Saturday on Lundy island

Breakfast, showered and tent packed by 09:00, all camping gear has to be ready to be dropped off at the landing bay by nine or you lug it down yourself.
Good friends M, J and L were booked on the last day trip coming to Lundy leaving and returning to Bideford. I sauntered down to the harbour as the Oldenberg was due in at 10:15. Blue skies and warm sunshine greeted them after the gentle climb to the summit a fruit tea for myself and peppermint tea for L helped settle a queezy tummy.
We set off on a gentle stroll down the middle of the Island still bathed gorgeous sunshine, dropping down to our right we were headed for the coast path and hoping for a glimpse of some sea birds and perhaps seals and their young. Weren’t denied a grey seal with it’s pup was gradually working its way along the bay just a metre or so from the shore. A birder mentioned that it was seen in the landing bay earlier and conspicuous in that the pup was dark and the adult grey.
Hunger struck and the picnic in warm October sunshine in the shelter from the light wind was enjoyed. Further down the coast below The Terraces provided an excellent opportunity to view quite a few resting seals and their pups on the rocky beach.A wonderful experience.
Wheatears were about but not lots and like swallows passing through on their migration path several hundred being noted.
Sauntering back via the old lighthouse still in lovely weather we decided that it was time to head back towards the Tavern and some rehydration fluids. M and J were heading in the same direction and we enjoyed some good conversation and banter along with a few of the staff and visitors who I had been chatting with whilst here on Lundy. The Oldenberg leaving the harbour at 1630 so we started to head back along the track slightly longer journey steps were apparently quite slippery with 2x 80 year-olds this was the best choice.
A fairly smooth journey apart from over the sand bar as we entered the estuary where spectacular waves impressed everyone. Safely back on dry land where M and J had invited us for a meal in the local eatery. Afterwards we said our goodbyes and I collected Dippy from the farm where he has had a lovely time with his sister, mum, dad, grandma and uncle.
Definitely ready for a soft mattress and pillows zzzzzz