Mullagh bog Jaguar XJS er turrys Ellan Vannin 2018

The weather was calm as 5 cars arrived to sunshine

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And were all carefully brought off the boat

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Took the long route up to the Ramsey Park Hotel and had to re-group at Glen Helen

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Saturday, the intrepid adventurers awoke to beautiful sunshine in Ramsey, so hoods were taken down and cars prepared for the run across the mountain to the Pit Lane in Douglas. Unbeknownst to all Manannan’s Cloak was descending across the hills and the east of the island, with the arrival of some rain around the Goose Neck on the Mountain Course. The cars were holding tight behind the leader (me) to ensure bends were found and negotiated.

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Hoods were hurriedly replaced and the cars lined up.

Heading south, the Cloak continued to become thicker and all waved and and said hello to the fairies. Arriving at the Sound late morning for coffee and some nice cake, all cars aligned together. Not something the Isle of Man sees many of – 6 soft top xjs together.

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After light refreshments we headed to Port Erin, the Cloak starting to lift and parked along the Promenade by the beach.

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The group split to explore the delights of Port Erin (or should that be over dose on Ice Cream)

True to the islands natural favour for the West and North, we headed up to Peel, by the time we passed through Foxdale, the sun was shining and temperatures were improving. All were left to explore Peel on foot to see the delights of the the Castle, harbour and Marina.

Saturday evening saw the group meet up for a meal at the Ramsey Park Hotel, with 15 sitting down to eat and have a few drinks.

Sunday saw our date with the Lady Isabella (the Laxey Wheel), the largest working water wheel in the world. Thanks must go out to Manx National Heritage who allowed us to use the space just below the wheel for our cars as the car park was filling fast because of the weather – Another glorious day.

Derek very kindly was waving the flag for the Soft Tops.

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Six cars were lined up in front.

Front Row – John Bevan (local JEC Member and fellow Cabriolet owner), Laurence Jones and Chris Hobbs (local JEC Member and Convertible owner)

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Second Row – Gary Scott, Stephen Plummer and Jon Scales

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It was now time for lunch, so we headed down to the Mines Tavern and squeezed 7 or so cars in their compact car park. Angie at the Mines provided a very splendid BBQ, which others were asking if they could join in with, only to be told it was a private function.

Laurence took on the Manx spirit and applied his own form of the three legs.

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Which Ever Way You Throw Us, We Will Always Land On Our Feet!

Sunday afternoon saw us take a gentle amble up North, re-grouping at the hotel and heading up to Chris Kelly’s, who had kindly invited us to see his cars. Meeting in Andreas with the Manx Classic Car Club.

Sunday evening 5 of us went down to Peel to the Beltane Festival (Manx Fire Festival) to see the dance of Winter and Summer. The skies were clear and the sunset behind Peel castle amazing.

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Eating fish and chips on a bench along the Promenade and watching the Firework Finale.

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