We all know the last two years have, at times, been quite fraught and definitely frustrating. The Kid and I had a trip to Thailand that buckled in the first few months of Covid (still waiting on perhaps some refund from Thai Airways after them going belly-up) ……..our usual annual trip to NSW to visit family hasn’t happened and indeed, I have airline credits for our visit we thought might have been possible last September holidays. So really our respite from the same-ness of being home and the humdrum of school has been more local. Today we managed a lovely day out which went like this.

We had a great day – it was disappointing that, due to the winds, going to Peel Island which was meant to be the destination, didn’t happen – so St Helena was the only option – and though we loved doing the history convict tour there a year or so ago, it’s pretty boring as an island destination in itself. But K was keen to walk up the hill to visit the old cemetery again so we did – though it was very hot and having only thongs on was not ideal for my feet. And then we were late back to Raby Harbour this evening (so I drove home wearing my sunnies LOL)…. because of wind/currents but still it was very enjoyable – beautiful boat, charming & funny captain and mate. Highlights: baby stingray in the shallows off the island, a crane (bird variety that is), a sea-eagle, K found teeny tiny wild orchids and the only crocus flowering on the island, Van Morrison all the way back because when the mate asked me about favourite musicians, the Man was top of my list, just hanging together and laughing at stuff, the quite young captain resembling a very cheery Care Bear with terrible Dad jokes which added to the fun… they also do a very lovely lunch and a/tea and the captain has almost completed his tour guide qualifications and they hope to do proper St Helena tours – he was quizzing me about what I did and didn’t like about the one we did LOL.

.Important EDIT!: I forgot to say that the Kid picked up a pipi and knew it was bush tucker so found a bottle cap and prised it open to taste it, and approved – gathered up some to bring home and has just steamed them to eat and thoroughly approves.

The Cleveland based family operation is Aria Cruises and I can thoroughly recommend this is as a lovely way to spend a relaxed and interesting day.