Hi all
My boyfreind has been going out to Lundy every year for the last 20
years and has a collection of books about the Island. I just wondered
if anyone knows abput how I might get a copy of Fekix Gade's book life
on Lundy. I have been searching everywhere and would really like to
get a copy by Christmas.

Many thanks Lynda

We made it - there - and back!  A year's weather in 10 days but what
else do you expect.  Pip, Steph and I flew on a gorgeous dry sunny
mild February morning - spring on its way - ha!  3 gorgeous days of
basking, walking, exploring, usual stuff then the weather
deteriorated, activities were curtailed and replaced (for me at
least) by long lunches in the Tavern and contemplative reading in
Radio Room.  No hardship really.

Wind got up, clouds rolled in, rain fell, temperatures plummetted -
hey ho, Lundy fun!  Friday saw the snow arrive - quite an event on
Lundy I believe - got some pics to prove it. One helicopter had to
abort its landing and return to HP but eventually got the job done.

The sun reappeared briefly over the weekend, wind created spectacular
crashing waves and almost sunami-like retreating/encroaching water in
Devil's Kitchen.

All in all a very different experience this time around - probably
stick to kinder weather months in future!  Returning late May for a
family celebration - counting down from 100 days now...........!

PS  Pilot was not far wrong when he said it would be 'bumpy' on
takeoff and landing - but I understand my language was well eclipsed
by some other passengers several flights later.............

Helen

Just a brief missive as there's been no activity recently and to
make everyone totally green with envy.

Pip, friend Steph and I are off to Paradise next Friday 2nd Feb,
winds permitting of course.  Forecast is OK for that day so far but
suggesting some wild weather following week.  I have vivid memories
of crawling on hands and knees in sheep poo across the field from
Rocket Pool towards Old Light one year as the wind was so strong I
thought I was going to be blown over the edge - VERY scary
experience - so am fully prepared for the worst!  I returned from
that holiday not requiring a face peel so Lundy provides some
benefits!!  I am staying in Radio Room comfortably close to the
Tavern/shop so no danger of running out of supplies.

My first time in Radio Room (second already booked in May along with
family members celebrating big birthdays)so looking forward to
reading the logs there.  It was through the logbook that I contacted
Pip last summer after my first solo stay in OLC - a great way of
making new friends so who knows what RR will turn up.

Watch this space for full details of holiday next month.

Helen

Hi everybody -

I was the crazy friend who agreed to stay on Lundy in September with
Helen.  Instead of wet, wild, windy weather, we chilled in glorious
sunshine.  Just sittin on the stone step of Little St. Johns, eating
breakfast in Primark pyjamas, and scanning the sea view, was an
amazing start to any day.

Have never walked so much before and Helen said we reached the North
End in record time.  Just love it.  It's a a secret microclimate, with
skies bigger than Norfolk!!

May not be back next year - Little St. John is already fully booked -
but definitely intend to return, now I'm no longer a Lundy virgin.
Am saving up for my next tab in the Tavern!  Maybe I'll just be a day
tripper who doesn't get back on the boat.  Always wondered where they
hide!

Crissie Blanch

What a clever woman you are Pip - you know I don't know much at all
about all this techno stuff and have indeed been losing the plot last
few days as beeb.net have been having major problems with e mail.  I
feel my life slows somewhat if I can't get into my Inbox - sad or
what!!  Anyhow, hopefully all resolved today and really looking
forward to hearing more about this new site.

123 to go! OR  4 months today til we yet again set foot on Paradise -
how can I cope inbetween - suggestions please?  Sometimes wonder
whether there is any point in life inbetween times..............sadly
did not win the lotto again on Saturday.  Plan being to pay to convert
Gade's hut into a tiny studio with mezzanine bed and kitchen/loo etc
underneath then I could simply sit outside all day long and dream.....

Back to real world.

H

Hi everyone, and sorry I have not been on for while. We have so much
going on here at the moment, what with my book, moving house, looking
for a job, and problems on the 'other forum' that I help to moderate
(www.stairway-of-life.com) is anyone is interested. Quick plug there !

I would love to come to Lundy in February, but until the house sale
goes though, there are no funds available for anything. Haven't even
booked for next summer yet, which is a first for me. Usually I do
that the minute I am back.

I hate those pesky day trippers as well - they are a right pain in
the proverbial, especially when they think OLC is a public toilet. I
disturbed two little boys when I was there in July who were trying to
pee behind my little wall. They had the shock of their lives when I
shouted at them through the window to bugger off ! I almost felt
sorry for them. The worst though was a dreadful Indian family. The
husband spent the entire crossing throwing up, and uet when he got to
the island all he did was stuff his face with food. His wife and kids
were running round and round the lightouse with loud music blaring
out. Bloody glad when the boat left and took them with it.....

I have taken the Lundy pics off my website by the way, as they did
not really fit there, it was supposed to be more about my book
really. But I have put them on my other site www.talismanskull.co.uk
so don't panic, they can still be seen there in all their glory.

I do love the idea of a Lundy forum - and if you want any help with
moderating it or even as admin, then you know where I am. I have
worked on several different forums over the years, and now help with
Stairway of Life, the site which I actually helped to set up with a
group of friends. So you know where I am.

It would be great though and much better than these yahoo groups,
where you have no control at all over spammers etc. We could get
all the islanders to join, have sections on island news and gossip,
advertise job vacancies on the island, and last minute availability,
discuss the Lundy magic, and all our favourite places. It would be
great....

June

JUst got round to joining - Pip sent me an invitation some time ago.
Will write in more detail soon.
Chris

Just reading all the messages I have missed, things are gradually
expanding, great!  I kept Pip sickly green all week as the weather
was excellent - several staff commented on my influence! - sadly a
bit windy on Wednesday for JH to venture out for a round the island
trip but I've done that before although my friend had not.  She was
totally hooked - although whether on the climber she met (!) or on
Lundy itself I'm not too sure about.

Can't say a lot really, still on cloud 9, gazing at my pics every
night, Pip, your disc should be with you today.  As usual I spent
the entire return Oldy trip with bins trained on the island whilst
everyone else was looking forward to Devon - WHY???????  I feel like
my insides are wrenched out everytime I leave.  I watch the boat go
each time during the week with enormous glee, somehow not
registering that it will be me on the Saturday leaving others
behind.............watching with glee...........

Oh, dear, SO many DT's.  Balmoral (400+) Sunday plus 2 Oldy trips,
both very full.  Apart from that the island was good with quite a
few climbers out of sight each day and no 'hooray henries', no kids
of course.  A large crowd of 40 somethings arrived on Saturday
making a lot of braying noises (sorry folks but I go to Lundy for
quiet) and generally behaving as though they were in Burnham Market
(v posh local-to-me village full of London-secondhomers!) trying to
outdo each other.  Glad to be going away from them anyhow.  Yes, I
know the island needs all the income but I do feel they are losing
the plot a bit, trying to appeal to so many large groups, weddings,
smartening the place up for them and forgetting us 'old-timers' who
remember it as it was (early 90's for me).  I know it was harder to
get around and I do appreciate a lot of the work that has been done,
especially through Kevin's management) but I'm afraid that before we
know it the day trips will become every day in summer and then where
will that leave us????

I would just say though that I feel Derek runs a very tight
efficient and well motivated team but ultimately maybe they too will
feel like they are just there to serve the tourists......... sorry,
my thoughts are a bit down when sunk in post-Lundy depression!!!!
Only 4 months, 12 days to go til Pip and Steph & I set foot out of
that chopper.....................wheeeeeeeeeeeeeee.  I'm also booked
with 10 members of my family in late May for a BIG 0 celebration
(just a small group!!!!!!) and I can feel a brief winter visit
becoming an annual 'must'.

As Pip says, anyone else care to join us Feb 2nd?

PS  I did speak to Derek last week (apart from begging him yet again
to employ me as his secretary!) about our posters about this site
and feel sure that if we (Pip?) sent him a SMALL laminated one he
would put it up on the Tavern board at least for a while.

PPS  Looking forward to the next visitor's report.............

Helen

Hi all,

Had a text from Helen on Saturday, she's enjoying the indian summer in
the best place to do that, apparently the boat trip was excellent
(despite forecast strong easterlies).  Am trying not to be too envious.

Anyway, just thought I'd let you know I've uploaded a few selected
photos from my last trip.  I'm particularly proud of the sunrise one -
it's not often I'm up that early!  (Actually I'm most proud of the deer
in the mist one.)

147 days and counting...  (BTW Old Light Cottage is now free 2-12 Feb
next year, I've shifted over into Castle Keep East so my friend Steph
can join Helen and me - anyone else want to join us for a fun-filled 10
days?)

toodle
pip

Thank you for the welcome, Pip. Have just read your journal and
started to get excited about my imminent visit. I discovered Threequarter
Wall Bay a few years ago - it really is a super spot and well out of
the way of other vistors, especially DTs. Not sure I approve of you
checking your email there though! Surely you have to stand on one leg
on the roof of the Ugly in a south-easterly to get a signal? :-)

Some people, myself included, are really quite concerned about the
complete eradication of the rhodies. The charm of the tunnels was one
of the attractions of an east side walk. And what about the bird cover
and refuge for Sika deer? I was at the LFS Committee meeting yesterday
and it was agreed that it would raised at the next Lundy management
meeting.

Three weeks tomorrow I shall be setting out for my trip along with 15
friends. I'm staying in BVW for the first time and everyone else is
spread out amongst Hanmers, Square, Radio Shack, OLL. Need to book
something else before the trip after that which isn't until December
2007! I'm planning an island take over for a significant birthday...!

Better refocus and get back to work.

Best wishes,
Michael Williams

Hi guys (and welcome Michael!),

what misery to be back to reality...  have been at work for 3.5 hours
now and already have a headache.  Still, at least I had a few days in
Dorset with my mum to prepare myself for another 5 months without the
seals, the seagulls, the rabbits, the solitude, the deer, the ponies,
the goats, the breathtaking views, the monstrous spiders, the
bracken, the crashing waves, the gruelling climbs back to the top ...

anyway, I've posted my journal on the group website if anyone's
interested.  I'll put some photos up too when I get a spare minute.
we all had a wonderful time - Simon (nearly 14) and Blake (11) still
love the island (almost) as much as I do.

General summary:
- thought the rabbits were all gone, then saw some near North End
- saw some seal pups by Shutter Rock
- saw a peregrine and a kestrel and an oystercatcher (briefly)
- found a new place to explore! (3/4 wall bay)
- saw North Light flashing
- one week is far too short a time to spend on Lundy

I think Helen's the next of us to go - think of us next Saturday when
you're there and we're not!

(sigh, only 151 days till I'm there again...)

toodle
Pip

Not been logging in as I should so just caught up with some 'chat'
between June and Pip both of whom I have met through out mutual
obsession with THAT lump of granite!!!

Lucky lucky Pip, Simon and Blake have just spent 7 days there but
are leaving within hours now and I will be stepping onto that boat
in just 14 days time with a Lundy 'virgin' friend Chris.  Had to
endure my going on and on and on for the last 13 years and has
finally capitulated and said she would love to come!!  She is doing
a Uni degree (never too late) and is hoping to be inspired by the
natural textures etc on the island and taking lots of pics etc.  I
intend showing her every inch I can in 7 short days and hope she'll
be inspired to return.

This will be my 11th visit, 3 now within 12 months with 2 more
booked, 10 days next February with Pip - plenty of properties left
at present, anyone fancy joining us for perhaps the inaugural
meeting of the group?  Pip and I have bagged OLC and RR so the rest
of you will have to bunk up together!!!!!  Just a
thought...............   Next May I am herding up all my extended
family (well most of them) and braving half term (got to with kids)
to go and celebrate my sister's 60th (11 times), her eldest
daughter's 40th (2 times) and youngest daughter's 30th (2 times).
Also coming are brother-in-law (2 times), my son (3 times) and
partner, nieces partners/kids so at least with 11 of us we are
occupying 5 properties which must reduce the half-term
yuppies/kids/kites/noise..........if not the DT's!!  Sorry, chaps,
but I have an in-built distaste for DT's and feel they should
somehow be vetted to ensure their intentions are honourable before
they come.................mobiles, high heels, sweet wrappers,
giving poor Nigel stress in his shop - I could go on but better not!!

Must start counting the days, hours..........and pray for better
weather............

Wow... i had thought about writing a book... but i rekon i'm too lazy
to do all that... congratulations on the book anyways... can't wait to
get out there again... it's like home and i can only have been out
there a few times... ask Pip and she'll know...

:-p

Simon

Wow... is it realy ony 11 days... wait it must be less than a week
now! YAY...

I like the idea with the pens'll be great! and i bet we could get
blake to come up with some groovy designs... lol...

Actually Pip you explained that perfetly. I don't know what it is
like to be a mother though, since I am not one, and can only guess.
It does sound though, reading your entries like you have a very
stressful life at home, looking after the two boys on your own,
paying the bills, and going to work. I guess it must be the same for
all single parents though.

It is great though to finally be a published author. It took a long,
long time (five years wriitng the book, it was not complete until
just before Christmas), and I ended up self publishing in the end. In
some ways it is better this way though, since although I had to cover
the costs (and still do, as I have to go out and sell it), I am in
complete control of the whole process form start to finish, With
mainstream publishers you are lucky if you get a say in cover design,
editorial changes, marketing plans, publication date or even the
book's title. That is not how I wanted to work, as since it is my
creation, I believe that it is the least I am entitled to, after all,
the publisher may be paying for publication, but I paid to write the
damned thing, and it it my reputation ion the line as much as
theirs ! It is hard work though, but very rewarding. In the 2 weeks
since I got back from Lundy (seems like a lot longer) I have managed
to sell 30 odd copies, which is not bad considering the time of year.
Have conatcted a few book shops as well to see if they would
interested in stocking it, and am waiting to hear. Must start ringing
round some local groups and arrange to do some talks as well. Maybe I
can do that today after I have been to the bank .....

I live in Surrey by the way, and not sure where Helen is, but I am
sure we could arrange a little get together at some point. It would
be good to meet up and put faces to the names. Some of my best
friends have been met over the internet on the various forums I post
on and have moderated over the years. I always enjoy reading all your
adventurs and marvel at how fit and energetic you sound, and all the
different plaves you manage to get to, mos tof which I am not nearly
brave enough to attempt (the Pyramid is challenging enough for me,
especially when its time to climb up again).

I have never been unlucky eough not to be able to get on the island,
although I did have a near miss the 2nd time I went out in March
1996. Have been lucky enough to be stuck there twice though for an
extra day, once in November 2003 when he had desne fog, and then 2
years later in November 2005 when believe it or not the island was
covered in snow. I am still kicking myself gor not having taken my
camera with me. I was staying in the Radio Room on both occasions,
which I ocasionally have to do if OLC is booked up. I keep tryikng to
persuade my partner Coran to come with me one day, but it is just not
his cup of tea, he prefers sitting in front of the telly wathcing sci
fi to walking all over windswept islands. Still, he has never stopped
me going, and to tell you the truith, I am not sure if I would really
want him to come withe me anyway, and I look forwatd to my time
alone, and want the island all to myself!

June

--- In lundyisland@..., The Old Bat <dipsy_xxx@y...>
wrote:
>
Hi Pip

Lovely to meet you at long last as well, I think we have 'followed'
each other a few times in residence at OLC, but have never actually
met, maybe one day we will meet properly though, it would be nice.

Yes, going up in that little plane was great. As soon as Nigel
mentioned it to me in the shop, I knew that I had to try and persuade
one of the pilots to take me up, but even so, I nearly fell off my
chair, when this one said tbat he would. I didn't even know for sure
that he was one of the Pilots, as you don't know everyone who is
staying on the island, and i can't tell the difference anyway. The
view though was brilliant, and it was definately the highlight of my
21 visits. I haven't booked yet for next year, as with my book having
just been published, it is difficult to know what is going to happen
at the moment, I may be whisked off by some Hollywood agent (in my
dreams)!


I don't know what it is about Lundy though that is so magical, I have
thought about this over the years and my latest theory is that it
brings you completely into the present moment, where you are totally
aware of everything both in and around you, so to me visiting the
island and spending hours walking and exploring is almost like a
walking meditation. Hope this makes sense to you and I am explaining
this properly. You will what I wrote in the log book no doubt on your
next visit, although you mentioned it be in Square Cottage? With your
2 boys then I presume also?

I hope you didn't mind me using that poem you wrote by the way, I did
add something in the log book that I was collecting quotes etc to put
on my website, but no one contacted me so way that they objected, so
I just went ahead and put them all up there. Quite a lot of people
seem to find the site by searching for Lundy, so I guess there is
still lots of interest out there.

As for how I found this site, I was actually doing a seach for yahoo
groups to help promote my book, and just tapped in Lundy for good
medasure to see what popped up, and this group did, so I decided to
join. I think it is high time that soemone started something lkke
this, and if you both hadn;t then I would have done, so well done to
both of you. I am sure we will have loads of members in no time, all
Lundyites together .....

June xxxx

www.juneaustin.co.uk especially my latest pictures of Lundy from the
air, taken just a few weeks ago. defiantely a day to remember.....

June

I am really happy to find this group, as on myh way home from the
island just 10 days ago, I was thinking myself of starting a new Lundy
group or forum of some kind, and how it could be mentioned in the
friend newsletters etc. I am a regular stayer also at the old light
cottage, and recognise Pip's name from the logbook. I go around 3 times
a year, having first discovered the island in 1995, and have not long
returned from 3 blissful weeks there. Look forward to geting to know
you both and talking Lundy with someone who understands and does not
think I am weird.

June

Shame I didn't know about this group earlier, having just returned from
Lundy around 10 days ago (three blissful weeks in brilliant sunshine).
I could have reminded Derek about this, as I had several chats with him
while I was there.

June

Just wondering how we can get this group off the ground?  I have e
mailed Derek Green asking if he would be interested in putting up a
small poster perhaps in the Tavern, also, albeit a herculean task I
know, but perhaps Nigel (Luddite Man about ALL technology if you
know him!) in the shop would do so too?  When I get a response I'll
let everyone know.

I also think we should approach Shottesbrooke about perhaps putting
a notice in the next newsletter?  I think Pip is going to approach
the official Lundy website about it.

Any ideas anyone out there.  Perhaps anyone who visits could put the
techno details in the logbook where they are staying to spread the
word!

Meantime, just counting the day til my next visit in September.

Helen

Just a brief message to add encouragement to everyone out to join up
on Pip's new site.  Pip and I only 'met' over the airwaves a week
ago on my return from my 10th visit to paradise.  I had taken her e
mail address from Old Light Cottage's logbook and left mine and
thought how great it could be if more of us got together on-line to
help us deal with our obsession!!!

As she says, please leave your e address in your logbook and then
more of us can perhaps 'meet' up and chat.  Me, I'm back off there
in under 13 weeks with another trip booked for May 07 but don't know
whether I can cope with an 8 month gap inbetween.  I have been
visiting since 1993 and have witnessed all the many changes on the
island and experienced most weather it can throw at you at all times
of the year and still I need to be there as often as I can!

I'm not madly technologically expert but have managed to get this
far so please do join up and let's see where it takes us! Perhaps we
could get a Lundy Singles group off-shoot going???!!!

Helen

Hi all,

Am playing with this at the moment, trying to work out what can be
done.  Have uploaded all my journals (am shocked to find that I haven't
written journals for several of my trips) and my favourite photo - will
load some more stuff later on if I get a chance.

Anyone who goes to Lundy any time soon - write a message about this
group in the logbook of your property - the more people we can get to
join the better!

sigh, spose I should do some work now.  can't afford to get fired,
something's got to pay for my frequent trips to the Big Old Rock...

toodle
pip