DAY SIX – The Isles of Scilly—no laughing matter There lies a small archipelago of islands that reside off of the southwestern coast of the UK named Scilly (that’s right!), just begging my exploration and tasting. Since 1975, these isles have been designated for their outstanding natural beauty. Only 2,200 residents on just five inhabited islands share their splendor. I spend most of my time on St. Mary’s–the largest, St. Martin’s with its flower farm and vineyard and Tresco, home to world famous sub-tropical Abbey Garden. There are rare, migrating birds, exotic plants, archaeological sites and plenty of organic foods and beverages to be experienced. To start, Cornish pasties with beef, potatoes, swede (yellow turnip or rutabaga), and onions at a local café–with tea and local, organic milk, of course! Then local wine tasting at St Martins Vineyard, the most south-westerly vineyard in England, with mostly white varieties – Reichensteiner and Madeleine Angevine. The vineyard and production are small, but intensive. A real passion by a former science teacher! Lunch in Hugh Town, the main town of St. Mary’s, is a visual and organic feast! Check out the freshly made brown bread, golden butter and redder-than-red tomato soup. And the morning-caught fresh crabmeat salad with just-picked veggies from the neighboring organic farmers’ fields. I grab some lemon marmalade, gooseberry jam and heavenly scones for the lazy jaunt back to port. But first, I squeeze in a steep climb to Star Castle, an eight-pointed star former fortress on a rocky peninsula, originally built as defense against the Spanish Armada. A pot of English breakfast tea and biscuits and this friendly seagull says it all. Now to cross the Celtic and Irish Seas and on to Waterford and Dublin. Anchors aweigh for the rocky route—still the rewards are worth it. All aboard?