Vegas & The Aftermath - Diary

[tikay]

Part of our little adventure was to visit Shanklin, Isle of Wight, which gave us the rare chance to ride on the famous Island Line, which runs from Ryde to Shanklin via Sandown.

They use ex London Transport rolling stock, specifically 1938 stock, manufactured by the wonderfully named Birmingham Railway Carriage & Wagon Company.

As you can see, they are looking their age, but despite being a bit scruffy, & almost 80 years old, they function perfectly. This is the exact rolling stock I went to school in 62 years ago, so it was all very nostalgic for me.

The ride is extremely bumpy, mainly because the PW features timber railway sleepers, rather than the concrete versions we see on the Main Lines these days. It's jointed track, too, rather than CWR. And that, in turn, means, for the first time in decades, I could listen to that lovely clickety clack, clackety click, as the bogies passed over the joints.

Most enjoyable.

Click to see full-size image.

[tikay]

Shanklin, like much of the Isle of Wight, still seems to be in the 1950's, all very old-fashioned, sleepy & quaint. The beach was beautifully clean, too.

The only problem with Shanklin Beach is that it is at the foot of a cliff, so walking back up was pretty arduous. Thoughtfully, benches & resting places had been placed at frequent intervals, so I managed - just about - to walk back up. Was a close run thing, though, & I was puffing and blowing a treat.

Click to see full-size image.

[tikay]

One thing we were keen to do was enjoy some "seaside fish & chips", & eat them outside.

We did a bit of research, & discovered what appeared from Trip Advisor to be the best bet - Happy Haddock.

Oh my, it was just fantastic. Both the fish and the chips were perfect, really perfect, & despite me being a greedy sod & ordering "large" of both, I never left a morsel.

The weather was perfect, too, and we sat on a park bench, munching our fish & chips like a pair of geriatrics.  

The whole day went perfectly, the most enjoyable day since the HA, Vegas excepted, & it cheered me up no end.

Bloody lovely.

Click to see full-size image.

[tikay]

I hit the jackpot whilst walking this morning, spotting both a Cormorant and a Heron just a few yards apart. I can't begin to try & explain how happy it makes me to see such beautiful birds so close, & so near to London.

Both live on fish, so The Thames must be in pretty good nick these days.

Oddly, Cormorants, which are found right across the world, are also known, rather ungracefully, as "shags", but the Bird peeps can't seem to explain the distinction between the two.

Some years ago, I was doing a piece to camera with Anna Fowler up by the Tyne in Newcastle, & a Cormorant landed close by. When I asked Anna if she liked Shags, she went all silly.

Click to see full-size image.

Click to see full-size image.

[Mohican]

Did you ask if she liked a rough shag? Would've been a thoroughly outrageous question for you to ask as I'm sure she was a non smoker.

[RED-DOG]

Skimmed it, realised it was quite good so had to go back and read it properly.

[hector62]

Click to see full-size image.

Morning Mr T.

Whilst that is a very fine looking ship I prefer this one, HMS Hemes. My reason for prefering it is because I was christened on it. I thought that the ship was scrapped but my research today shows that it is still in operation as it got sold to the Indian navy.

[RED-DOG]

More deets needed obv.

[hector62]

Nothing really interesting. My father was in the navy and in those days they did lots of christenings on ships of children born into naval families. At the time he was stationed in Portsmouth and chose HMS Hermes. I am told that I was 1 of about 30 to be christened that day.

[tonytats]

We visit Hunstanton an east coast resort
We've started going on a Tuesday or Wednesday night 8 weeks ago , as soon as Denise gets home n changed we leave by 540 pm
It's 52 miles virtually no traffic compared to a Saturday or Sunday when we used to go
The dog gets a walk ,we get fish n chips ,cods the favourite,another walk then leave at 830 pm ish with a hot chocolate each in the thermos cups
Lovely I'm hoping this will continue into the winter months too !
Plus there's added bonus of no o2 service that way so the phones stay at home !

This weekend it's happisburgh lighthouse open day Sunday then a mooch along the east coast towards Cromer with a night in a nice little pub Sunday 5 pm 2-3 pints a nice dinner n an early night
It's so relaxing by the sea !

[Mohican]

Nothing really interesting. My father was in the navy and in those days they did lots of christenings on ships of children born into naval families. At the time he was stationed in Portsmouth and chose HMS Hermes. I am told that I was 1 of about 30 to be christened that day.

Please tell me your middle name is Hermes?

[tikay]

Here's a fascinating photo that was sent to me by K4Suited, as he had some difficulty uploading it. 

He will be along later to comment.

Click to see full-size image.

[tikay]

Nothing really interesting. My father was in the navy and in those days they did lots of christenings on ships of children born into naval families. At the time he was stationed in Portsmouth and chose HMS Hermes. I am told that I was 1 of about 30 to be christened that day.

That's a great story, hector.

Does the Royal Navy still do that sort of thing?

[tikay]

Click to see full-size image.

Morning Mr T.

Whilst that is a very fine looking ship I prefer this one, HMS Hemes. My reason for prefering it is because I was christened on it. I thought that the ship was scrapped but my research today shows that it is still in operation as it got sold to the Indian navy.

Almost true - yes, she was sold to the Indian Navy, & served them well for over 30 years, but she was decommissioned earlier this year, her vital parts removed, & she is currently awaiting a decision on where & when she will be dismantled.

Rather sad, really, she was the Flagship of the Royal Navy during the momentous Falklands Campaign.

[tikay]

I'm not particularly for or against Will Kassouf generally, we exchange the usual pleasantries when we cross paths, & I don't dislike him, but I think I'd rather stick needles in my eyes than endure sharing a poker table with him for hours on end.

The jury remains out on whether he is "good for poker", but I'd bet good money that John Hesp has been better for poker in the UK than Mr Kassouf. There IS a "Hesp Effect", & it's positive. I'd need a lot of convincing that Will Kassouf has been genuinely "good for poker". 

Meanwhile, feel free to enjoy - or not - this 8 minute hand which should have taken 30 seconds.