The Isles of Scilly

The Isles of Scilly (/ˈsɪli/; Cornish: Syllan or Enesek Syllan) are an archipelago 28 miles off the southwestern tip of the Cornish peninsula of Great Britain. The population of all the islands at the 2011 census was 2,203.

Although the Isles of Scilly remain part of the ceremonial county of Cornwall, and some services have been combined with those of Cornwall, since 1890 the islands have had a separate local authority. Since the passing of the Isles of Scilly Order 1930, this authority has had the status of a county council and today is known as the Council of the Isles of Scilly. The adjective "Scillonian" is sometimes used for people or things related to the archipelago. The Duchy of Cornwall owns most of the freehold land on the islands. Tourism is a major part of the local economy, along with farming and agriculture.

June 7, 2014

Off to the Isles of Scilly.  We joined a couple from Manchester, Chris and Liz, and enjoyed the 3-hour crossing from Penzance to St. Mary's.   

Arriving on the island was like stepping back in time to Cornwall in the fifties.  Fruit, vegetables, eggs, etc. for sale, left by the road on the honor system of payment.

And, of course, the obligatory cream tea, which we enjoyed at Juliet's.

Even the sign reflects another time..... and another price!

Juliet's offers other meals in a light, airy setting, plus bulbs for sale.  The Scilly Isles are noted for their early spring flowers, flown to the mainland.

Remnants of World War II fortification.

Sadly, we arrived at Tresco Gardens at 4:00 pm and were told they closed at 5:00 pm that day, so we decided to walk around the island instead.  Pity, since these gardens are world-famous and are described like Kew Gardens but all outdoors

Captain Alfred Hicks who took us to see the puffins and seals in the rocky outposts of the islands. Saw lots of puffins but hard to photograph from a distance, there are rules regarding approaching them too closely, and they fly incredibly fast.

We stayed at Westford House, on Church Street,  St. Mary's, run by Jo (lower right) and her husband. Great breakfasts and we met Keith and Hazel (next to Mike) and Sally.  These are regulars at Jo's house each year.

Discovered a 12th century church with a lovely graveyard.

This is Pentle Bay, Tresco, which looks like a tropical island, the water is so blue and the sand so white.  We had it all to ourselves!

Except for the locals, of course.

So that's where it is!

 After all that walking, a pint of best bitter and dinner at The Atlantic back on St. Mary's.

This was time to leave the Scilly Isles, and we wished we'd had more time to explore.  We had a final lunch at dibble & grubb cafe, sheltered from the wind.  Great coffee and sandwich.  Then, back to Penzance on the ferry.

We met this friendly couple, waiting for the ferry on Tresco, Evelyn and Les Andrews, from near Oxford, who visit the islands regularly.  Another couple we heard of who visit the Isles of Scilly every year, rent a 3-bedroom house for $850 a week on St. Mary's.  So many people spend at least part of the year here, which is not surprising given the beauty of the place, the friendliness of the people, the lower cost, great food and warmer temperatures!

Back to the real world!