A giant towers over the village and MB is injured.

 OMG...Never have we had rain like it! The noise woke us in the wee hours, the drumming on the roof sounded like us being under a waterfall. The roar was something else. It came in waves, we could hear it coming over and over again, So dark outside, impossible to see what was happening and at one point, did wonder if we were anywhere near to a river!  Needless to say, very little sleep was had until after 4 am when as suddenly as it had started, it stopped. More rain is forecast for the next few days. Looks like wet weather gear will be worn a lot from now on.

By the time we stirred, it was after 7 am and the dog walkers beginning to arrive. Breakfast was had and as the car park was filling up, thought it best to move on. With the iffy weather forecast, we made for an indoor attraction, Butterfly World nr Ryde.

Cost with a voucher was £15 for us both, quite a good price considering what was to see. The one disappointment was the butterfly house, very few were seen and those we did see hung from the netting mesh under a perspex ceiling.  But a small Italian garden with fish ponds and then into another Japanese style garden, with huge koa carp all waiting to be fed (feeding time was at 11.30 am) all helped to stem the initial disappointment. 

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I got to hold a corn snake, love the feel of snakes and no, contrary to belief, they are not slimy. The tarantula, though, I kept well away from, photographing it in its glass container where I felt safe. Other mini beasts were present, from stick insects to illusive frogs, leopard geckos and bearded dragons. 

 

We returned through the butterfly house in the hope that more butterflies would be seen. But nop, the numbers were poor, so I don't recommend going this time of year. It might be that it was just too cold, even though the house was heated, or not enough caterpillars. Either way, even with a free return in seven days, we won't be going again.

The next stop was to the model village at Godshill. Now that was definitely a great time waster. The entrance fee was £13 for two seniors, and we were given a quiz sheet to fill in. Well, kids at heart we took the sheet and for anyone visiting, young or old, it certainly makes you see things you would otherwise have missed. It was great fun, I think Ian really enjoyed it, especially as he wouldn't rest until the answer was found.  As per usual I took loads of photos but this one put the whole village in perspective. A giant among the little people.

That could be Ian and me on the bench. 😂

This was our favourite.

It was to a proper site for tonight, Borthwood Caravans, near to Sandown. More heavy rain and winds were forecast, and we felt it better to be somewhere a lot safer than under a load of trees. It also gave Ian the chance to have a look at the damage he did to MB. Leaving the car park this morning, he failed to notice a huge muddy mound and as he turned the wheel to reverse out, a horrible scraping noise was heard. Consequently, the bottom panel of MB (is it called the sleeve?) was pushed in, the back wheel arch also affected. It meant the rear wheel almost touched the arch, not good for the tyres, and occasionally a horrible sound was heard. Anyway, before we left the Butterfly World, Ian had a go at trying to pull the panel away from the arch. He did succeed to some extent, but maybe a panel beater will have to be found.