ISILES OF SCILLY

 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. 




 

                                     Streets of Hugh

                                         The Harbor 

                                  The RNLI Life Boat

                                     Da Ship MS FRAM

                                  Here it is folks a GIG

                                         BBQ TIME!!

            Tinder pit where you board zodiacs of a tender boar

                                  Really nice beaches 

                                        The Gardens 

 
            Yes I bought a Sweater in Hugh, nice Irish wool           

A DAY AT SEA - BAY OF BISCAY:

 A DAY AT SEA - BAY OF BISCAY:

 

 

Last night as we set sail from the port of Ferrol, a local bagpipe band bid us farewell with a serenade for fair winds and calm seas. It was most enjoyable. 

The gentle pitching of the ship lulled us to a restful sleep. 

We are crossing the Bay of Biscay. 

The Bay of Biscay also known as the Gulf of Biscay or the Gulf of Gascony is a gulf of the northeast Atlantic Ocean located south of the Celtic Sea. It lies along the western coast of France from Point Penmarc'h to the Spanish border, and along the northern coast of Spain, extending westward to Cape Ortegal.



I was up early and decided to do a photo runabout the MS Fram to take photos to highlight many features of this ship. 

                                                                   Deck 8 Observation Area 

                                                                            SAUNAS

                                                                        Fitness Room 

                                                                               BBQ 

                                                                            Zodiacs

                                                                         Elevator Art 

                                                                                    Store 

                                  Many of the pieces of art work about the ship are steeped in history 

                                                                        Great Library 

                                                                         Hot Tubs

                                                                         Reception

                                                                     Science Center 

                                                                      Lecture Area 

                                                             Early Riser coffee bar 

Starting today's blog from the early riser coffee area. I have found myself starting to really enjoy tea. 

As today is a day at sea, the schedule is filled with lectures and presentations. These will cover a wildlife watch (maybe whales), Bird Migration, Marine Ecology of the Bay of Biscay, Cloud Observation, How to use Binoculars, at 15:30 FRESH WAFFLES!!!!, Intro to photography, and a workshop on HAPPY WHALE. 

The Migratory Bird presentation was very informative and well presented. I do enjoy learning on these expedition sailings. I shan’t bother you with all which was learned. Bird migration is an amazing bit of nature.  

At 1000 there is a crafty event where we can decorate our water bottles. This gives them some individuality. Always fun to individualize ones water bottle. FYI everyone on the ship receives one as an effort to reduce waste. Our past bottles were blue and this one is a 130th edition and is tan. 

 

There was a presentation on the Eco System of the Bay of Biscay. Very interesting to learn about the currents in this region.

Today was waffle day in the Explorer Lounge. These are always welcome,.  fresh out the the waffle iron with a choice of toppings. 

The Captain announced we would be altering course as there was a medical emergency and a helo would be meeting to evacuate a passenger. 

During this evacuation all outside decks were closed and soon a French Navy helicopter arrived. 



Then there was an intro to photography lecture. Always like going to these as I tend to learn a different approach to teaching the basics. 



Soon came dinner after which we  retired to the lecture area to await the briefing on tomorrow’s landing in Scilly. 

I also caught up on the blog while waiting for the briefing. 



Then off to bed we went.  



 

 

 

THE CAMINO IN FERROL

 Next stop Ferrol : 

 

I

 am up early hoping for a nice sunrise while enjoying a cup of Earl Grey. All is progressing well on this trip.  

Ferrol is a port city in Galicia, Northern Spain. Ferro combines the working port with a pretty old quarter, a few historical gems, city parks and a few beautiful beaches. The city’s maritime legacy dates back to Roman times, gaining prominence in the Middle Ages as a critical naval base for the Spanish Armada. 

 I should also mention Farrol is the birthplace of Francisco.  

This maritime history gave the Camino Ingles (or the English Way) its name. Historically, pilgrims arrived here by ship from England, Ireland, Scandinavia, and beyond. It’s one of the shortest routes to Santiago but also one of the oldest.



The official granite marker designating the start of the Camino Ingles is located near Ferrol’s tourist office, which also doubles as a Pilgrim Office.  But it’s surprisingly easy to miss! Most pilgrims begin their walk here.

The walking tour I have chosen will include the start of the Camino De Santiago, Camino Ingles. 


For lunch today I had reindeer stew, quite tasty, as we sailed into Ferrol. 

Lynn decided to stay back and rest her hip. This was a good choice. 

I went on a walking tour of the city. Here we discovered the wonderful architecture of Ferrol, and learned of it’s rich navel history. Knowing about St James just being on the Camino was a spiritual highlight. 

Saint James (the Great) was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus, brother of St. John the Evangelist, and the first apostle to be martyred. Known as the patron saint of Spain, his reputed tomb in Santiago de Compostela is a major pilgrimage site. He was a close follower of Jesus, present at the Transfiguration. 

A fisherman called by Jesus, he was nicknamed "son of thunder" and was martyred by beheading under Herod Agrippa I in Jerusalem around 44 AD.

He is the patron saint of Spain, where he is believed to have preached, as well as the patron of veterinarians.

The Way of St. James (Camino de Santiago): Tradition states his remains were brought to Galicia, Spain, leading to the establishment of the shrine at Santiago de Compostela, one of Christianity's most important pilgrimage destinations.

Legend suggests he miraculously appeared on a white horse to lead Christians to victory in the Battle of Clavijo. 

 
He witnessed major events, including the Agony in the Garden. 

 

When I returned to the ship I met Lynn in the Explorers Lounge. Lynn had been feasting on the afternoon cakes and I had a mai tai. 

Lazy afternoon as we retired to our stateroom where I am finishing up this blog entry. 

Not expecting any additional activity I will post this entry early. Will update should there be an event before retiring. 

 

 

                    The port entrance is guarded by this fort

                                        The Camino

                             Narrow Streets tall buildings

                            The Camino is well marked

                                     Gardens and parks

                                    Follow the Camino

                                        City Hall

                                       Ship maintenance