New photographs from our adventure to the Isle of Wight

You make known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Psalm 16:11

As we continue to work our way through all the new photographs from the most recent edition of the ongoing “Great Adventures with Derek & Rebekah” series, I can’t help but wonder why it took me 66 years to finally make my way to the spectacular Isle of Wight. What a serendipitous place!

From the blustery ferry ride over, through the three days where constant rain was forecast (the weather, instead, turned beautiful), to the blustery trip back, our sojourn was marked, time and again, by unexpected blessings.

I especially loved standing on the ferry deck in the stiff wind, a hot cup of tea in my hand, watching somewhere new come into focus.

I know, it’s probably not common to think of the Isle of Wight as exotic, but I always think of new destinations as an adventure, even if I’m approaching them with a civilized cup of tea in one hand and a buttered scone in the other.

More Images of Victoria and Albert’s Osborne House:

*– Osborne House from the walk behind the “house”*

I could easily share 100 photographs of this amazing estate, but I will spare you and hit the highlights instead.

Prince Albert spared no effort in his commitment to making Osborne House the most splendid holiday retreat imaginable. Victoria loved the palace – and especially its association to Albert – so much that she spent more time there after his untimely death at the age of 42 than any other royal residence.

Personally, I would have favored something less elaborate! But, so long as I had an army of gardeners working for me, I would happily live in every beautiful acre of the extensive grounds (The tree Rebekah is standing by was placed there by Prince Albert in 1838).

So enjoy these new photographs. First, from the ferry ride to the island, and then from the magnificent Osborne House and gardens.

And, if you want to see more, refer back to my first reflections (Osborne House on the Isle of Wight) written just a few days ago on October 18.

And remember, keep your eyes open every day, because there is always inspiration to be had from this amazing world where we are privileged to live – DEREK