At sea again --

-- but only as far as Tresco! We took the trip across from St Mary's to Tresco this morning in sunshine and NO WIND!!

We have both always wanted to visit the wonderful Abbey gardens here where plants from all over the world grow due to the climate here on Scilly.

I was thrilled to see Protea growing - a reason I have always wanted to visit South Africa - I took lots of pictures of them, many closer and better than this but the flower here is catching the sun and the background, looking across the gardens and ultimately across to St Mary's, give an idea of the situation of these amazing gardens.

The Tresco Tri (triathlon) was taking place today and we walked on part of the bike route through the Abbey woods to New Grimsby where we also saw some of the water stations for the run. By the time it started though we had taken yet another boat across to Bryher. Whilst there we could see the crowds lining the road and hear them cheering as the runners passed.

We had a late lunch on Bryher and then walked to the end of the island - Shipman Head - where there are lots of ancient cairns. Very quiet here with no vehicles to speak of.
The flowers on all the walls and verges are astonishing in both colour and size and the birds are very tame. We were sat in a small cafe and a young thrush just hopped in to see what we were doing then had a good look round. We noticed this in the gardens too, they just stand there while you take their picture.

Lots of bees in the gardens - good to see.

Yes I think we have decided that dreadful journey here was worth it. We got our third boat of the day back to St.Mary's and are planning to get another one - or two - tomorrow!