The excitement started early with me rolling into the ferry terminal at 10.10am when the latest check-in time was 10.05am
It might have been my charm or more likely pity for the idiot hill billy but either way they let me on and the look of relief (I think it was relief) on Chews face when I tapped him on the shoulder was almost worth missing the ferry for 
First night and the first plantation ... we were discovered by a dog and its bemused owner in the morning.
There's quite a relaxed attitude to shared access, this is part of the coastal path which no one seemed to mind us riding.
If we'd arrived later, this would have been our overnight accommodation - unlocked, clean and dry.
Most evenings saw us head for the hills. This is our return from the old mines below Snaefell to Laxy for breakfast.
Yes, we did see plenty of racing ... the Classic 500 class making its way up the mountain.
I'm happy to report that we found some very Welsh tracks and bridleways ... this one was far too slippery to consider riding and shortly afterwards transformed into a proper stream
We didn't spend every night in a plantation but this one was very good and meant another descent towards breakfast.
All in all a great trip, thanks to Chew for agreeing to come and for putting up with me
