Tresco, a paradise island

The next day. Time for a bit of island hopping I think. After a full breakfast I walked to Hugh Town and the quay. You walk everywhere here, there is a little community bus but it hardly seems worth the bother of checking timetables and hanging around at bus stops, you might as well just put your best foot forward. You can get anywhere in about half an hour.

Tresco seems to be the favourite place to go, and luckily there was a boat in ten minutes, I got my ticket from the kiosk on the waters edge. A beautiful sunny day again, my sunburn has calmed down a bit now, after a couple of days of covering up and lashings of sun lotion. A short boat ride and we land here, not very inspiring is it? Where are these wonderful tropical gardens I have been hearing so much about :-( I feel like I have been dumped on a desert island.

I followed everyone else, and fifteen minutes later we were there. You get a little map as you go in, I turned right to the Valhalla Museum. I thought this might have some connections to the ride of the same name at Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Wrong, no rides here. It's a collection of figureheads which were recovered from boats that were wrecked on the rocks around the islands. Very impressive it was too.

All freshly painted for the start of the new summer season. It's a shame they dont have beautiful works of art like these on the front of all modern day vessels.

This stainless steel cube is a modern work of art. Balancing on a rock, it glitters in the sunlight.

The creation of the Abbey Gardens began in 1834, extending over the grounds around the remains of the 12th century St Nicholas Priory. There are over 4,000 different plants here from all over the world.

The exceptional hours of sunshine and the Gulf Stream, means the gardens have ideal conditions to thrive.

Walking along Lighthouse Walk, looking towards Neptunes Steps.

Palm Circle.

You can imagine you are in the Mediteranean.

There are lots of cacti.

This is the Middle Terrace.

This pretty little fella was as bold as brass, hopping along and approaching visitors, looking for a morsel or two.

A bird of paradise maybe, it certainly feels like I am in paradise. Dont forget to click on the pictures to enlarge them.

There is time to explore a bit more of the island before the boat returns, plenty of white sandy beaches to stroll along. Think I might go on another boat trip tomorrow.