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Blackgang Chine and the Island of Dreams (Day 2 - Ryde to Godshill)

Graeme

Mega Poster
Day 1 - Southsea Adventure
Day 2 - Ryde to Godshill
Day 3 - ???
Day 4 - ???
Day 5 - ???

Day 1 - Southsea Adventure


A Virgin Atlantic jet plane flew low over my head on the M25. I was near Heathrow, which meant one thing - Thorpe Park was up ahead. Sure enough, Stealth and Hyperia came into view. But I couldn’t ride them today; I didn’t have enough time.

I had an SBF Visa with my name on it.



I got to Portsmouth and glided past the wide lawns of Southsea. First, I visited The D-Day Story. My grandad was the electrician on a landing craft in the Royal Navy. He landed on Gold Beach on D-Day and evacuated American troops from Omaha Beach. There is a video clip of him in the engine room of the museum’s own landing craft, but I feel lucky to have heard the anecdotes in person.

After that, I headed to Clarence Pier. The promenade is undergoing a lot of work, and currently the views are quite impeded. The resort was very busy in the blazing May sun.



First up, I tried Mad Mouse, the SBF Visa Cyclon MX49 (their take on the Zyklon/Galaxi). One big drop and two other decent ones, as well as a helix. I thought it was great fun - just the right thrill level for a seaside coaster.



Next, I sampled Tidal Wave, an SBF Visa MX612. This is quite interesting, because it’s like a spinning version of a Wacky Worm, rather than the more typical, figure-eight MX608. The thrill level was certainly more than a Wacky Worm, although I think the back-to-back spinning coasters just aren’t for me. What can I say? A cred’s a cred!



There was one coaster left - the Güven Amusement Rides Factory Runaway Train. The young lad operating the ride asked me if I was riding it for the cred! When I told him I was, we had a good laugh about it.

The only other ride I had time for was the classic Gallopers, on which I rode upon a green-saddled cockerel. They are always the best! I was also tempted to ride the Twister, and even the Canyon River Log Flume looked inviting, but I just didn’t have time.

I have always found Clarence Pier a good place to visit. The staff are friendly and it’s just a hassle-free amusement park. Does what it says on the tin, if you know what I mean?

The best ride of the day, however, was still to come.

I boarded the Victoria of Wight ferry and set off across the Solent. Climbing up onto the top deck, I watched as the hovercraft went by, and viewed the forts used in 1970s episodes of Doctor Who. I was, of course, heading to the Isle of Wight.

Fishbourne came into view, and the leafy shore stretched to the east and west. What would await me on this mysterious isle? Only time would tell…

 
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Day 2 - Ryde to Godshill



After a hot and stuffy night in Newport, I needed some fresh air, so I headed to Ryde. There used to be a tiny Schiff coaster here, but today I wanted to see Appley Tower, a folly built on the promenade. The tower wasn’t open, so I passed the time by viewing some fine Oaks in the seafront park. Soon, it was opening time, so I climbed the tower and surveyed the neat, sandy beaches.

With some bigger plans set for the rest of the week, I thought a good use of the afternoon might be to visit Godshill. On the way, the wooded hills and sunken lanes reminded me of what dramatic scenery the island has. I also passed a man in a MAGA hat.

Godshill itself is a normal village, albeit a stunning one, entirely set up as a tourist attraction. Parking at The Old Smithy, I was pleased to see they still have the Fairy Garden behind it, full of gnomes and suchlike. I was also pleased to see the parking was free! I always think it engenders a feeling of goodwill, thus encouraging visitors to spend more freely on other things.



With this in mind, I felt very inclined to enter the Model Village. A colourful array of plants and shrubs greeted me, which framed the various scenes. It was incredible! I was particularly impressed with the model railway and replica of Shanklin Chine. As I was leaving, I made the staff in the souvenir shop laugh by saying I hadn’t visited since 1989! I found Godshill Model Village to be a very friendly, family-run attraction that makes brilliant use of the space. Highly recommended.



After that, I trekked up to see All Saints Church and the picturesque cottages surrounding it. It was a hot day and I had forgotten my sun hat, so to avoid sunburn I draped my New Forest hoodie over my shoulders and pulled the hood over my head!

Walking back down the hill, I popped into the Model Village shop again for some souvenirs. Earlier, I had told them the Shanklin display was my favourite - another place I hadn’t been to for a long time. They suggested I revisit the real one…

So I did.

Making my way east, it wasn’t long before I was in the real Shanklin. This resort is home to Captain Jack’s Runaway Train - an SBF Visa Double Coaster MX605, and hopefully my fourth coaster of the trip. It actually looked quite good as I peered over the fence, but the park it’s in - Pirates Cove Fun Park - was currently closed, so I would have to try another day.

I got some fish & chips and ate them on the seafront. I sometimes refer to Clacton as a paradise, and on a nice day I’m not really joking, but this place really is. Shanklin has just the right balance of entertainment and beauty. I looked to the south and viewed the cliffs towards Luccombe, which are so dramatic, you really could be in Thailand.

The evening approached, so I headed to Bembridge Bay, which would be my base for the week. Sitting back and relaxing, I prepared for my next adventures. I would need some good rest, as the next day was set to be quite arduous…

 
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