From Rookley Country Park in February

For the first time since Isle of Wight Review was launched I am actually blogging from the Isle of Wight. To be precise, from Rookley Country Park where, like everywhere else in the UK at the moment, it is darned cold.

We arrived Sunday evening and shortly afterwards ventured to the Midnight Bar when an in-house karaoke was in full swing. However the room was half-empty and the bar itself closed, with customers having to make their purchases from the restaurant bar and walk them through.

On the Monday though the half-termers arrived in force, and the last two nights have seen us struggle to find a seat. However the winter bar arrangements remain in force, I'm told so as to save on the cost of an additional member of staff. I would guess that on other weeks this would be a prudent economy, but on this week in particular it is a bit of a pain, although the staff that are on are extremely pleasant and efficient.

Another discovery I have made is that Simon (Elvis to some), mine host the last time we stayed here (November 2008), has now moved on to pastures new. I sensed there was a story to be told about this, but as yet I don't know what it is.

Fishing on Monday was a bit of a damp squib with only two modest tench reporting present, but that's to be expected at the time of year. It's still a pleasure to be away on the Island in spite of the cold air and the closed shops.

More to follow when family time allows for it.