As I sat waiting for the pick-up to the airport I enjoyed the view and the warm golden rays of the autumn sunshine which only served to question why on earth I'd want to leave. Increasingly I find myself less and less inclined to gad off to the mainland, simply because I'm very happy where I am. Island life suits me, gives me all that I need to feel happy and on Tresco I feel complete, if that makes sense.
Soon however, the plane arrived, my flight was called and off I went to the mainland. Step one was complete and with it came that rediscovery of my other self, the one who is capable of independant travel, of having mini adventures and being self sufficient, resourceful and joyful when on the move.
I had a couple of nights in Penzance to decompress after what's been a hectic spell and then set off by train to meet up with my daughter in Manchester.
Passing from Cornwall to Devon is always a good marker of being on the move. Conversely, this bridge is always a welcome sight on the homeward journery too.
I met up with my blogging friend Emma which is the first time we've met in person. We chatted for a good couple of hours about our blogging lives, our families and plans for the future and then we went to view the Lowry exhibition showing nearby to Media City where Emma works.
I'd recently bought this leopard print velour tracksuit by Juicy Couture in TK Maxx. It was perfect for travelling and I wore it en route for most of my journeys.
Despite no memo, we both turned up in the same print which isn't really surprising as Emma and I both have similar tastes in clothes. We enjoy playing with pieces and love creating unique outfits. Emma dropped me back at my hotel just in time for Sasha to collect me for an evening out in the big city. What a contrast to my life on Tresco!
Sash had booked us seats at the theatre so see Moulin Rouge which was a great treat. I loved the movie and couldn't wait to see how that translated to the stage.
The show didn't disappoint! It was a packed house and our viewpoint may have been up in the gods, but the stage presence of all of the characters leapt out at us and the musical score was bang up to date. What a great start to my holiday!
We flew from Manchester to Inverness by Loganair, landing late in the evening, just in time for bed.
The next day Sash and I walked around the city, getting to know Inverness and its surrounding area. We visited the Botanic Garden, walked along the river Ness and up into the shopping centre where we went to the museum and onto the most amazing big second hand bookshop called Leakey's.
The book shop reminded me of a scene out of a Harry Potter movie. I would love to visit again in the depths of winter as there's a huge log burner there with wood stacked high on either side ready for the first cold snap of the year. And yes, before you ask, of course I bought some books!
Next morning my neice and her husband whisked us off on our sight-seeing tour and first up had to be Loch Ness which isn't far from their home. We arrived just as some of the Saturday morning swimmers were finishing their dip. I must admit I did have a pang of envy as it looked very calm and inviting. The one thing that is a plus about loch swimming is that you never have to worry about an influx of jellyfish!
I was keen for Sasha to enjoy the drama of the place just as Jamie and I had the previous year. The weather played its part in creating a great atmosphere too.
Mike has taken part in a huge cycle race that takes part here every summer. The course is around the entire loch - I've forgotten the mileage for that but suffice to say it's massive. He shaved an hour of his time between last year and this and now Lynsey has also taken up cycling. They love the big outdoor life that's right on their doorstep.
Next up was the village of Drumnadrochit which surely has to merit a visit simply for its name alone. I love this hillside vista showing the remoteness of houses right up at the top - you'd have to be very organised living there so that you didn't have to nip out for a pint of milk and a 20 minute drive to the shop.
Our next stop was Urquhart Castle on the banks of Loch Ness. We were so lucky to have a break in the weather and see the grounds bathed in sunshine. This is a popular tourist attraction and was well worth the visit for some of the spectacular views.
The obligatory blog shot - old jeans, new sweater from TK Maxx, old boots and belt, new sunglasses from Oliver Bonas at Paddington Station when I was there the previous week (oh what a jet-setter I am, hahahaha!).
The following day we headed out to the coast nearby to Maryburgh to meet up with more of the family. I loved the mobile sauna parked up on the beach. The four ladies were dipping in the sea in between sauna sessions - what a great health boost for the immune system!
It's so good to capture these family album moments - Sasha doesn't see her cousins often so this one with is particularly special.
These have to be my favourite holiday snaps from this trip. My great nephew wanted to take the open top tour of Inverness and in the middle of it we were caught in a real downpour. The photos show that you can still have great fun even if you're being lashed with rain and belted over the top of the head by passing branches! Family memories being made here big time and we all agreed it might not have been such fun if the sun had shone and we'd had a sedate, uneventful ride around the city.
The whole point of the trip was to catch up with as many of the family as possible and that we certainly did. I'm really pleased to have made the effort once again to travel so far north as the photos show - we had a wonderful time together.
Planes and trains and ...
...back in Penzance, on my way home.
Only one more step to go and I'll be home again.
Appletree Bay beckons and within the hour I was back in the sea. Home again!
Anna x
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