Day 4: Ventnor, Bonchurch and the beach

Today was another hot day. We decided to spend it enjoying Ventnor. We walked down one of the footpaths but had to return when it got too steep, and we called in at  the pottery after breakfast though the house number plate wasn't ready. We went for a refreshing swim in the sea and then walked on to Ventnor and hopped on the bus back.
We went for a lovely pot of tea and scones at the Smuggler's Haven and enjoyed the views out over the sea. We saw the steep path down to the beach. Maybe it really had been used by smugglers.
After a siesta we walked to Bonchurch pond and along the seafront to Ventnor where we had cod and chips in the Millbay. We walked back up the steep road towards the Royal Hotel, got stamps and caught the bus again back to the guesthouse.

Day 3: Dinner at The Royal Hotel, Ventnor

We had a reservation for 8.15pm (very Queen Victoria) and by 6.30 we were starving so we ate half our Quarr Abbey cheese to tide us over. We set off at around 7pm so that we had plenty of time to walk to the Hotel and find it in Ventnor. We had a sherry in the bar and then were shown through to our table in the grand dining room. We ordered from the Table d'Hote menu and it was wonderful - each dish was beautifully prepared and presented and was full off flavour and contrasting textures. Mum had the wood pigeon as a starter and I had  the pickled mackerel. We both had the lamb for the main with fantastic vegetables - really intense peas! Then Mum went for the crumble and I had the raspberry and pistachio cake. We then walked home in the moonlight, and had a cup of tea.

Day 3: Quarr Abbey v2

After an early morning swim, and a great breakfast, Mum opened her birthday presents and  then we set off to Quarr Abbey, oasis of quiet and tranquility. We visited the old remains, the modern abbey, teashop, hens and fed the pigs.

Day 2: Osborne House

I had an early morning dip in the pool. After a great English breakfast, Mum and I caught the bus to Newport. We sat on the top deck and had a wonderful view of the sea and countryside. At Newport we caught the bus to Osborne House helped by a nice island couple. We sat next to a group of voluble but very polite Italian teenagers.
At Osborne House we inspected carefully every painting, ornament, piece of furniture and soft furnishing. It was rather crowded but well-managed. The house is a rather intimate glimpse into the family life of Queen Victoria including the royal bath, the nursery with the little table and chairs, the writing desks of Victoria and Albert side by side, as well as showing the grandeur and craftsmanship of the time in the state rooms especially the Durbar Room. We also walked to the Swiss Cottage and the lovely beach where we got the Italians to budge up and make room for us in the alcove that Queen Victoria liked to sit in. We had a lovely ice cream and ate them sitting on wicker chairs on the veranda next to the Royal bathing machine.
Later when we returned and we got off the bus in Ventnor. We walked down to the seafront and spotted people queuing to buy fish and chips at the fish market. We bought some ourselves and a pint each and enjoyed our evening meal outside on a picnic bench overlooking a paddling pool for kids and the sea. Later as we walked back to the guest house, two fishermen pointed out a seal to us in the water.

Day 1: Lymington to Ventnor, Isle of Wight

My first visit to the Isle of Wight. Mum and I are on the ferry at Lymington going across to Yarmouth. The cars loaded onto the ferry and then were winched up to allow more vehicles on below.
We drove to our luxurious guesthouse in Upper Bonchurch. After a nice cup of tea and cake, we walked down to the sea, visited a small pottery workshop, walked along the sea front to Ventnor, saw a cormorant, climbed up the steep roads back to the guesthouse.
In the evening we went for dinner to Bonchurch Inn for a lovely meal. Then we walked back via some wonderful views of the sea. The Isle of Wight is great!

Day 21: Sigueiro to Santiago

Roseanna was determined to walk in to Santiago with us this morning and she managed it. We had a good16km walk - a bit overcast and a brief shower but good walking weather. It was a nice approach through oak forest.
We met one of the pilgrim kids lying on the track with cramps. Her friend had called the carers who came running back to her. I gave her one of my dehydration tablets and we gave her some water.
Santiago is full of arriving pilgrims. I lasted 5 min in the Pilgrim's Office before I left the massive long queue for the Compostela. I had a beer and some delicious Galician cheese instead. I also bumped into Rick and Alexandra.

Now I am in my posh room on Rue de Villar near the cathedral. Quiet, refined, and all mine!

Tomorrow I fly to London. The summer's pilgrimages are over.

Day 20: Bruma to Sigueiro

A lovely walk but was tired by the end as we entered Sigueiro. Roseanna went by bus and saw a doctor in Sigueiro and was waiting for us. She cried as she saw us off in the morning and wished us Buen Camino. 

In the late afternoon we met up with Rick (the American) and Alexandra (the Mexican) in the one cafe bar that was serving food at that time. We had a lot of fun talking to them. It also poured with rain outside. 

Now we are back in our posh albergue with sheets and towels and sachets of shower gel. We are tired but happy.