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Photos courtesy of Scilly Visitor’s

“Scillonians are fiercely independent,” he con- noticed some older men lined up on a street
tinued. “Most of life here revolves around corner, wearing jackets, hands in pockets,
boats rather than cars. Everybody gets patiently waiting for the news agent to open.
around by boats and walking—we just love They were there to buy newspapers--which
the peace and tranquility. Visitors from arrive from the mainland every day but Sun-
overseas tend to do London; this end of Eng- day, when there are no flights. (There’s also

land—Cornwall, Scilly—really is unknown. no ferry service during the winter months—
It’s a special place. There’s no pollution here which, prior to regular air service and the
at all; the water and air are so clear.” Internet, could make the islands especially
isolated.)
As we drove through the narrow streets Photo by Rachel Lewin
of Hugh Town, the capital and city center In 2011 a new primary-secondary school Top: Kayakers at Tresco beach.
(which boasts some dozen shops, a post of- was opened here by Queen Elizabeth II. It Opposite top: Bird’s eye view of St. Mary’s looking
fice, museum, one co-op grocery store, two has some 200 children, ages 3-16, including towards St. Martin’s.
hairdressers, two banks, three police, three secondary students who come by boat from Right: Father and son walking on beach.
churches, four pubs, several restaurants)—I the other islands (and board here during the
Above: Local Scilly lobster.

68 Wine Dine & Travel Spring 2014