Isle of Wight in September

Another visit to the Isle of Wight (Mary has family there) in September this time rather than October. Normally, Mary would drive down and we would catch the Lymington - Yarmouth ferry. This time we decided to go by train (Hereford to Southampton Central) followed by a short bus ride to the Red Jet terminal and a very smooth, fast (28 minutes) trip over to West Cowes. Travel costs are similar to the car/ferry option. We were greeted by the magnificent sight of the Spanish Galleon, Andalucia moored up at West Cowes.

Photo 1: Galeon Andalucia at West Cowes (Sept 2024)

Note that the above is not a B&W photograph but just a very grey day! Indeed, grey is a good description of the weather during our 5 day stay; wet would be another excellent adjective for the weather. For example, this photo was taken while on a stroll along the beach at Compton Bay.

Photo 2: Glowering skies at Compton Bay, Isle of Wight (Sept 2024)

Mary always carries a small kite in her bag ...

Photo 3: Mary & Kite, Compton Bay (Sept 2024)

... and did finally get it up, up and away ...

Photo 4: Kite aloft

Unfortunately, one visitor was not having a fun-filled day at the beach ...

Photo 5: Washed-up Dolphin (Compton Bay, September 2024)

The dolphin had been reported a couple of weeks ago and was awaiting removal. It seems this is quite a common occurrence.

Despite the poor weather, we managed a trip to Yarmouth, including a walk on the pier, where youngsters were crabbing and the adults were angling ...

Photo 6: Yarmouth Pier Looking Westward (September 2024)

... and, of course, yachts were sailing ...

Photo 7: Yachts Sailing on The Solent, off Yarmouth Pier (September 2024)

There did seem to be a race on ...

Video 1: Racing on the Solent

... but then my knowledge of sailing is based on reading Swallows & Amazons.

Before heading home, we revisited Mottistone Gardens. We had visited these National Trust gardens in October 2023 so were hoping for a more floriferous display in early September. And we were not disappointed.

Photo 8: Looking Down the Herbaceous Border Towards the House

Photo 9: Dense Ginger Lily (Mottistone, September 2024)

The warm sun brought out the butterflies including this small copper ...

Photo 10: Small Copper (Mottistone, September 2024) 

But the pièce de résistance was the largest and loudest UK bush cricket ...

Photo 11: Great Green Bush Cricket (Mottistone, September 2024)