Today was a travel day. We took the 44 from Harman's Cross to Swanage, then the 50 from Swanage to Bournemouth. We got rained on a little on the outside upper deck of the 50. Train to Southampton, and a detour into the bookstore where I picked up a couple of maps which I think will be really helpful for cycling the Isle of Wight. Then the Red Funnel ferry to the Isle of Wight where Lorraine and Pip were waiting to meet us! They piled us and our luggage into their van and drove us to our hotel to settle in, then came back to fetch us after an hour or so and fed us dinner and drinks. We had a wonderful visit, and Beth left early for her job interview (while on vacation... in ENGLAND). \n
Lorraine and Pip are letting us leave our stuff at their place while we're out cycle touring for four days. It feels very light-weight to be rid of our backpacks and have only what we absolutely need for four days in our day packs.
From Brent: If you wanted to do a speed trip of the IoW you could easily drive around it in a day with stops at a few points of interest \nbut it is worth taking a little time and relaxing. There are lots of small things to check out along the way, small towns, \nsmall attractions, pretty view-points, beach walks. It is a place that encourages a slower pace. You could also spend a day \nat Osbourne House, Queen Victoria's and Prince Albert's private retreat. It's smallish and understated by European Palace \nstandards, but makes a nice walking, picnic and historically informative day. It's good to see how the 'other half' chose to \nlive.
- Reunion with Lorraine and Pip after 7 years!
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