top of page
Search

Trams, travel and a Portuguese Adventure.

Writer: Christine Collister
Christine Collister
Sep 27
4 min read

Blog Post No. 9 September 2026


I’m writing this month’s blog from Seat 3D (right at the front!) on a FlixBus from Castelo Branco in central Portugal. Bob and I have spent the last ten days staying with our good friend John Davis in his gorgeous home in Lauriçal do Campo-Torre. What a ride it’s been.

Before I catch you up on our Portuguese adventures, I’ll just fill you in on the beginning of September back on the tiny isle.


At the beginning of the month, after several hikes around the island with our good friends Claire and Steve over the summer, Bob and I felt confident enough to take ourselves on a hike from the tram tracks at Dhoon Glen, on the east coast, down to the beach. It’s a steep, ragged pathway through lush, moss-covered trees and lots of waterfalls, over wonky wooden bridges that need a bit of TLC, following the river as it twists and turns down to the pebble beach at the far end. We loved it. The trek back is a bit daunting, but with plenty of stops to look at the gorgeous views, we took it in our stride. Our treat at the end was a game of Scrabble, sat at a picnic table in the sunshine. I’m not saying who won!



It was Bob’s birthday on September 9th, so we took a bus to Ramsey to have brunch at our favourite café, White Tiger — delicious! We then took the electric tram to Laxey, sauntered down to the beach, had cake and coffee, and another game of Scrabble, then wandered back to grab another tram to Douglas. The weather was perfect. A great way to celebrate a wonderful human!!


Here's a REEL of Bob's birthday celebrations.


We left the island several days earlier than necessary, just in case of weather or other travel challenges (living on an island gives us the nous to have back-up plans!). It gave us the opportunity to see our dear friend Diane — she who lives in a black windmill! Always a treat. From there, we drove to Stansted Airport early on September 16th, dropped the car (with all our tour gear!!) in the long-stay car park and checked in for our flight to Porto.

Bob has known John since 1981; in fact, John met Bob through Bob’s brother Mick way back then. Both John and Bob have been involved in many business adventures, especially in music. They also share the same ridiculous sense of humour, which makes for a very entertaining experience! We have laughed and laughed, and will no doubt continue laughing as we remember our wonderful holiday.


John and his girlfriend Beryl picked us up from Porto. We arrived in Lauriçal after 10.30pm, so the spectacular countryside was a great reveal the following day. I won’t give you a blow-by-blow account of all our adventures, but I will try to capture much of it in photos and video. I'll share a sprinkling of what we did, including river dips and visits to phenomenal, culturally rich places like Monsanto, Alpedrinha, the Estrela Mountains and Poço de Boca.


Here's a REEL of some of those adventures.


Interspersed between these gorgeous excursions, we attended two birthday parties and ate at a fabulous 600-year-old mansion owned by friends of John’s, who invited us to a private, beautiful and delicious Indian meal, even though our hosts were away in Canada at the time. There were numerous lunches and coffee stops, and John invited me to add backing vocals to some of his latest songs — always a privilege and a pleasure. The weather was great; temperatures soared to 37°C on a couple of days, but we always found shade. I read several books, did loads of arty doodles and paintings; I even created a birthday card for Beryl, which she loved — not necessarily for the art, but for the personal nature of a handmade offering.


Here is this month's video/song - images from Portugal accompanied by Skin Deerp, an original song taken from Under Construction II.



I didn’t practise nearly as much as I promised myself I would, but I’m ready for rehearsals with Dave Kelly. Our first gig is this coming Friday in Kinross, Scotland! There are a number of new-to-me venues on this tour, including Chelsea Pheasantry Pizza Express on October 7th, Sutton’s The Sound Lounge on the 8th, and Darenth St Margaret’s Church on the 10th (ticket enquiries: darenthchurchevents@gmail.com), which will also be our final show with Pete Filleul. It’s all lining up to be a wonderful tour. We hope you can make at least one show, and if you know anyone who would love a magical, musical night out, do share the info with them. Thanks!


OK, I think that’s all I have for you this month. Thanks, as always, for stopping by to see what’s happening in my world.


Till next time, stay well, be curious and keep rising above the turbulence!

Much love and endless blessings.

Christine x

 
 
 

Walks and Creative wandering

Writer: Christine Collister
Christine Collister
Aug 28
6 min read

Blog Post No. 8, August 2026


What to tell this month? Some wonderful walks, days out, a couple of saunas a few more dips, a lot of writing and ruminating, and some reminiscing. Let’s dive in!


Way back at the beginning of the month, Bob and I went on a second hike with our fabulous friends Claire and Steve. This time, we drove to Laxey (famous for its giant waterwheel), took an electric tram to the Bungalow (halfway to the top of Snaefell on the TT Races Mountain Road) and, after coffee and fresh, straight-out-of-the-oven scones with jam and cream at The Victory Cafe, hiked over heather-strewn hills, past old abandoned mineshafts, adits and tumbled-down buildings. With sheep, streams and ankle-jarring rocky walkways all around us, we wended our way back to Laxey through the old village of Agneash, and past the great Lady Isabella — the waterwheel — herself. Of course, we picnicked along the way. This walk, unlike the first, was all downhill and much easier not only on my little untrained legs, but also on my it’s-too-hard-for-me fitness-challenged psyche. The walk was, however, every bit as delightful and satisfying as the first hike last month.



Look, here’s a REEL .


I also took numerous early-morning walks, mostly with my dear friend Rosemary, along Marine Drive in Douglas. They brought more stunning scenery and a slow but growing sense of fitness. Unfortunately, as with many times in my life when I attempt to get fit, these episodes become more random and uncoordinated, so that once Rosemary left for a week or so, my commitment left with her… And although I’ve done maybe a couple of early-morning walks on my own, I’ve pretty much lost the thread and done very little since. But I’ll get back to it! Obviously, I’m talking to myself :-) x



In “musical” news, I was invited to sing with a choir at Peel Cathedral to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Mothers’ Union. The invitation came through Anne Corlett, the lovely woman of the couple who bought Mum and Dad’s house in 2024 — stay with me. Anne is a delightful person and happens to be the President of the Mothers’ Union here on the Isle of Man. She texted me to ask if I would sing with the Together Gospel choir, especially pulled together for the occasion. I asked what they were singing before committing… ;-) x


Oh Happy Day was the song that hooked me in. I’m not, as I’m very fond of saying, a religious person, but I love this track from the 1960s, and to sing with a choir in a cathedral, no less, is a joy and a privilege. Let me tell you, the congregation were a little stunned when we finished! It was a wonderful experience all round. My thanks to Sarah for letting me share her phone footage, Anne for asking in the first place, and Janet McDowell — the fabulous choirmistress who pulled it all together.



Every Thursday this month, Bob and I have given ourselves the joy of a day out. One such Thursday brought us south to the Sound, a beautiful spot. It was a sparkling day, and the tide was at its fullest when we arrived. Bob and I sat overlooking the Sound and the Calf of Man, watching happy, fat seals play in the fast-flowing tidal water. Oh, to be a seal!


From there, we drove across to Port Erin, sat by the beach and played Travel Scrabble! It’s become our favourite pastime this summer. I won’t say who won :-) x From there, we drove the short, winding back road to Fleshwick Bay, the scene of a favourite childhood

memory.



A long time ago, I was on another outing, this time with my friend Claire (one half of our hiking partners) and her family. It was a perfectly still, sunny summer day when we were about eleven. The place was already packed by the time we arrived, and we had to scramble over rocks and past families well established with picnic blankets and fold-away chairs to find a spot to sit. But the amazing thing that still lives vividly in my memory was the water in the little bay, which was chock-a-block with white and pink-tinged jellyfish! Hundreds of them, floating as if stuck together, in what I now know is called a bloom. No one got in the water that day, even though it was a scorcher, but it was the most wonderful sight!


Bob and I have also visited Ramsey and Ballaglass Glen, and our third proper trek with Claire and Steve took place around the headland at Maughold, taking in the old church, graveyard and an ancient holy well. It was a short walk in comparison to the first two. The world was still warm and sunny then, and there was the promise of a dip and a sauna in Laxey at the end — my life is a fairytale at the moment!



In between all this walking and sightseeing, I’ve been diligently writing up a storm at Cycle 360, Noa on the Quay, or outdoors at Archallagan and Niarbyl, I found myself dipping into some lovely surreal storytelling, where I travelled below an ancient tree and met a gorgeous black, furry, mouse-like creature who called herself Cordelia. We had twelve adventures together. We had adventures in lush tropical landscapes, beautiful forests and, one day, a vast desert; colourful wooden boats; rivers; mountains; beaches; moss-covered stones and trees; with a lot of spiritual philosophising and encounters with my younger self. It’s been quite the ride.


I have no idea how it helps me find a musical thread, but I have to say I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the creative escapades. I’m calling it part of the process. I may yet revisit this wonderful inner space, but for now it’s reached a happy conclusion, and I’m back mining for another rich seam of something… as yet to be found.


I’ve also taken to doodling — yes, that’s right, doodling — but in the manner of Zen Doodles or Doodle Art, which apparently is a thing. I don’t know if you recall, but when Bob and I were visiting Bali earlier this year, I started a daily watercolour practice. Anyway, this is along the same lines, if you’ll pardon the pun. I’m letting myself doodle for fun and to see how it might help open new synapses in my brain, allowing odd ideas to float surreptitiously into my creative catchment area. It’s all part of the process — there’s that word again.

Here, take a look — see what I mean? They’re fun… and, well, rather lovely. What do you think?



In a more musically, productive and focused way, I’ve started practising the songs Dave Kelly and I will be performing in October. And for four shows, we’ll be a trio! Pete Filleul has agreed to join us for the fun of it, from the 7th to the 10th of October. How exciting! It’s becoming less and less likely we’ll have a new recording to offer, as Dave is a very much-in-demand busy man, but it’s not off the table altogether — yet. The gigs themselves will be fab. GIG info HERE.


Our final walk of the month was last weekend in the south of the island. The Manx Grand Prix has been in full swing this past week or so and, as with all things organised that need fair weather here on the tiny isle, the weather turned most decidedly in the wrong direction as soon as the practices began. From stunning, still, sunny days, we were whipped into windswept, dark, rain-filled cloudiness. C’est la vie.

The thirty-seven-and-a-half-mile course, which is closed during practice and racing, cuts off much of the middle and north of the island, so going south is the most practical thing to do.



Steve captains our hiking adventures and is a font of fabulous, little-known local facts along the trails we’ve trekked. Last Sunday — August 23rd — he took us on a walk from Bradda Head Glen, starting in Port Erin, hiking up over beautiful, high, rugged cliffs, and down some very steep, sloping sheep tracks — down, down, and down some more — to Fleshwick Bay. Not a jellyfish in sight! We picnicked in the lee of an old drystone wall, out of the fierce headwind that made picnicking in the bay impossible, before completing the circle back to Port Erin. The whole experience was thrilling. We’ve loved these walks.

I’ve edited a video from footage taken on our hikes this month, using a song co-written and produced with Rob Laufer in 2015 to accompany the visuals. At that time, Bob and I visited Los Angeles regularly. Rob and I wrote four songs together that summer. I’ve never known what to do with them. They’re really good. He’s fabulous! Hope you like this one — Everyone Knows.



Before I sign off this month, I have some very sad news to share. A wonderful local singer, Anna Goldsmith, whom I performed with here on the island, alongside Christy DeHaven about fifteen years ago, died suddenly after a short illness. She was only forty-eight. Christy put together a wonderful podcast including some of her fabulous music, to celebrate her life — HERE.



Anna was an exceptional singer, songwriter and live performer, and a brilliant mover and shaker in the Civil Service here on the island. She was also a kind, generous, warm and very funny woman. We made some beautiful music together. Her family, friends and fans will miss her greatly. She was a one-off. Rest in peace, gorgeous goddess.


Till next time, sweet reader, stay well, be curious and keep rising above the turbulence.


Much love,

Christine x

 
 
 

The Long Way Round

Writer: Christine Collister
Christine Collister
Jul 27
4 min read

Blog Post No. 7 – July 2026


The end of July is fast approaching, and I’m trying to recall all this month has brought. The highs and lows? I’m back working at the funky “workspace” cafés I frequented last summer. I don’t have the same urgency as then, when I needed to create and complete many videos for my solo tour last September. This time, I’m pondering possibilities. Searching, digging, opening myself up to receive a coherent theme to work some magic around. So far… it’s a bit sludgy. It’s not that I’m not doing anything, but the results are patchy, to say the least.


Creating anything is a fine line between endeavouring to connect with the flow of things and not controlling the outcome. It’s a conundrum, for sure. I have written several pieces that might be labelled poems, but they don’t really lead anywhere. I still have to remind myself that this is all part of the journey and that, regardless of perceived outcomes, it’s necessary in order to find something authentic and inspiring – to me, first and foremost. If, or when, I find that connection, then there’s more chance of anyone listening, reading or looking at my creative efforts once they come to fruition. (I’m talking to myself here, obviously! 😊) Then there’s more likelihood that they, too, will find something to feel good about. It’s a maze, a winding labyrinth – an adventure! Your continued support is always appreciated – thank you! And on I go.


Apart from the creative coalface, I’ve enjoyed many sauna/dips, both at Laxey and Fenella Beach. I can report that the sea temperature this month has been fab-u-lous – averaging around 15°C! Although it has to be said, the temperature at Fenella remains much colder than on the east coast. Our lovely sauna-man from Green Creek Hut Saunas, Nick, recently informed me that the difference is because the water off the west coast is deeper and faster-flowing than on the east coast. I also learned that the tides can differ by a metre on either side of the Island. Who knew?! Our tiny rock affects the Irish Sea in ways I was completely unaware of. Whatever the sea is doing, I love it completely!


Perhaps the highlight for me this month was a wonderful hike from Black Hut, near Snaefell, to North Barrule with our friends Claire and Steve. We’ve been threatening to do this amazing walk for more than twenty years! I am not the fittest person. I’ve lost the habit of daily physical effort for better health. I know I should, and I know it takes very little effort to feel the rewards, but I simply haven’t found the wherewithal required to commit. Making the decision is always the hardest part.


As we got ready on Sunday morning, my mental approach was, “Well, I’ll just go back to the car and wait for everyone if I can’t make it. I don’t have to do the whole trek.” To put my bad attitude into perspective, we met a couple of walkers – two women, one in her seventies – running back from the heady heights of our goal. They were running! And chatting as they ran. And smiling! It certainly gave me food for thought and kicked my bad attitude to the kerb.


It was the perfect day for a hike. The sun was out but not scorching. Cloud cover drifted across at just the right moments after particularly effortful hill climbs, cooling us down brilliantly; then the sun reappeared each time before cool became cold. And the views! Oh, my Goddess! They are spectacular – absolutely breathtaking. My mental battle rumbled on all the way to the final hilltop. The sense of satisfaction was the best reward.



Once at North Barrule, we plonked down on the side of the hill overlooking Maughold and Glen Mona on the east coast, and tucked into a delicious picnic. My hard-boiled egg with sea salt never tasted so good! The walk back was a doddle. And to top it all off, I had the most fantastic sauna/dip at Laxey a few hours later. I’m certain it helped ease my aches and pains from all that hill climbing earlier in the day. I still felt the effects for several days afterwards – just not as badly as I’d anticipated. Oh, my creaking bones!


Apart from that, as I mentioned, it’s been mostly tentative steps towards something new, as yet undefined. Bob and I have rekindled our love of Scrabble, and my sister Diane has joined us several times. Yesterday she thrashed the pair of us in no uncertain terms – two (two!) seven-letter words, and the “Q” placed on a triple-letter score, forming two words! I mean, that’s amazing.


I have plenty of songs to practise for the tour with Dave Kelly in October… all in good time. And there’s the possibility of a trip to Portugal before then – fingers crossed! I can dream. :-)


This month’s song/video is a montage of a walk to Port Jack and our mahoosive hike to North Barrule, accompanied by a demo of a song called Nurtured By Nature. I co-wrote it with Steve Lima many moons ago. Steve now lives in Portugal.



I trust you are all thriving in your own inimitable way. Thanks, as ever, for dropping by to see how life is for me on the tiny isle. I do appreciate you – very much.


Till next time, stay well, be curious and keep rising above the turbulence.


Endless blessings and much love,


Christine x

 
 
 
BLOG
bottom of page