ISILES OF SCILLY:
Today we arrive early at the Isles of Scilly. The anchorages here can be somewhat tricky due to weather. We are told we have a plan A & B for anchorage and that is all. The Seas are calm and the winds light so it looks good. We will have to clear customs individually with a face to face inspection this morning. We will do two landings on Tresco and St Mary’s.
The Isles of Scilly are England’s only archipelago, located 28 miles off the coast of Cornwall.
Scilly includes more than 200 islands, islets and rocks, including St Mary’s, St Martin's, Tresco, Bryher and St Agnes. Scilly has been part of the Duchy since the beginning of the 14th century. The whole archipelago is a National Landscape and Conservation Area. In 1975, the Isles of Scilly were designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Nearly 70% of the islands 2,500 permanent residents are employed by tourism.
The combination of climate and location has enabled the Isles of Scilly to enjoy a rich and versatile flora and fauna. From rare migratory birds to no Dutch Elm Disease, the islands' biodiversity is unique, and with the help of a number of major stakeholders and the island communities, well maintained.
Think of it this way, the Isles of Scilly are the first landfall for many migrating species of birds.
Interesting to me is there is Viking history here.
The Isles of Scilly were known to Norse seafarers as Syllingar and served as a strategic maritime base during the Viking Age.
Vikings used the islands for raids, temporary settlement, and shelter between the 8th and 11th centuries, taking advantage of their position between Cornwall, Ireland, and Brittany.
The Orkneyinga saga records that in the mid-12th century, the Viking Sweyn Asleifsson "went south, under Ireland, and seized a barge belonging to some monks in Syllingar and plundered it”.
The islands served as a key resting point and base for Viking crews operating in the Celtic Sea.
Legend states that in AD 986, the Norse king Olaf I Tryggvason was converted to Christianity by a seer in the Scillies.
Our first landing was to the Island of St Mary and the town of Hugh Town. Here we landed at a protected harbor and enjoyed a walkabout. In Hugh Town, one finds shops and cafes along the main street. This town has a pleasant small town vibe, very friendly, warm and welcoming.
We had just missed the World Pilot Gig Championship which is held over the bank holiday.
Keep reading to see a picture of a gig.
Back on the ship, as we were walking to our room the odor of cooking burgers permeated the hall. I knew it was BBQ day for lunch.
After lunch it was time for our second landing in the island of Tresco.
On Tresco, we find the Tresco Abbey Gardens, a premier horticultural attraction, featuring over 20,000 subtropical plants from the southern hemisphere and Mediterranean regions due to a unique, frost-free climate.
We enjoyed a stroll around the gardens.
We finished the day with dinner and the evening briefing on tomorrows activities.
Yes I bought a Sweater in Hugh, nice Irish wool
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