The end of our extended weekend line closure is almost in sight. However, having tired of the late start which buses mean, today Mr Spinks offered to drive part of the way allowing an earlier start. Set out for Taunton, arriving in good time for the 07:11 to Westbury. Noted that the weather was shaping up to be good during the short change for a Portsmouth Harbour bound train. Trains on this part of the route can be frustratingly busy, but whilst this one was well used it stayed fairly bearable throughout the trip to the coast. I hadn't quite made it to the Harbour on my last jaunt down this way, making it a good few years since I'd made this trip. Remembered my way on arrival despite some fairly major improvements at the Wightlink terminal in the last decade or so. A short and calm crossing of the Solent, with daring pleasure craft darting in front of our ship much of the way!

Not long to wait at Ryde Pier Head for the next Island Line service. I remember these units in smart Network SouthEast livery, but now they seem to have reverted to an historic London Transport red which suits them well enough. Difficult to spot the numbers on some of the stabled units however as we passed St John's Road depot. The first target was Smallbrook Junction. This rather basic station with no road or foot access exists only to serve the Isle of Wight Steam Railway which runs along side the electrified lines here. With a steam train waiting in the station, we purchased tickets from the pleasant staff and boarded a fine old Southern Railway third class compartment for the journey down to Wootton. The stock was superb - so often this is a stumbling block for preserved lines, but in this case the restoration was flawless. Now in danger of getting the characteristic half-sunburned face of the window-hanger, we made steady progress along the line to Havenstreet, the railway's main base, then to Wootton.

With a longer wait at Havenstreet on the return, we had a brief chance to see the small fleet of diesel locomotives on the line before heading back to Smallbrook Junction for the next down service to Shanklin. Thoroughly impressed by this small, but fantastically well run operation. Everything about the stock, the locos and the stations was tidy and detailed authentically. However the staff in particular were knowledgeable, polite and friendly - which isn't always the case on preserved railways! Soon onboard another tiny 483 unit and heading down the coast via Sandown. Brief lunch break here, and a chance to wander around the busy buy rather good little town centre. Quite a bit going on, with plenty of visitors today. Mr Spinks was slightly alarmed to find himself in a fish and chip shop where the unique selling point was a large photograph of the same shop burning down! After lunch, onto the next service bound for Ryde for a photo stop, including the impressive hovercraft at the adjoining terminal.

A short wait and time for coffee before boarding for the return crossing, and arriving back at Portsmouth Harbour. Our train was already waiting, along with a good few others at this surprisingly busy station, which I'm reminded once also boasted Crosscountry services shortly after privatisation. Boarded the unit, and we were soon heading back for Westbury. Here we had an extended wait in the amazing sunshine which we spent wandering down to the back of the depot and lounging about on the platform chatting until the Paignton-bound HST arrived. A very quick run via Castle Cary back to Taunton, where Mr Spinks handled the run back by road.

Not a huge mileage gathering run today, but a great day out which reminded me why I'd enjoyed my previous visit to the Isle of Wight so much. Very tempted to come back and explore more, particularly some of the lost railways in the area - perhaps at the end of the season when things are a little quieter.