Farne Island and the wildlife.

 Exciting day for us 'cos we had booked a boat trip with Serenity tours. Been away from FS far too long so in badly need of a boaty fix and what a way to do it by going across to Farne Island to see the wildlife but most importantly the Puffins.

10.15 am sailing, so we drove to the large car park early to secure our spot. With a cost of £7 for the day, we felt it was a bargain. Boarding started promptly, and we were lucky to secure seats at the front, but soon found out why these seats were not first pick. Choppy seas and plenty of spray, it was mostly over us!

What a great 2 hours; the captain was both knowledgeable and brave. He took the catamaran within a foot of those rocks and held it still in all the swell. 

 

So very close to those rocks.

 

 The photos at the end are numerous...you have been warned.

Something we haven't done since our kiddies were young, crazy golf. Close to the harbour was an 18 hole course just crying out for us to have a go.

 

 What a hoot. At one point I was well in the lead, Ian soon caught up when I made some silly mistakes and in the end it ended in a draw.

Took ourselves off for a walk along the shore, clambering over the now exposed rocks, we came across Sand Martins. Plenty of holes in the sandy cliff face and we must have spent an hour watching them flying in and out.

 

It's been a fabulous day of fun and relaxation, and sorry to see it come to an end. Tomorrow we are back on the NT and Heritage trails although Bamburgh Castle, which is first on the list, is neither. Also, as we are so close to Kielder Forest and the dark sky reserve, it must be worth a visit.

And so the wildlife,

Puffins

Thousands of guilliemots

So precariously balanced

Razorbill in amongst the guillemots.

Guillimot dad with chick

Kittiwak

Kittiwake

Guillemot and chick

 Nesting Shag

Shag

Razorbill

 

Eider duck with chicks.

Eider female with chick