Plans often get changed on Lundy, its a feature of Island life. When schedules are dominated by external elements, such as the weather, you have to have a flexible mindset. Living on an island that is exposed to the elements means that wind, fog and sea state can shape everyday life. Ships are cancelled, helicopters delayed, flights grounded, and carefully made plans unravel. Over time, you learn that certainty is never guaranteed.

Cancelled Sailings and Unexpected Adventures

I experienced my first taste of delays and cancellation long before I worked on Lundy. I was coming to stay as a camper, when the boat crossing was cancelled but fortunately replaced by helicopter flights. At the time it felt wildly adventurous and exciting.

There have been many other moments of delay ever since. One New Year, a group of us, arrived at ‘Hartland International Airport’, excited about fancy dress celebrations. Then we were left discombobulaland when our fog-bound flight was delayed 24 hours. We had driven over to Hartland without even thinking to check the forecast, naive to the elements. Like many others over many occassions, we found ourselves turning around and heading back home, returning again the following day when the fog finally lifted.

Sometimes these disrupted days become the memorable ones. On one occasion, with a cargo of luggage and stayers, the ships crew asked us all to leave the ship as the ship’s crane was stuck, hanging over the edge. The planned sailing would not be going ahead. Suddenly an entire day opens up before you that you had not planned for. I ended up spending twenty-four unexpected hours with the friend of a fellow islander who needed somewhere to stay. He took a chance on me as a host, and we ended up having a brilliant day together — fish and chips, conversation, and a walk around Baggy Point. A cancelled plan became a small adventure neither of us had anticipated.

Living with Uncertainty on Lundy

That is often the question on Lundy when plans collapse unexpectedly: what do you do with yourself now?

This blog features a video which came from another one of those changed days. At the beginning of May this year, a sailing was cancelled and suddenly I found myself standing outside my house with no idea what to do instead. I started walking, more to fill the time than anything else, and unexpectedly discovered the new commemorative stone and plaque for the Lundy Field Society.

It feels particularly fitting to share this video now, as this weekend is ‘Discover Lundy Week’ and the Lundy Field Society are celebrating their 80th anniversary on the Island. Founded in 1946, the Field Society has spent decades studying and recording the archaeology, history and natural history of the island, helping to preserve the stories and landscapes that make Lundy so unique.

And then there is the biggest change of plans of all.

A Season Extended: How Lundy Changed My Plans Again

For the past month, I believed that in Mid May, I would be leaving island life behind. I had slowly started adjusting to the idea of returning to the mainland and beginning something different. But Lundy, as it often does, had other ideas.

In an unexpected curveball, I have now been offered the chance to stay for the season.

With a financial lifeline for the summer, and with some unfinished blog business still pulling at me, I have decided to remain on the island for a few more months yet.

So, for now at least, I am still here.

Which somehow feels entirely in keeping with Lundy itself — an island where plans rarely stay fixed for long

So there will be more Lundy Stories to come this season. it would be much appreciated if you could subscribe.