09-May-2023
The capital is Douglas. But you know that.
Here's how it went:
We parked on the prom. The Victorian buildings still look elegant
A quick diversion via Strand Street, to buy some necessary items (including a triskelion-emblazed replacement cap for Nigel, and an introduction to Manx history for me, in an admission of how woefully ignorant I am).
Then off towards the harbour, via George Formby, who played George Shuttleworth in the 1936 film No Limit, filmed on location on the Island at a cost of GBP30,000. And, of course, he's also leaning on a lamp-post...
Up onto Douglas Head
The entrance to the Marine Drive. Next time...
The former Douglas Head Hotel
And down again to the old market area
This is Noa, a very recommendable cafe
This was great: Poached eggs with avo and feta, plus excellent sourdough toast
And finally, back along the prom to the far end. You somehow forget the height of the cliff that shelters Douglas seafront
Surprisingly warm by now... Somewhere up around 15 degrees. Too warm for the winter kit which is all we have with us.
I'm starting to feel a bit gloomy now. Tomorrow's our last full day. And last days are not only awkward to manage, but also sad. That's always the case. But this is a place I find particularly hard to say goodbye to. For me, it's quite, quite unique, and I'm going to miss it a lot.