verticalzero Posted July 6, 2008 Share Posted July 6, 2008 Since living only 35 miles from the sea we drove to Southsea yesterday (South coast of England) http://www.clarencepier.co.uk/contact.html and spent a lovely day on the I.O.W, walking, playing crazy Golf, rode a mini coaster, a S.D.C Galaxi model and enjoyed the summer sun. There are a few ways to travel to the Isle of Wight or I.O.W. Ferry, Seacat or Hover Craft. As we were not taking the car we took the Hovercraft, which only takes 10 mins from the mainland, See below for details: http://www.hovertravel.co.uk/ The I.O.W. is a small island just off the south coast of England. Its shape resembles a diamond, some 13 miles north to south and 23 East to West, and covers 147 square miles. Due to its separation from mainland UK it has developed a unique character & culture. It is a much loved holiday destination. The I.O.W. has a special magic for all ages. The island is unique; the locals have their own way of doing things just that little bit different from the mainland. Arrived at Ryde which has a connection to the Island's Railway, they operate old London Underground 1970/80's trains, since the track is "jointed" and the seats are soft, hitting 45m.p.h. top speed everyone gets a "bouncy" ride, even a bit of if you take your feet off the wooden floor. The train line is not to long and takes 15 mins to reach the end of the line town which is called Shanklin, Spent a few hours walking round the area, checked out the beach and some local attractions, decided to walk along the seafront to Sandown which is about 2 miles. Had an hour or so on the pier and walked to a park called “Sandham Rides”, they have an Schiff / Kiddie Coaster (Park Model) which I rode, it’s not the biggest type of kiddies coaster but fun. Caught the train back to Ryde, had a walk round the shops and saw a road legal buggy / Quad for people to hire for the day. Could try that for our next visit to the Island or hire a Convertible car for £50 for the whole day. Looked in the local, unique shops and found a crazy golf course by the marina, I scored 36 and the park’s course was 32. Not bad since I can’t play golf properly. Returned to Southsea via the hovercraft service. At Clarence Pier they have a 27-year-old SDC Model coaster called “Skyways”, the ride is not themed at all only has strip lights above the entrance. The cars look cute, runs on nylon wheels so it’s a smooth ride. The only downside is the 6 “trims” situated along the course, they don’t slow the train down too much but it takes the enjoyment out of travelling round the circuit at full speed. Otherwise a fun ride, fast helix’s and would make a good “back garden” coaster if you have the room. I recon the ride would be better if they added “chaser” lights up the lift-hill, a few flags on the turn-around and cover the 1st and 2nd drops with tunnels complete with “fog” n “LCD lights”. Enjoy the pictures: Nice looking cars Looking into the station and the brake run "Skyways" station Other end of "Skyways" "Skyways" at Clarence Pier Final hole, took 2 shots to sink the ball 9th hole Crazy Golf Quad / Buggy for hire... If you don't buy something fron this shop you get eaten Train / leading car Very small bunny hop Schiff / Kiddie Coaster called "Mine Train" Sandown Pier, Has a well themed indoor crazy golf couse with added "dim" lights effect Sea and headland shot Beach Huts local road signs local road sign local road signs Perfect sandy beach Sea looks so tempting to dive in Inside look, complete with "soft bouncy seats". Ex-London Underground Stock Over the mud flats at Ryde and into the sea Ready to skim the waves Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bloodfalls Posted July 6, 2008 Share Posted July 6, 2008 Thanks for the report - I enjoyed it. I live in Bursledon and have been to the IOW a few times. I never knew Ryde had Underground trains, though - that's cool! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
printersdevil78 Posted July 6, 2008 Share Posted July 6, 2008 This looks like a really neat place. Thanks for posting it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlibBlab Posted July 6, 2008 Share Posted July 6, 2008 Awesome photos dude. Reminds me of when I used to go with my parents over to IOW when i was younger. Great stuff. Hope you had fun Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bovinejumpsuit Posted July 6, 2008 Share Posted July 6, 2008 no bonus Southsea pier photos? I for one am disappointed. Also I haven't been on the hovercraft for years. This upsets me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
verticalzero Posted July 7, 2008 Author Share Posted July 7, 2008 no bonus Southsea pier photos? I for one am disappointed. Also I haven't been on the hovercraft for years. This upsets me The Pier has a "Disk-o", A Scrambler, an "extreme" flat ride and a mega fast Waltzer. I was pushed for time and did not want to photo anything else on the pier apart from the coaster. If you have not been on a hovercraft for years, why can't you arrange a day out Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheRapidsNerd Posted July 8, 2008 Share Posted July 8, 2008 Neat to see this area, and the hovercraft. Love the "Ome Made Cakes". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluea61 Posted July 8, 2008 Share Posted July 8, 2008 We were over on the IOW on Saturday, and we also did Sandham Rides. There was a group of us riding the coaster and riding the super polished Astroglide. Maybe we saw you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bovinejumpsuit Posted July 10, 2008 Share Posted July 10, 2008 no bonus Southsea pier photos? I for one am disappointed. Also I haven't been on the hovercraft for years. This upsets me The Pier has a "Disk-o", A Scrambler, an "extreme" flat ride and a mega fast Waltzer. I was pushed for time and did not want to photo anything else on the pier apart from the coaster. If you have not been on a hovercraft for years, why can't you arrange a day out Moved away from Portsmouth. Might have to look into it when It finally warms up, how much is it nowadays? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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