Farne Islands

We took Dennis to the Farnes this morning and Aillie joined us. We were well prepared for the bombing by the irate Arctic terns as last week two lots of our visitors had been pecked on the head even through hats, and chicks were right by the walkways. However they had all flown, so we had no trouble.

Well no trouble from the terns, but our boat’s steering broke off Brownstone Island which was a concern for the two crew as we were really close to the cliffs. They got a manual rudder sorted out and another boat towed us out into deep water where we transferred to it. Then it took us to the Inner Farne for our hour with the seabirds. Some people complained and got money back. We enjoyed the adventure.

The puffins were still there, trying to get food to the young without the terns grabbing it. The young went scuttling into burrows to escape. On the cliffs the shags were feeding the young - I had no idea they got the beaks so far down the throat. The kittiwakes huddled together in a family. They are the most adorable birds. We saw guillemots and razor bills too.

After getting home for a cup of tea and cake, Dennis left at 5 and I cooked manically as Allie. Chris, Sarah, Linda and Colin were coming to eat. They expected to see Dennis who should have been staying till tomorrow, but he forgot to let us know he had a hospital appointment. Nonetheless we had a lovely evening. We had watermelon to use up so I liquidised it with vodka, triple sec and lime juice to have as a cocktail in the garde. I griddled courgettes, and had them with crumbed feta and toasted pinenuts with a drizzle of lemon infused olive olive and mint. The had roast veg curry and all the bits, and apple and rasp pudding.

I am ready at 11.25 to put my feet up and relax. We’ve had such a busy bu5 lovely week seeing so many friends.