Manx day

We had a poor night's sleep due to the heat of the hotel room. N turned off the huge radiator in the bathroom, that took hours to cool down. L opened windows and curtains and switched on a fan but even so there was little sleep. Once we did fall asleep, we needed extra time in bed so the promised swim never materialised.

We had a full breakfast in the hotel and drove 6 mins to Catherine's large house where she gave us tea and we talked and talked, especially about the sad story of her beloved husband Dave, who died suffering from motor neurone disease during Covid. 

Then Nic drove us half an hour to Gansey where we had a delicious lunch of poached eggs and brunch specials. Then we drove down a coast path to the bench dedicated to Dave, a spot where Catherine and he often had picnics with the grandchildren. 

Once we got back to Douglas we dropped her off and had a couple of hours rest in the hotel. Then we walked to a nearby restaurant to meet Catherine again for an expensive dinner, chicken or fish and chips.

During the day we heard a lot about the other families of the 14 Irish siblings and goings on in Athy and Preston between the 'Fighting Flanagans' of the Kane clan. There was too much to write down and we didn't record anything.

Finally she got a taxi home, amid many hugs and promises to keep in touch. Now we are in bed early for our v early start tomorrow.