Hi everyone! I'm back from 6 amazing days on Lundy Island (in Devon, SW England). M managed to take over 1770 photographs during our week of sun and clear blue skies! I'm still looking through them all, but wanted to share a few here from our first couple of days. This first photo is of me aboard the MS Oldenburg, Lundy's very own boat. Our sail over to the island took about 2 hours, and I was very excited. This was the first time I'd been on a boat! Here I am ashore, making my way up the steep hill to the main buildings and campsite. The first building we saw was a big, very grand, white house. (I knew we were going to be camping, but couldn't help wishing we'd be staying there instead!) We made our way through the campsite and past this old lighthouse. We were heading for climbing cliffs on the other side of the island. I sunbathed by the Pilot's Quay area, while M and her husband climbed up a cliff. After their climb, M took me with her to explore the south of the island. I found lots of holes in the ground, but didn't spot any rabbits in them. We walked past Lundy's castle, and looked down at the South Lighthouse. Then we walked past the Post Box on our way to the campsite. Lundy has its own private postal service, and sells special "Puffin" stamps. These were first introduced in 1929. Back at the campsite, M's husband was busy sorting out all our gear. This had been brought up from the jetty for us by tractor. Buster and I studied our new guidebooks, to find out more about the island. It may be only 3 miles long and half a mile wide, but it seemed to have lots of interesting things to see crammed into that small space. Next morning, I got a closer look at the old lighthouse near our campsite. This one is simply called "Old Light". It was built in 1819, with its light a massive 567 feet above the sea. It isn't used anymore, as the light was often hidden in fog or low cloud even when the weather was clear down by the sea. Two more lighthouses were built at either end of the island in 1896. We now walked down a steep, stone walkway to The Battery. This was a fog signal station, built in 1863. A cannon was fired every 10 minutes here in foggy conditions. (An early version of a fog horn, to warn ships about the rocks.) Both cannons are still down here! I couldn't resist sitting on one for a photo! Time to properly try out my new climbing harness next. M carefully lowered me down a small vertical drop, so I could get used to the idea. We went right down to the bottom of this enormous sea arch, so the 2 humans could climb up the side of it. (My paws were too short. I hitched a lift on M's climbing harness.) M's husband in front of us, high up on the side of the sea arch! Back at The Battery, I found a fun place for a photo. Then we walked further north, past "Quarter Wall". This wall is one of 3 that are built across the island, and it is classed as an Ancient Monument! We saw these strange splits in the rock, caused by an old earthquake... And finally reached the North Lighthouse! Then we had to face a long walk back down this main track through the middle of the island! It was marked by big lumps of rock, so the lighthouse keepers could find their way in bad weather. That's enough about my Lundy trip for today. I've been very wornout since getting home. It may be a small island, but all the walking seemed a long way to my short legs! I got a lovely surprise this morning, though. A pretty card, and 4 of my favourite chocolate bars from my friend Rosie Bear! Thanks Rosie! Bye for now everyone! Love, Odd xxx
12 Comments
Hi everyone! The day our holiday begins has finally arrived! I barely slept a wink last night, I was so excited! Yesterday, M and I were very busy with last minute preparations! I now have my own special climbing harness, as you can see below. We've also been busy making me some new clothes to take with me. M started by trying to make me trousers. Her attempt didn't end up fitting my bottom in at all, though, so I decided to have a go myself! I've now got bootees, a T-shirt, and a pair of dungarees! I've just finished packing my mini haul bag with all my things! M says there's no room for my deck chair, but I keep trying to sneak it in to the bigger bags! We set off in a few hours, as there's a long drive down to Ilfracome today. We then have to be at the dock at 9am tomorrow, ready to get onto the ferry.. I'll have no wifi until I get home at the end of next week, but will take lots of photos to show you when I get home! Bye for now! Love Odd xxx |
Details
AuthorsThe Top of the Wardrobe Gang: Oscar Rabbit, PD Monkey, Odd Sock, Burton Bear, Terry Tiger (TT), Burton Bear; helped by Melinda Kinsman Archives
October 2018
Categories
All
|