Sunny.

The sun returned today so Peter and I went off for a walk around Morte Point. It was unexpectedly crowded with walkers everywhere even up on the ridges, though I suppose after so many gloomy days we shouldn't have been surprised. Then when I thought about it the end of the school holidays also means a dramatic drop in the price of accommodation; self-catering, B&B, holiday parks and campsites of which there are many in the area, tempting those who don't need to stick to school holidays.

We did have some moments of peopleless views and we have to remember we are the lucky ones who can get to the coast at any time.

Now back to Lundy- Saturday, our final day. After getting our bags outside the property by 9.00 and ourselves out by 10.00 we set off for another long walk up the main track to the North Light.

This time we went down the steps to the lighthouse to where there are the remains of a metal track leading to the only other landing place on the island. This was only used when the lighthouse was manned or when the weather  made landing in the bay impossible. From the top red arrow below goods were winched up from sea level another 100 feet down and there are also some concrete steps going down to a tiny concrete jetty. The steps are still in good condition thought the same can't be said for the metal handrail but we went carefully and got ourselves down to the sea.

The reason for tackling 400 feet of steps down and then up again was to see the seals. There are generally some around and if you whistle they come to see what you are doing.

We whistled all sorts of random tunes and attracted 5 female seals and an enormous bull seal (seen below with one of the females). At one point the seals were vocalising but I think it was more due to 2 of them interacting rather than a response to our whistling.  

They mainly stayed about 20 feet away but every now and again one would appear very close to the jetty splashing away if they caught us turning to look at them. 

Eventually we could whistle no more and made our way up to the lighthouse then even more 'up' to the plateau.

 From there we could see the whole island.

We gave ourselves plenty of time to walk down to the jetty so we could be near the front of the line waiting to board the Oldenburg which was waiting for us.

The sea was pretty rough in the bay and the crew had some difficulty fixing the gangplank on to the ship. We got ourselves seats on the top deck again (some people end up standing) and disappointingly it was a fairly calm trip back.

Bye-bye Lundy until next time.