Chickiepigs.

It felt like summer again today. Perfect weather for taking my class down to search for mini beasts. It was the usual selection, ants, worms, slugs, snails, flies, bees and ....... chickiepigs (the Devon name for wood lice). After a hot lunchtime I set up an afternoon of art activities and I sat with a group of children creating beautiful pen drawings based on the illustrations in The Hidden House by Martin Wadell, of swirling lines embellished with leaves, flowers and mini beasts. We hadn't brought our mini beasts back into the classroom but I had strewn a selection of leaves, flowers and blossom across the tables to provide inspiration. This was a very successful activity with some children becoming totally engrossed in adding lots of detail. (I had fun too drawing my own picture.) After school we were tantalised by the smell of a barbecue drifting across from the junior school who were having a fund raising event. I was too busy to go over as I am trying to get things ready for next term and do not intend to go into school during the holidays.

Speaking of holidays, I paid for our summer trip to Lundy so now I can start the pleasurable activity of planning for the holiday, which clothes (wet weather gear as well as sun block and swimming things), books (there is a good selection already there) and food (to supplement the excellent food available in the Marisco), to take. No tv, Internet or phones and the electricity goes off at midnight. We are so lucky to have such a wonderful place nearby, No long drive to the airport, only 15 mins to Ilfracombe. No long wait at the airport though there is a bit of hanging around on the quayside which only adds to the fun and then you are off for a hopefully bouncy trip first passing all our cliff walks seen from a new angle and then ever closer to Lundy. Perhaps this time we will get to see the famous puffins (Lundy means puffin in ancient Norse). I spent many unsuccessful hours hanging off cliffs in search of them last time. Meanwhile there is one more day until the Easter holiday and then another term to go. And plenty of work to do as always. This evening I cut down the last of the leylandii branches which hopefully will dry quickly so that I can burn them up and get rid of the two big piles of branches that are left. Everyday more flowers appear and now the magenta pom-poms of the rubus hedge glow like paper flowers.

Read more...

We're Going On Holiday.

It's been such a good evening. First I came home from work to find this beautiful Mothers' Day card which had arrived in the post from Vytas. Then although it was wild and windy the morning rain had cleared and I was able to go for a bracing walk up the hill. It felt so good to be able to stand in this field enjoying the view and the roaring wind.

Reluctantly I returned back down the hill and there was still enough light for me to spend an hour cutting back about half of the remaining leylandii. Finally Peter came home with the news that he had been able to book the August week that I had been hoping for. I've already been on line and booked a week's holiday for us on Lundy though I won't feel secure until I've spoken to the booking office on the telephone and the holiday is all paid up. A whole week, what bliss.

Read more...

Archive Pictures Of Lundy.

Some more pictures from my archives, today from our previous day visit to Lundy in 2006. Most of the buildings on the island are built from the local granite which gives the architecture a squared off Italiante feel.

Some of the barns have been converted to a shop selling souvenirs and food for those staying on the island. There is a scheme where you can volunteer to work on the island in return for accommodation in caravans. You still have to provide your own food so the Landmark Trust are getting a good deal as you have to work for 5 days out of 7. This can be outdoor work but could also be cleaning the rental properties or working in the kitchen of the Marisco.

Here's the welcoming door of the Marisco with Linas (in his long-haired days) striding towards me. The Marisco is open all day and has the facilities of a pub , minus electronic music etc, and a place to sit, read, play games or just socialise. Only one drawback - no soft seating at all, I'll bring my own cushion next time.

Not too bad a day at school today with my student doing a fair bit of the teaching. However I did get an email from our Head teacher at 3.38 asking for information on 9 children to be returned to her by Monday! I sat in school until 6.00 getting that form done.

Read more...

A Wildlife Day.

It's been a day of some sun mixed with very heavy showers. During one of the sunny spells I had a good go at the hanging baskets, all the recent heavy rain had prevented me from daily dead heading of the surfinias and the flowers had also had a good battering as well. When I finished my hands were sticky so I turned the tap on to wash my hands. I looked down to see something fluttering in the plug hole. My first thought was that it was a leaf that had dropped from my arm, then it was 'Euch' as I thought a small brown frog was in the sink. Only then did I realise that it was a tiny bat which had somehow fallen into the sink and down the plug hole. I carefully scooped it onto a tea towel and took it outside to see what the situation was.
At this point I was pretty sure that it was dead, I mean it doesn't look good does it? The sun went in at this point and it started to get cold again so I put the bat in a container in the spare room. After an hour there were some signs of life but when I put the bat in my hand it felt pretty cold. Bat and box were put in the warm airing cupboard and after another hour or so there was a definite improvement.

The sun had made a reappearance and it was hot outside so out went bat, camera and myself to bask in the heat.

After a little crawling around and a few yawns to boost the oxygen,

the little pipistrelle bat spread its wings and flew off. Hooray! A happy ending.

Having posted many pictures of Lundy I thought I would finish with a few more of the wildlife. These small birds, linnets? would sing loudly from a bush only a few feet away.

There were a couples of ponies and foals in a field near us but this small herd roamed free over the rest of the island.

Soay sheep, one of many types of animals introduced by a previous owner of Lundy.

I think the wild goats were a much earlier introduction. There was one cream coloured ram with a magnificent spread of horns at least 3ft across that I saw several times.

And that's the end of Lundy folks, at least until we go there again.

Read more...

Day 4 Part 1

The final day of our stay came around all too quickly. The sun had hidden itself behind grey clouds and it looked as though rain would be coming our way. We had to have our bags ready for pick up by 9.30 (it was nice not having to carry them to and from the boat) and we needed to be out of Stoneycroft by 10.00. We made sure everything was tidy before setting off for our final day's walks.Peter and I walked out to the west coast and then south towards the castle.
We came across a small pond/reservoir which had been created when granite was quarried for the buildings. Rain is the only source of fresh water on Lundy and although we had no restrictions on personal use you are asked not to do any laundry. I would think that the immaculate bedding, towels etc are sent to the mainland to a laundry service.
Once we had walked back up to the tavern I left Peter happily ensconced there while I set off to explore the east coast for the first time.

Initially I was thinking that it wasn't so different to our North Devon coast, low trees, bracken, views of the sea etc.

The brown areas that can be seen on the hillside are where the rhododendrons (a foreign invader) is gradually being killed and removed as it was taking over from the native vegetation.

But then I came to the old granite quarries cut into the hill and the wide path that was a railway track used for transporting the granite. Down below is one of the few accessible beaches so of course I had to go down to investigate.

The final part of the way down is a set of wooden steps with a sturdy handrail but just before them is the 'abseil' section where there is a strong rope to aid the climb down about 8ft of rock. In truth you don't really need it on the way down which is perfectly negotiable if you sit on your bottom and scramble down but it was useful on the way back up.

Quarry beach is entirely made up of rounded granite pebbles up to 2ft across. I watched a seal swimming past hunting for fish and spent some time cautiously searching for the perfect small stone to take home as a souvenir. As I balanced on the 'pebbles' I was very aware that it would not be a good idea to slip and twist my ankle. There was probably no phone signal so even if I had been carrying my phone there would be no way of letting anyone know and how could anyone be carried back up the cliff?

If I had had more time I too would probably have added to the collection of 'stone installations' on the beach. Instead I pocketed my stone and climbed about 200ft back up to the path. I then took a breather sitting on a stone at the edge of the path with my legs dangling over the drop. It will be interesting to see if my lack of fear of heights continues in other settings........

Today was the last day of term and although I will be spending tomorrow in school moving stuff from one classroom to another for me at last the summer has begun. And we have been having torrential rain for the past few days!

Read more...

Day 4 Part 2

Once I had caught my breath after climbing back up to the path I continued northwards my plan being to find a way back up to the top of the cliffs and return to the Tavern across the top of the island. I was not expecting to find myself on what is probably the most beautiful part of the island.

The wide and level track made walking very easy and I was able to enjoy the views across to the mainland even though the air was a little hazy.

As I rounded a corner I came across the first of several quarries cut into the hillside. They were so spectacular that all I could do was stand and say 'Wow'. The vegetation in the quarries had a woodland feel with foxgloves and small trees and the whole scale of the rocks was overwhelming.
This quarry in particular was very poignant as on the central fallen slab is a bronze plaque and a wreath of poppies commemorating the son of the last owner of Lundy who was killed in WWI. (Just visible if you enlarge the picture by clicking on it.)
A wider view along the east coast showing another inaccessible beach. I didn't have the time to carry right along the length of this path, maybe next time?

Another of the quarries on the east coast. I would really like to spend time exploring the quarry (those walls are over 100ft high), and also to sit and take in the atmosphere of the place.

However time was pressing on and I followed the track as it branched upwards to the top of the island. Instead of following the 'main road' straight back I meandered through the moorland following sheep/ pony paths until I came to the largest of the rainwater ponds. Sadly I had not got any bread with me to feed the ducks that came paddling over for a handout. I walked past the herd of wild ponies but didn't see any of the deer that live on the island. Romas and Vicky saw them on one of their walks and were lucky enough to see a couple of fawns as well.

I had just reached Quarter Wall and was in sight of the buildings when it started to rain. I sped up and got to the tavern without getting too wet. We had promised ourselves a lunch of home made burgers and chips from the Tavern and I was looking forward to having a lovely dessert instead as my treat. Imagine my disappointment to find that desserts are only served in the evenings. Even my pleas for one slice of the chocolate tart got me nowhere, I was told that a new one was being baked but nothing was left of yesterday's. I compromised by getting some fudge from the shop.

All too soon it was time to walk down to the landing beach, in the rain, board the Oldenburg and sail back to the mainland.

Apart from the rain it was a calm crossing back, we had hoped for more bounce and spray. At one point we spotted a 2 masted old fashioned schooner on the horizon, being a bit misty and grey it almost looked like a ghost ship. We sailed past Saunton sands, back up the Torridge, past Appledore and docked at Bideford where coaches were waiting to drive us back to Ilfracombe. For some reason we went the long way back going all the way down to Braunton first and then up via Mullacot Cross. Once we were off the Oldenburg I walked over to collect the car, as quickly as possible as it was raining again (double rainbow) and we were back home by 8.00. A truly wonderful holiday where everything was perfect. Now we have to save up our pennies and hope that there is a vacancy that coincides with my school holidays.

Read more...

Day 3 Part 2

Just had to include this fantastic skyscape taken on that day's walk.

The steps back up from the seals were a little dilapidated.

And once past the lighthouse there were a few more steps to climb. I had decided that for my knee it was a case of do or die as I wasn't going to miss out on any of the scenery if I could help it. Luckily my knee didn't seem to get any worse and all the climbing and walking helped counteract the nice meals I was eating.

The northern end of the island resembles a moonscape with the delicate vegetation only just clinging to the underlying rock suffering from both visitors and the harsh weather conditions.

At every turn there was another inlet, this is the west coast which being subjected to the full force of the Atlantic winds only supports low growing vegetation ie grass neatly grazed by the sheep, rabbits and goats.

The surface of this granite outcrop was covered with furry looking grey lichen.

After a full day's walking we enjoyed a chilli (cooked by Peter while I went up the lighthouse again) and then it was down to the tavern for more games of scrabble. There was a large crowd of 'posh' couples in the tavern who were rather drunk and extremely loud with no regard for other people around. So loud in fact that we couldn't hear what we were saying to each other and had to move our game to the other end of the large central table. They got the message at this point and took their children out to look at the sunset. Being wealthy doesn't guarantee good manners!

The diet continues with only a few more pounds to go. Mustn't fall at the last hurdle though the staffroom is full of chocolates and biscuits and we are meeting up for a barbecue at a colleague's house on Wednesday.

Read more...

Day 3 Part 1

The Battery, with its pair of canon, (from yesterday's post). And to start Day 3- we couldn't have asked for more glorious weather, full sun with a cooling breeze, sunscreen essential. Romas and Vicky headed off early for another long hike while Peter and I set off a little later with our picnic.
We set off up the central track which runs the entire length of the island. At one time there were 400 acres of wheat being grown on the island but now only a few fields of hay are grown as winter feed for the sheep and ponies.

The plateau is typical moorland but as you travel north the soil thins to about an inch deep above the underlying granite and more of the rocks poke through. It does not take much visitor pressure for first the vegetation to be worn down, then it dies, the soil blows/washes away and the bare rock is left. You would think that granite is a very strong rock but on Lundy it very quickly breaks down to a gravel with pieces the size of a pea. Just right for painfully getting into your sandals.

At Halfway wall we followed the wall to the east coast where we could see and hear seals far below us. We watched several swimming along and hunting for fish in the seaweed. To see the basking sharks (2nd largest fish in the world) that inhabit the sea here you need to be further out in a boat.

Right at the northern point there was a large group of seals sunbathing out on the rocks. This lot (400ft below us) were also 'singing' as they jostled for the best positions.We found ourselves a sheltered spot at the top of the cliffs to eat our lunch and scan the sea birds with our binoculars. Next time we might have the sense to take an identification book with us as our identification skills are somewhat lacking.

After our picnic I left Peter at the top of the cliff and climbed down the many steps to the North Lighthouse. Nowadays it is fully automated so no-one actually lives there but the lighthouses are vital as Lundy sits in a busy shipping lane and many ships have been wrecked off its shores.

Down at the level of the lighthouse are the tracks of an old trolley system as this was an alternative landing site with the first stretch being vertically up the cliff pulled by steel hawsers the remains of which still dangle from the cliff. I knew that 3 people had gone down ahead of me so I looked for them and found some more steps leading down to the water's edge. These were not so well maintained as the lighthouse steps with most of the handrails rusted away. But the descent was worth it. Several seals were bobbing about in the water watching the people watching them. These people left after a while but I stayed and tried calling in the seals by whistling tunes to them. And it worked! as soon as I started whistling seal heads popped up until eventually there were 10 seals listening to me the nearest of which was about 20ft away.

It was a great photo opportunity, I didn't know I could whistle and take photos at the same time!

Just in the right hand corner you can see the seaweed that was fringing the rock I was sitting on.

Being so close I was able to get some good clear pictures.

And I love the way you can see down into the water and see the seal's body. Its front flippers were gently wafting to keep it in position.

I had written in the log book that I wasn't that excited by seeing seals as we often see them on our walks around Morte Point but never have I been able to get so close and get such wonderful pictures.

And at this point I shall leave you, dear reader, before attempting the 400ft of steps back up to the top of the cliff.

Read more...