The Travelling Howes: Doug's Special Birthday Surprise-St Martins in The Scillies

Arrived here 5 days ago as a surprise birthday treat for Doug, he knew nothing about it until the day before we left (pretty good going for me as I found it hard to keep it a secret...)
The crossing over on the Scillonian was one of the worst this year (according to those who know) and I was as sick as a dog-unusual for me....not a good start but once we arrived on St Mary's, transferred to a small boat to St Martins, I was fine. And what a beautiful place, empty beaches wherever we looked and crystal clear waters.
Par Beach by the Highertown Quay

We were quickly ensconced in our lovely apartment overlooking the sea on this beautiful, but small, island. The weather has been kind, warm and sunny except for one afternoon when it rained (a lot). Have spent the days clambering over the island, it is only 3 miles long but with a lot of ups and downs!!! The beaches are stunning, long, white and sandy and every day we see no-one other than a few locals. We have been told we are the only "visitors" other than a few birders, and basically they don't count as far as locals are concerned!!!!
D has had a splendid time looking at birds -I am looking at seals- it was one of the reasons I chose St Martins as it has a reputation for getting migrant birds passing through....
The pub is closed, the hotel gone bankrupt (both in stunning locations, can't understand it..) and basically the only thing open on a regular basis is the island store which is opposite our apartment so I can see all and everything that goes on (such as it is!)
Thursday night is fish and chip night so off we went to Adams Cafe and there we met all locals scoffing yes, fish and chips. There is no menu, you book, you arrive, you sit, they serve you fish and chips... Friday night it was the turn of Little Arthurs Bistro, a basic conservatory attached to (probably the chefs) house. Again, You,book, you turn up, they give you a choice of fish pie or lasagne and you eat, surrounded again by the locals. The rest of the week there is nothing, so it was off to the stores and some self-catering......
We have loved it here - perfect for those who want to get away from it all. Having said that, we have wifi in our splendid apartment, as well as every modern convenience, otherwise I wouldn't be writing this.