Jen's Blog

Our long awaited holiday finally arrived, just as well as feel totally burnt out and desperate for a break.

We caught the 10am car ferry from Portsmouth and had a front seat so  could see our car..

It was  quite  smooth crossing which took 45 minutes. We spotted another car ferry approaching and noticed the water really splashing up against the door!

We sailed on the St. Cecilia

After crossing we headed straight for the ‘Owl and Monkey Haven’ which only opened last year.

It was very cold there and we were the only ones visiting so we warmed up with a cuppa and a cake then got our cameras warmed up.

These two parents were trying to keep their little baby warm by snuggling up to it.. how sweet :0)

All the railing supports where monkeys which was really nice..

The snowy Owl looked beautiful.

as did the other owl who was huge!

This little monkey was tucking into strawberries lol

Unsure about this bird but he was happy to pose so I clicked away lol

After the Monkey Haven, we went over to Freshwater and visited Dimbola Lodge.

There is a life size statue of Jimmy Hendrix outside.

It was a facinating place with free entry during February (bonus) with lots of old photos and artifacts.

A strange concept (oh and Lloyd popped in too.lol)

Obviously Jimmy made a huge impact on the place as there was loads about him.

Once we had looked round we had a lovely meal in the restaurant there. Lloyd had vegetable curry and I had celery soup. Nice and warming.

We walked down the road and followed the signs to the’ Redoubt’, we trudged up this lovely lane following the signs..

and then arrived at this sign!

We scratched our heads how one minute they were directing us to it and then when we arrived, telling us we could not enter..lol Oh well it amused us so nothing lost.

We headed back down to the water front.. but spotted this other sign too..

The sun was lovely

It was so cold we decided we would go back to the car ..

park up on the hill so we could see the sun and view un-interrupted.. it was fantastic.

After about an hour we headed to our cottage which is in Brighstone.. A beautiful 2 bed thatched cottage..

The owner was there when we arrived and appologised as there was NO HEATING!!! OMG I thought we are going to freeze… However she was about to go and purchase 2 hefty fan heaters for us..

The cottage is bursting with character so this more than makes up for the chill..lol

It is all beamed and so quaint.. I love it..

It even has a fish pond in the garden so Lloyd is happy lol

Off to beat Lloyd at scrabble now :0)