Postcards from the Isle of Man: The Manxman
The sun's out and we're on our way.
I’m writing the first postcard from the Isle of Man directly from the ferry. We set sail 20 minutes ago and we’re already almost out of sight of Lancashire—although Barrow In Furness is clinging to the horizon to our right. (Starboard? Is that right?) It’s turned out to be a beautiful day. We left in fog and rain and now the sky is bright enough to turn even the muddy sea around Morecambe Bay a respectable shade of blue. There are people in blankets, but it’s warm. I think they’re used to the horrendous conditions abord the Ben My Chree during more natural northwesterly weather.
Another benefit of not being on the Ben My Chree—I’ve got a seat. The bar on board the Manxman is just as bizarre and pleasant as I remember it, and I’m sat with a Guinness at a little round cabaret table surrounded by TT hats, jackets, and fleeces and the people they belong to. Almost everyone on board is travelling for the races, and we’ve already run out of Norseman lager, the local lager brewed by Bushy’s on the island. By the time we get to Douglas I’m sure we’ll be out of crisps too.
ITV are filming on-board, and despite running into them on the top deck I’ve managed to duck them so far. If I find out what they’re filming for, or if they end up cornering either me or Tom, I’ll let you know. Currently they’re right behind us talking to someone about Dean Harrison.
We’ll be arriving in Douglas this evening, missing the first day of practice, but just in time to crack open a bottle of Chablis at sunset that Tom hid in the van fridge before we left. What a guy. Managed to get the van finished in time for the trip, and brought excellent wine along too. Is there anything he can’t do? I’m especially excited about the fridge in the van. It’s so good. I’ve never had something so luxurious. Imagine—not having melted butter and warm cheese to make butties with before a day out! Milk that doesn’t go off in a day! Amazing, amazing.
If you’re interested in keeping up with “our” team, we’re with the Team Kibosh and WizNorton teams, and Shaun Anderson who’s racing. Check the TT Races X account for news, and keep a look out for these bikes:
I’m hoping that over the next couple of days I’ll have lots of time to send postcards, but I’ll also be updating the Substack chat/messageboard function more often with things I’ve enjoyed eating and drinking and seeing, so make sure you get the app if you can, and join in.
Slane Lhiu
Katie xox