Isles of Scilly
A perfectly Scilly day. We arrived this morning in the Isles of Scilly (very bad form to call them the Scilly Isles, so forgive my opening pun.). Our goal was the garden isle of Tresco with its famous Abbey Gardens. Bathed by the Gulf Stream and blessed by strikingly mild temperatures, the Isles of Scilly lie off the western tip of Cornwall but seem a world away. Tresco was peaceful, lush and filled with birdsong.
Landing by Zodiac at a concrete pier, we walked (or were taken by golf cart) to the Garden entrance, where staff gardeners guided us through the many paths and extravagant plantings. Because of the gentle climate, plants from all over the world thrive here, including those from Mediterranean and sub-tropical climates: Proteas from South Africa, Banksias from Australia and Agaves from the New World.
There was also wildlife in the Gardens: several Asian Golden Pheasants wandered around looking for handouts while Chaffinches and Robins called from the trees. And there were curious cows in the fields nearby – all great photo subjects.
In the afternoon, guided walks struck out in every direction: a history walk to Cromwell’s Castle, a photo walk in and around the Gardens, a birding walk and a power walk. Finally, there was a beachcombing expedition along the rocks and brilliant white sand of this granitic island, bathed in brilliant sunshine. Stunning. Now, on to Ireland.
