On Tuesday 1st September ,24 of us went to Looe Island for a look around, update on Cornwall Wildlife Activities, and for a bar-b-que. 

 

The night before after a brief chat with Tim Corkill, the Ferry Man and owner of "Islander", we took a chance.  The weather was very iffy.  The wind was definitely going to be a problem.  However Tim reckoned because it was a strong SW wind he could get us on the beach.  Whether we got off or not was another matter but landing shouldn't be a problem.

 

So we went for it.  All twenty four signed up members were contacted the night before with departure instructions. And believe it or not the afternoon of the 1st was sunny!  How lucky? All 24 of us arrived at appropriate times and left on either the first or second boat trip.

 

Landing wasn't a problem. Jonathan and Clare of Cornwall Wildlife Trust met us, welcomed us and gave us inforamtion on their actrivities. Shiela who remembered the Atkins sisters well introduced us to the house and surrounds. The BBQ was set up and coals immediately light. Meanwhile those members who were brave enough walked around the Island.  The wind on the south side was bringing in surf that was very reminiscent of Hells Bay on Bryer (Scillies).  Very moving and totally spectacular.

 

Then back to the beach where the coals were hot.  In fact too hot really to bar-b-que but Tim intimated that he might be back earlier than expected because of the increasing wind and its direction change. So hot dogs and beefburgers were served with onions and sauces and all members ate. Some food perhaps burnt but no one complained.

 

Yes, Tim was concerned about the changing wind.  He had cancelled a public trip after us because the forcast was questionable. After only 1 1/2 hours he appeared around the tip of the Banjo and headed our way.  Clare and Jon warned us of his impending arrival and the first boatload of members prepared themselves. With the sun shining they got aboard with no problems and speeded back to the mainland with the wind behind.  No getting wet on this journey like the head on buffet of the outward journey.

 

Meanwhile the BBQ was cooled and cleared away and the last twelve awaited the rapid return of "Islander". Sure neough we climbed aboard and then we were stuck somewhat.  No problem, all men to the stern and with the help of the front let down gang plank Tim expertly managed to wedge oursleves off the beach.  Not easy and it probably caused him more concern that the happy crew.

 

So a good time had by all.  The sun stayed out.  The wind blew its worse and only an hour later Looe was bathed in that liquid gold sunshine that we have grown to expect this summer. Hope you like the following short slideshow.  Good memories.