Kayaking in Bryher, Honesty Boxes and Tropical Island Hues

The very next morning, we got up bright and early and set off on a trip to the island of Bryher (which, by the way, is right next to Tresco island).

Okay, I’m being liberal with the truth here – I did not get up ‘bright and early’. I’m not a fan of waiting around so I got up early enough to catch the boat over with just a couple of minutes to spare but in my view, that’s early enough.

And to be fair, sleeping without the sound of traffic and sirens or some sneaky light peeking into your room (despite the blinds being shut) – all of which I’ve grown accustomed to in London, was quite a different experience and different in a very good way! I slept so soundly and refused to get ready until I absolutely had to.

Quick Boat Crossing

In my eagerness to go out exploring, however, I didn’t pay any attention to the weather. It was only when the boat left the harbour at Tresco (with me sitting outside with a huge grin on my face) that I started to notice the dark clouds. This was my first experience in understanding two things on the Isles of Scilly: a.) Even when it rains, it’s still quite warm and b.) The rain doesn’t last quite as long (this was my experience though I’m aware it might be partly due to the time of the year we were there). In any case, we made the quick crossing over to Bryher with the clouds brewing behind.

The crossing, by the way, takes barely no time whatsoever. Like 5-10 minutes. The boat that took us over was the Firethorn Boat but do check the schedule as it changes from day to day.

Kayaking Experience

Notice that dog in the water? It’s one of the friendliest dogs I’ve ever met and it just seemed to follow us everywhere on the island! You’ll see what I mean soon enough…

We had an appointment to go kayaking at Bennetts Boatyard so we hot-footed it there once we were sure we weren’t gonna get rained on. To be fair, it got really sunny really quick within minutes of arriving on the island.

Honesty Boxes

One thing you’ll notice in the Isles of Scilly are these honesty boxes. Basically, people make things to sell (or indeed grow things) and can you buy them from the stalls or holes in the wall (literally speaking) and pay for them using the boxes next to the items with no interaction whatsoever from the seller. You’re trusted to pay for whatever you take with no one chasing you up for it and coming from London, this was quite a surprise. It’s such a throwback to a time when communities were closely knit and everyone knew (and trusted) their neighbours which can sometimes be so hard to find, not just in London by the way! I still found the concept so charming and a statement on what life on all the islands must be like, and I may have gotten carried away with photographing every honesty box I came across on all the islands in the Isles of Scilly from that point henceforth.

Also, Veronica farms does really great fudge so definitely try some when you visit. (If you’re lucky enough to be around when they’re making it, the smell alone will ensure you leave with a ferry full of fudge – it’s so delicious and all home-made).

Lunch at Fraggle Rock Café

Walking to Fraggle Rock from the boat centre takes you right across the island, with its beautiful green and blue hues!

Rumbling tummies are on the go again as we continued our search for Fraggle Rock café…