We left Bardsey on the 21st May 2010, after a few days of heavy and persistent fog; so much so that I wondered if I would actually see the island as we left. However, the sun made a gentle break through and the day warmed as we waited and watched the lighthouse delivery helicopter shuttle supplies from the offshore ship to the island. Eventually Colin came into sight and our island life, which we had been packing up for several days, was transferred to Benlli III and we glided away.
The journey back to the mainland was taken at a gentle pace; we saw Ernest and Christine making their way to summer on Enlli and then Colin stopped the engines mid- Sound to watch porpoise fishing in the calm sea. Eventually the transition was complete, we found ourselves back at Porth Meudwy loading the land rover and trailer, a much easier task than back in October. As we said our farewells Colin asked for our thoughts and I gave him mine which I still feel sums up our winter experience. I would not have done it without Jim and he could not have done it without me.
We had a truly once in a lifetime experience and still feel truly thankful that we were able to do this. Some times in the bustle of everyday life I find myself stopping and thinking, wondering what is happening right now on that hidden gem that is and always will be Bardsey. We learnt a lot about ourselves, about our vulnerabilities but also our strengths, what we are happy doing and what we need in our lives. We hope we can take these lessons on into our future adventures.
Our thanks go to everyone who helped us to fulfil our dream and helped us to maintain it for seven months, but especially to our children, Jenny and Mike, who kept the home fires burning and kept up the supply of chocolate. We love you.
Also, thanks to readers of and commentators on our blog. Finally, here's a random selection of our favourite photos.
Elaine
