Ruta's Ramblings: Sunny.

It's been a glorious day, warm and sunny, perfect summer weather. I haven't done much at all, just a little weeding, the holiday washing and looking through all the photos I took while we were away before sitting outside to enjoy the sun.

Tuesday - We had an early start having to be at the shipping office in Bideford by 8.00. The holiday feeling started straight away as we waited with a crowd of people (263 to be exact) eagerly anticipating their visit/holiday on Lundy. Bags and backpacks were piled around the place, some festooned with ropes and climbing clips. We handed our bags over to be placed in big wooden crates which were hoist 2 at a time into the Oldenberg's hold. There were also 2 crates of chickens, water and general supplies bound for the island. We had got ourselves into the boarding queue quite early so that we could secure seats on the top deck on the side where we would have views of Saunton Sands and the mainland before heading across the 12 miles to Lundy. The journey commenced over seas with a gentle swell, having taken a travel tablet I would have preferred more of a bounce. Over an hour later the most exciting things were the sight of Manx Shearwaters doing their water skimming and a lone seal that bobbed up to look at us. Suddenly there was excitement from the people on the other side of the ship. Dolphins had been spotted! I stood up and was thrilled to see a small pod of about 5 dolphins in the mid-distance, some of them leaping out of the water together. Then some dolphins appeared on our side, again in the mid-distance and one leapt vertically out of the water several times. This was amazing enough when one of the pods appeared very close to the ship on our side. 3 dolphins swam across the bow of the ship and another swam along the length of the ship no more than 20 feet away. To finish off the truely thrilling experience we saw a pod of at least 20 dolphins in the distance. Before landing we given some information over the loudspeaker including mind the ponies, they can bite and don't fall off the cliffs - there are no warning signs.

At last we chugged our way to the jetty at the bottom of the only road (if you can call it that) that goes from the top of the island down to sea level.

The sun was shining and the day was hot as we began the long trudge up the hill. Being determined to prove we were fit and capable we took the quicker but much steeper route up the steps past Millcombe House. As we still had our backpacks and were wearing jackets and walking boots we were more than a little hot and bothered by the time we had climbed the 400 feet to the village. Because the properties need to be made ready there is an understandable but slightly tedious wait until you can go in. We spent our time waiting in the picnic field almost too hot and bothered to go into the Marisco Tavern for a cup of tea or a drink. I wandered up to the shop and bought some postcards, Lundy stamps and an ice cream.

Eventually we were able to go to our home for the next few days, Old House North (through the archway on the left). Originally it had been part of the farm house later converted to a hotel and now converted into self-catering accommodation.

There were 6 properties all opening onto 'the square'. Inside we had a compact but very well appointed kitchen. Most of the plates and other tableware were in a beautiful antique cupboard in the sitting room (all the furniture were most delightful antiques) but it took me a long time to locate the cutlery. Fancy disguising drawers as part of the structure just under the counter tops.

The sitting room had everything we needed, 2 comfy chairs, a round dining table, a sea chest full of games and puzzles and a round dining table. We did re-arrange the furniture so that the table was next to the window and both armchairs had a window view. At that point a cup of tea was most welcome and I browsed the log book. Many of the entries were short, of the had a wonderful time, enjoyed the peace and tranquility, hope you do too type. Naturally my subsequent entries were on the longer side. It was surprising, though maybe not, how many people had been there to celebrate their 60th birthday. There were also references to Norman the pygmy shrew that lived in the cottage: the things he liked to eat- Hobnob biscuits & cheese and where he lived - under the skirting board by the wood burner. I'm sure that when we stayed in Stoneycroft the pygmy shrew there was also called Norman. Naturally I put out food and cake and cheese disappeared pretty quickly. I did see Norman later on and he/she is very fat and had to scrabble hard to squeeze under the door to the understairs cupboard. Despite the stone walls and the old fashioned look to the place it was also beautifully warm with the central heating running, on the lowest setting, all the time. That made it very pleasant to walk around with bare feet on the polished wooden floors.

This was the view from the sitting room and our bedroom upstairs - stunning. We had to wait a while until our luggage arrived and we were able to unpack.