Isle of Wight Camping

June 1980 - Epsom & District MCC

A few weeks after our Welsh Camping trip, a few of us decided to try another one somewhat closer to home and within reach of suitable hostelries and attractions (and preferably more pronounceable place names).

Most of the club had gone down at a more reasonable time of day, but a few of us had to wait until after work. Luckily it didn't take long for us to get from Surrey to the ferry terminal in Portsmouth and not much less time to wait for the next one and cross the Solent. This was the first time I had used a ferry on a bike run - but certainly not the last. While we were chugging across, a hovercraft ferry sped across in front of us - whatever happened to them?

After disembarking, we wandered around the island for a while before finding the campsite. Not too much time, obviously, there aren't that many roads down there.

While some of us explored the intricacies of the aforementioned hostelries, some of us decided on the tourist option and went to Blackgang Chine, an interesting touristy place that is always falling into the sea.

We returned to join the others, a couple of whom were in deep conversation regarding the functioning of SLR camera flashes! There followed a moderate amount of alcohol consumption and a bit of messing around in the grass back at the tents.

As far as I can recall, there were only the two nights there and I can't remember much in the way of inclement weather.

Phil Drackley - Phil the Spill