Isle of Wight

Woke too early! As a result was a bit grumpy. We set off from Selhurst at 9.52 and went via East Croydon direct to Portsmouth Harbour. Filled in a passenger survey about the train which was good. Ferry to Ryde and walked down the pier when we could have taken the shuttle train. Got a bus to Sandown and visited the Trouville. First impressions not great but the dancefloor and rooms impressive. Parking is a problem and there is a charge if you cannot get into the car park, also the dining room cannot be rearranged into larger tables. We then went on to Shanklin on the bus and were immediately impressed by Channel View hotel. There are 2 disabled rooms which look very comfortable, nice dance floor and dining room which can be rearranged with tables of 8 and pool. We had an omelette at a cafe and got buses to Quarr Abbey. We arrived in the middle of vespers and met Fr Gregory Corcoran afterwards. He mentioned to a man that we were Catenians and he kindly picked us up and took us to the ferry at Ryde. He is John who is a surgeon and a Catenian. We go the 6.10 catamaran and got home at 9 after one change. Watched Italy unwrapped. Louise came to stay the night after an evening out with the girls.