Friday, 13 October 2023

Scilly 23 - Day 1

Not the day I was anticipating!

Two silly sods pushed it far too hard, although in our defence we were victims of circumstance...to an extent?

We were up and about at 7am Thursday and left home around 9 as planned. We made it to the wonderful Gloucester Services by 2 after a few issues around Hull. Into Cornwall where the weather turned nasty. Horrendous "monsoon like" conditions ensued as we made our way towards our Premier Inn at Helston. A quick freshen up and down to the adjacent pub for refreshments...nice!

Up at 5.30am and heading for Land's End Airport. I was more apprehensive than normal due to the previous evening's weather and the fact there had been no flights for the previous couple of days. I hadn't shared this with Louise! We were booked on the first flight at 8.15 but as 7.30 came and went there was no activity from behind the desk? Then an announcement...would anyone prefer to take the boat as we can't guarantee travel at the moment!!! Many went...we didn't and flew at 8.15!

On arrival we jumped in the mini-bus and arrived promptly at our flat. We left our gear in the hallway (cleaners at work) and sorted out what we needed for the day. Then a message...

PALLID HARRIER on St Martin's

Now...I wanted a "steady one" after 2 full on days...but there you go. Louise headed for Hugh Town for her first mooch and I headed for the Quay. Another message...

PALLID HARRIER at Lower Moors, St Mary's

I'll cut a long story short here (I'm shattered)...I was in the wrong place on numerous occasions for a pic BUT I did see it for a Scilly Tick (244). A BIG bonus as it was touch and go if we made it across at all today. Covered some ground including some serious hills...Garrison, Peninnis. A tad different to back home! Need some sleep...

No comments: