I’m exhausted! This year the Isles of Scilly proved to be a wealth of information, and some jewelry. I snorkeled with the seals and went to the observatory on St. Martin’s which we’re both a first in my Scilly adventures. And next year I look forward to repeating the adventures again. My head is still swimming as I think about the past few days.

Next stop London, to rest and do a little shopping.

I’ve visited the Isles of Scilly for the last three summers and have been disappointed by the emergency closure of the museum two years past now. So close to such important history, but unable to access it because the building was found to have an unstable roof and closed indefinitely… Until this year. On my way from the airport to Star Castle, the driver informed me that a new temporary location has only recently opened as he drove right past it. I couldn’t get to the Castle fast enough to dump my luggage. I rushed back down the hill to the museum and took it all in. The museum curator happened to be there and I explained about the project that I was working on and she was so willing to help in my research. It’s a bit like winning the lottery for a writer. I bought every book I already didn’t own and she was kind enough to allow me and my book scanner access to the archives during my stay. I am beyond grateful. This means great prospects for the series. I can now proceed with historical documents to guide me as I develop the next four books. Did I mention how helpful Scillonians are recently?

 

I don’t think there is another place on earth like the Isles of Scilly. I feel fortunate to have discovered them years ago quite by chance, but not by accident. Most sought after as a beautiful, quiet destination for those who seek to retreat for a bit. The Scillonians are welcoming and friendly.These tiny islands are packed with such a fascinating history. There are around 900 shipwrecks located in the tiny archipelago. Believed to have once been a single land mass, ancient stone walls are still easily visible from both land and sea. With a history beginning thousands of years ago with the Iron Age, Scilly has been the site of viking invasions, and home to pirates, wreckers and smugglers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’ve made some important connections and have been given access to some pretty Scilly historical information. The editor of The Scillonian, The Isle of Scilly’s bi-annual periodical, has agreed to let me pour through his entire library, dating back nearly 100 years. I brought my book scanner and plan to tackle the war years especially. Did I mention how helpful Scillonians are?

Today I flew into St. Mary’s. It’s the third year I’ve been, but I must admit the magic never wears off. It’s just a quick 15 minute flight from Land’s End. And even from the air it looks like a magical place. So happy to be back and get to work!

Next stop, Penzance. My lodging is lovely. I have a stunning view of the entire promenade from my window. Each time I’ve been to Penzance I look to Michael’s Mount and think about definitely visiting next time. The time has finally come! I have the entry ticket and the ticket for the boat to get there. The tide will go out and make it possible to walk back a couple of hours later. I hope so! I’m not planning on wearing my bathing suit today. It’s a bit of a walk but it’s flat and the weather is favorable today.

Is it the first or last place in England? I guess it depends on who you ask. I wanted to write about it so I had to pay a visit. The famous Land’s End sign was always super busy with eager holiday seekers. I’ve heard of the first and last house in England. I even had an old postcard that helped fuel my imagination, but it’s surreal to visit. A nice hotel and absolutely stunning scenery as far as the eye could see in all directions.

I admit it! I am a history nerd. I like old things a with mysterious pasts. St. Ives has a couple of chapels that I learned were used by fishermen and sailors but also smugglers. It’s just the sort of thing people write books about. I took an early morning walk to find them and other hidden nooks and crannies difficult to find in the sea of summer tourist holidays.

On this trip, I decided to spend a few days touring various parts of Cornwall. After an early morning flight from Dublin to London, then another from London to Newquay, I have arrived in St. Ives mid-afternoon. A bustling holiday village plagued by pastie-stealing seagulls, luckily I dislike pasties so I had no problems.

It was a toss-up! Which cathedral to visit during my limited visit to Dublin? A tour guide suggested Christ Church.

It is older than St. Patrick’s and has the mummified remains of a cat and rat pulled out of one of the organ’s pipes in the 1860s.

 

My trip to Dublin did not disappoint. There was so much to see. A tour of Trinity College to see The Book of the Kells and their amazing library. It was awesome and the amazing thing about the library is it is open to all students. Back at home, those precious volumes would not be allowed to be touched.