Skomer Island Day 4

Today is really the day we have been most looking forward for this trip.  Skomer Island is an Island with Puffins, Razorbills, Shearwaters, Guillemots and other birds.  For me I was really looking forward to the Puffins.  We had seen some in Newfoundland but I was so seasick on the boat I could only look straight forward so really didn't see many on our boat tour.  Andre went to visit the puffins off Grand Manan but this involved a 2 hour boat ride again, so I passed on that.  So when we started planning Wales we discovered Skomer Island, and island that takes a maximum of 250 people over by boat throughout the day.  You must queue for a ticket for the boat, you cannot book in advance.  The line ups start at about 6:30 AM for the 10AM boat.  But, I found a photographer online that gives a one day workshop of wildlife and landscape photography for the day on Skomer Island.  You are guaranteed a spot on the first boat over, and the last boat back.  So we booked this months ago.

So this morning we are up early as we had to have breakfast then meet for our boat about 1/2 hour away before 8:30 AM meeting time.  Another great breakfast this morning, good thing we are doing lots of walking every day.  Today is the second B&B where we choose scrambled eggs with smoked salmon on a muffin. Very yummy.  The B&B has also packed us a take away lunch so we are good for the day on the Island as there is nowhere there to buy anything.


Off to the meeting point for our tour.  Turns out there are 10 of us on the photo tour, from very experienced photographers, to a couple of woman that just got their cameras a year ago, then one other woman and I that had our cell phones.  We come to find out that about 30-40% of the time the boats cannot cross to the Island which is only a 10 minute boat ride because of high seas.  Luckily for us it is a very calm day so we are a go.  We are out on the first boat which is really meant for those that are overnighting.  There is a very basic lodge that holds a few people every night.  You must bring in all your own food, bedding, etc, so not so good for those of us that have traveled, but it would be amazing if you were from around here.  I guess you need to book months in advance to get a spot. 



Driving to Skomer Island departure point

Line up to buy tickets for the boat to the island

As we get closer to the Island we realize there are pufffins everywhere.  In the water, flying overhead, in burrows on the cliffs, hundreds of them, and this is just the beginning. 

Doesn't take long to realize that the Island is also covered right now in spring flowers, bluebells are everywhere with red campion mixed in, and sea campion, looked like an artist had painted the whole island.

Our photographer has been a professional photographer for more than 20 years.  Most everything was way over my head, but Andre said he learnt some new things.  He was not holding his camera correctly, and not shooting using the correct eye, I'll bug him every time I see him doing it incorrectly now, I'm sure he'll be thrilled.

You must stay on the paths on this Island, gorgeous this time of year lined with bluebells

We had an absolutely fantastic day.  Probably one of our most memorable days for one day on vacation ever, between the scenery, puffins, flowers, it was very special and something we will never forget.

After visiting with the puffins, we went on a sightseeing tour our the rest of the island.

I could have sat and enjoyed this view all day...

An Owl had been spotted near where we had landed on the island.  So at the next of our tour we stopped and tried to find it.  Luckily we were to spot him but only from a distance.  Also saw more birds very close to our departure point off the island.  One couple even did their mating ritual before doing the act.

Once back on the mainland, we went to a nearby village for supper at a pub.

Love that the buss route is the puffin shuttle

We are now back at our B&B for one more night.  Supper was in a little town that the photographer recommended, great meal, I had fish pie, and Andre had lamb.  When we arrived back at the hotel I decided we needed a walk or we would just crash, plus I hadn't quite reached over 20,000 steps yet which we have the last few days.  Looking forward to tomorrow again, we are moving further North along the coast and staying in a little spot right on the water.  A big bonus forecast for nice weather again!!