Saturday 17th December 2011

Dave arrived and we were both without any inspiration as to where to go. It was cold, grey, a little windy and with a promise of wintry showers. After a bit of discussion we decided to head into the Curraghs as it was usually sheltered there. For a change, we would park at Close Sartfield and walk the roads in a loop to end up back at the car. We would include a diversion to see if we could see Wallaby en route.

We started getting our stuff out of the car and had our first wintry shower. We jumped back into the car and waited for the hail to stop. Dave declared that the weather was being blown from behind us and, there was better weather behind the hail so, when it stopped we set out on our walk. As we arrived at Penny Holdings another wintry shower started. No car to jump into this time! We walked under the trees which gave some shelter. There was very little to be seen, the wildlife was probably sensibly tucked away somewhere. Eventually, we arrived back at the car having seen one Wallaby (distant views and, that poor light we would have needed arc lights to get a shot) and having taken one picture.

As there had been reports of fresh snowfall on the Mountain Road, we decided to head up Sulby Glen to see if we could get any pictures. As we got our first view of Snaefell, it wasn't looking promising. We drove to the Bungalow anyway but, nothing. We decided to head back down to Sulby reservoir to eat our lunch and plan our afternoon.

A few weeks ago, an article in Manx Tails had mentioned some ruins in Tholt-y-Whil plantation so, over lunch we decided we would see if we could find them. However, the sun went in, the hail started and we soon decided it was a bad idea. We headed back down the glen and towards Ramsey and noticed it was looking bright out towards Maughold so, that is where we headed next.

As we were driving towards Port Mooar, we saw ominous clouds over Snaefell so, decided to park at Port Mooar then walk back up the road to see if we could get pictures.

As we walked back towards the car, the sun started shining over a field with some sheep in

We then headed over to Ballaglass, via the Quaker burial site. On arrival we noticed some new gate posts so that you can now get into the field beyond it. There is a partially built structure (which is going to have seats in) looking over what looks like earthworks. There are also lovely views to be had across to Maughold Head and looking south.

As we carried on towards Ballaglass, we stopped for a picture of the ridge from North Barrule to Snaefell

We parked up at Ballaglass and went for a walk through a rather muddy glen. No ND filters required today to get slow shutter speeds but, very little light for shots without a tripod

By the time we returned to the car the sun had set and it was getting dark so, we headed home to sit in front of a nice log fire with a cup of coffee.