Hectic days indeed. Was too exhausted to continue the writing streak. KLM cancelled our flight and instead of returning on the 21st, came back on the evening of the 22nd. Cut it so close, as we were to take the ferry to the IOW on the 23rd. Which meant no short break in Portsmouth as originally thought, rather straight to IOW. So little time to pack and such. The delightful surprise of this time coming over on the MV St. Clare: https://www.wightlink.co.uk/facilities/ferries/st-clare And this happened by mere chance, as we missed our intended ferry time, by a minute I may add, as there roadworks, car breakdowns, and traffic as people took advantage of the long weekend. We saw the ferry Victoria of Wight https://www.wightlink.co.uk/facilities/ferries/victoria-of-wight leaving port. I realized that we have made six trips on Victoria!
Not complaining, as we got to be in the St Clare, our first time on board! It’s different all right, and perhaps nicer?
Our cottage is in Godshill, on the grounds of a 500 year old Manor House. The stone cottage we’re in is 400 years old, and nicely retrofitted, with everything we’re likely to need. It is surrounded by gardens, and the owner saw me sitting outside reading a book, and came k er and showed me the grounds. Nice herbs growing too. Rosemary, Mint, Thyme, oregano, and sage, all just outside the kitchen door. What fragrance.
There is a mature bay leaf tree, other fruit trees, such as apples, pear, cherry, which had tiny cherries fruits on it, still green, and very firm. There’s also plum. One of the apple trees have also already started to bear fruit. We’ e of course, missed the blossoms.
I ask the Lady of the house if they have laburnum, and the too. It was my grandfather’s favorite tree, and one stood right outside the front gate of the house. By default, my favorite tree too, and we saw it blossoming profusely around the island as we drove in. The one in the grounds here is flowered and done, and going to seed. The only one Laburnum I’ve seen in Orlando, is on Beatrice Drive in the Kingswood Manor area.
True to the tradition we have created for our IOW vacations, our fourth now in two years, we went for Sunday Roast lunch at The Red Lion in Freshwater. Met up with all our favorite people. They had a great Mushroom vegetarian Sunday Roast dish, which was exquisite, and included a vegetarian pie, besides their other offerings, and of course the Yorkshire pudding to pour the gravy into, which I forgot to do! There were two. Es essserts on the. End, and k chose the Strawberry, and included basil sorbet. Chef Sean is a Master. No wonder they’ve maintained their Michelin rating for 10 years! We were their first guests at opening!
After a sumptuous lunch headed next door to the All Saints Church, which is small and lovely, and I like visiting it. K the curious had walked around it before and discovered the Tennyson family crypt where Alfred Lord Tennyson’s wife, son and grandson are buried. Wonder if should visit his estate again. “We have but faith, we do not know..”
The Needles were our next stop, and while everyone walked up the hill to the vantage points overlooking the ocean, I took a welcome nap in the car. Joe, the 5th Banga has joined us on this vacation, and it was his first time here. He’s enjoying the narrow country roads, the tree tunnels and the large vistas with the horizon’s boastful views, often 360 degrees around! Checked out the Alum Bay glass factory shop, and other shops around the area.
I was up for sometime by the time the others came back down. It was 30C degrees today, and while it was hot, with 31C expected tomorrow. Not complaining, because there is always a gentle breeze, cool because of the nearness of the ocean.
Came home and sat outside, having, tea and snacks and of course my comfort food butter-toast with tea. Absolutely delicious French Butter on a Granary loaf slice. A big mug of tea. Then read some, did my less, and looked by some book related stuff on the internet. Aka, surfed Abebooks.co.uk and saved books in the basket. Will decide later which ones to buy.
Now going head up to bed. Looking forward to see the stars in the night sky, as we are surrounded by woods and fields, with no lights. Saw the stars last night, as I closed the curtains. It is such a comforting sight. My gaze rides up towards the night sky riding on the moon beams, a perfect half waxing moon. Can there be a better ending, than this though to moonbeams, and starlight, on a starry, starry night?
Veenu Banga
24th May 2026
11:35 pm
In Godshill, @the Isle of Wight.
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