, however I didn't say anything to Jon, as I was still in shock - so much so that I didn't eat anything once on the ferry!
We arrived in Douglas and eventually as the bikes drove off the ferry we turned left and took the "All Other Rotes" journey out of Douglas. As we headed towards Castletown the memory of the same journey from last year skipped into place. Taking the signpost to Port Erin, we soon found ourselves riding along the seafront and eventually turning into Port Erin, straight down Station Road to the promenade, where our hotel is situated.
We pulled up and as I got off the bike Jon said" Denise, we have GOT TO try and get in here next year!" I knew then that Jon had also been alarmed by the B&B stories just as much as I had been and he too deciding not to share his worries with me.
The sun was warm on our faces as we made our way to the reception. The receptionist recognised us from 2009 and before she even booked us in I asked her if there were any vacancies for 2011. "Oh there's no problem, I have automatically allocated you a room" was the wonderful reply! Apparently I had spoken to another member of staff who did not know this valuable piece of information! The smiles on both our faces said it all and later as we had a meal in the conservatory with the wonderful coastline in the background all was set in place for another wonderful stay on the island we have grown to love, in particular the wonderful Falcon's Nest Hotel in Port Erin!
It has been a while since I took part in Skywatch Friday, but decided to hop aboard for a while.
It's wonderful when you find a place like that.
ReplyDeleteI thought you may have joined in Flash Fiction today Mrs N.
Akelamala
ReplyDeleteI will next week! Just getting back into the routine of my blog after a few months absense, apart from the food challenge - I feel it is time now to pick up where I left off!
Love that glowing path across the water! And what lovely skies! Great captures for the day, Denise! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
That pic of the sunlight on the sea is a fabulous shot. Glad you had a good time.
ReplyDeleteNice shot over the water. I can see why you like it there but my imagination is running wild with thoughts of what you might have heard about the B&Bs!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
ReplyDeleteThanks so much yes a good weekend in store as it is my birthday bash tomorrow night!
Rob
Yes a great time!
EG
Watch this space - I just may share some in the weeks to come!
Glad you stopped by. I was waiting for the climax of the story, and thought maybe you would find that the B&B was fine after all. This result is even better. (Currently at a gathering at a B&B where we have a standing reservation--LOL)
ReplyDeleteDo stop back and see the next post from the Icicle River.
We will be in your neck of the woods in a few weeks. Always antoehr adventure.
Katney,
ReplyDeleteLet us know when you are over & we'll have a get together!
Mrs. N: Nice reflection of the sun on the water.
ReplyDeleteLooks very peaceful and idyllic.
ReplyDeleteI have a friend who lives on Mann and he sings its praises all the time. Looks lovely in your photos - don't forget to call if you are around here.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shots, Denise, and such happy news for you, too :-)
ReplyDeleteI am glad you back for a while as your photos are breathtaking and you tell a wonderful story.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing and have a good holiday.
Smiles
That sounds like a great hotel, very welcoming. I love that sunset photo.
ReplyDeleteGreat shots of a beautiful scenery.
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Looks like a piece of heaven. Great shots.
ReplyDeleteIt's been awhile for SWF for me, too, but I'm glad I returned to see these photos. What magnificent reflection on the water!
ReplyDeletehttp://meeyauw-pad.blogspot.com/2010/06/steam-locomotive-weather-vane.html
Glad you got that B&B. It's nice to know what's waiting for you. We have a place we like in Bempton near Flamborough. I see you are going over that way soon. Have some fish and chips for me! Honestly, I have NEVER had such good ones over here. The fish is never fresh enough, or not my kind of fish. We get a lot of different kinds of tuna. The best I get over here is Green Thresher Shark, but it about breaks the bank!
ReplyDeleteHow fortunate you were to be able to get a room in your favourite hotel! Your photos are stunning!
ReplyDeleteI can understand that you cannot visit so many people. Your meme is very popular and there are always about 100 entries. Thanks for inviting me to become a team member. It's a great team! If I know what it means to be a member, I can think about it. This year was very busy with many guests. One relative stayed here from November to May. And still has his "pied à terre"(bed) here. But I like all those visitors.
Great photos with a riveting well told story!
ReplyDeleteexcellent capture and i love the reflection, thanks for visiting my blog.
ReplyDeleteYou've captured our island beautifully in those shot's, Denise! It was lovely to meet you and Jon, I look forward to seeing you both again next year.
ReplyDeleteMrs. N., quite nice to know someone who has been on the Isle of Man -- other than just the folks I know from books...........
ReplyDeleteOh to go down to the sea! We did go to Lake Michigan, our inland sea, only to have go slink back home because of no electricity, thanks to a huge storm on Friday night. We will go back in a couple days and so you may look for photos on the blog, which will once more wander beyond Fabius Township.
Beautiful photos! I really should be moving on...but stopped by and saw that egg on your latest post...and then saw these photos...so...here I am still :o)
ReplyDeleteBlessings & Aloha!
Shrinky
ReplyDeleteYes, it was great to meet you too, looking forward to next year! All booked up!
Helen
It is indeed a wonderful place.
PS&S
I know the feeling! lol!
If you're looking for great accommodation for next year, a good friend of mine is letting out three bedrooms in her house in Laxey. Will sleep up to five and is a stone's throw from the beach.
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