So when planning what to do on my holidays from work, came up with a road trip to Portsmouth and isle of wight.
Also the fact of continuing on with tracking down more Zoltar machines. Reportedly supposed to be 1 in Portsmouth and Isle of wight. Looked at things to do for free or not a lot. Saw some Musuems and Southsea Rock Garden.
It just so happened it was in the middle of the heatwave, so like 34C so the Travelodge room was hot, despite the welcome fan. The first day we did almost 24,000 steps. Exploring along the beachfront, Southsea Rock Garden and the Round Tower.
Unfortunately Zoltar was no longer on the Pier, the person working there said about 4 years ago. We looked at the shops town centre at that end. Making our way back to the car park near Clarence Pier. This too did not have any Zoltar machine.
Made our way along the other side, towards Spinnaker Tower and the Round Tower site. Lots of walking to find a dead end, to a very long diversion around the docks. Finally reached the Outlet where Spinnaker Tower is located.
It wasn’t very busy at the Tower, thankfully just a few people at the top. You first watch a short video about the history of Portsmouth. The lift operator said it takes just 30 seconds to reach the top. Exit at the Glass floor observation deck. Where you can walk over the panel. Look at views across Portsmouth and towards the Isle of Wight.
You can also walk further up the stairs to the Sky Garden a Green like space with air con and more views. As you ascend their are facts about the Tower and construction. As well as Tower heights on the Stairs from around the world.
Their is a cafe too on the higher level, plus a gift shop at the base.
After a long day of walking took a short break with a well deserved 🍦 🍨 even got some reduced sandwiches in Tesco for lunch the next day. As I brought along a small mini fridge for the room. It would seem I’m never far away from a Yellowstickers buy.
After our quick frozen snack, made the long walk back to the car and went off to check the Town centre out.
In the more modern Town centre, got myself a hat and sunglasses as was hot. Downside to being later in the day, some shops were getting ready to close. And then back to the Hotel room.
The 2nd day was going to the Isle of Wight.
We had to drive into town and park near the Ferry terminal, we got there early to be safe.
Though a little too early, thankfully they let us on the earlier service. Sat on the sun deck and enjoyed the short cruise. Arrived at Ryde pier and walked the long pier back to mainland.
1st job was to find Zoltar! Having no map went along the beachfront hoping. Came across some amusement arcades, and there he was! A modern one rather than the American ones. After receiving our wisdom and fortune, headed to explore Ryde Town Centre.
On a hill ! Lots of charity shops around and places eat, independent shops etc. Got some baked goodies from the bakery, Mr Blobby Biscuits, huge Chelsea Buns and Isle of Wight Donuts.
It was so Hot! Stopped to get some ice cold water in the co op. I spotted a mystery bag in BHF for £5 so got it was heavy. I made a video on my youtube so see my reaction over there!
We had tickets for the Isle of Wight Steam Train. So made our way yo the island line Train to smallbrook junction. As it was hot, was no Steam but a Diesel engine instead. We waited for a while then along came the Train. It goes through the island to 2 more stops, this one stopping at the next station to change. Was a little musuem and gift shop plus workshops etc and a place to eat. As their is only a limited timetable we had to get off to change our tickets. Then explored the station, but as the Train left for the next station, we missed it. So didn’t get to see the other station. It was also the last train, so waited for the train to take us back, then catch the island line back to Ryde.
There was a vintage coach Bus Musuem but we missed it for timing with the steam Train. It was still hot so had something to eat in the Pub in an old Castle. Decided on a pie and on the bar was a free water dispenser. This cold water felt like I was drinking the elixir of life, as I was so thirsty. Felt so refreshing and needed.
Then headed back early to the Ferry Terminal. Having spent most of the day there.
Headed back to the room to enjoy the baked goods, Mr Blobby Biscuit slightly worse for wear in the heat! The Chelsea/Belgian Buns were massive, like the size of my hand. Mum said i shouldn’t eat it all, I ate the lot lol 😅 😆 😋
I asked why they made Mr Blobby Biscuits, she didn’t really say. As i remember seeing Mr Blobby in the 90s. But no sign of him on the mainland. The Isle of Wight Donuts are a speciality, lightly spiced with some fruit inside.
It was decided to head home early, as the heat made it difficult to sleep, plus the hard bed and fan not doing much. I fashioned a Turban for my head from my Tshirt and wet it. Looking a bit like a Genie.
Asked on checkout if we could get refunded for the night we weren’t using, and we did so happy days.
We checked out a day early and visited the Portsmouth Musuem free to enter. We didn’t have time on the 1st day. Interesting local Musuem in an old barracks. Even spotted a Jolly Jack laughing sailor machine. In working order for 20p a go.
After that enjoyed the discount sandwiches i had got in the car, before heading on to Southampton on the way back. Had a look round the Town, and had dinner in Eds Easy Diner none left round here now.
Stopped at the welcome break on the way back home, managed to get a Greggs toogoodtogo bag and 2 of the new M&S strawberry Pistachio sandwiches reduced!
Most importantly the stop was needed, as leftover sliced cheese we had in the car had melted. I got in the car and the floor was all greasy and oily, won’t make that mistake again. Overestimated how much cheese would need for the sandwiches. Plus since I got the reduced Sarnies didn’t need it.
The car did smell of cheese for a while after that lol.
And that’s the trip
