At the far southwestern tip of the English mainland, where the country plunges over sheer cliffs into the Atlantic, sits the county of Cornwall and Land’s End. Just a few miles east is the fabulous castle topped island of St. Michael’s Mount. It is attached to the mainland by nothing more than a cobbled (and slippery) causeway that is covered at high tide. It was originally created in 1135 as a sister abbey to the perhaps more famous Mont St-Michel in Normandy. But, approximately 600 years ago the property came to the St. Aubyn family, who still live in a portion of the castle.

Since it is high tide – board the small 12 passenger boat and be whisked away to the island. You will need a ‘token’ (exchanged for the ticket purchased at a small stand in the parking lot) to get a seat on the boat. That token reflects the Cornish legend that St. Michael’s Mount was home to a terrifying 18 foot giant who built the island from large granite rocks stolen from the mainland along with cattle and crops. A young local farm boy rowed across the water, dug a deep pit and enticed the Giant out to the pit where the giant fell in. His heart (in the shape of a rock) is on the path on the way up to the castle – and is in each token to board the boats!

Once on the island the fun begins. Hike up the very uneven stone steps to the castle and explore.

On the way up one can see a watchtower and gun batteries. Inside there is the refectory for the priory, which continued to act as the main dining room until the 1950”s, Smoking room, drawing rooms and a church.

The South Terrace has been extended from its original dimension and is now the roof of the East Wing where the family still lives today. It also provides beautiful views of the surrounding area and the back of the simple medieval church that is a part of the castle.

The church was dedicated to St. Michael and is still used today for Sunday services. It was first built in 1135, but largely rebuilt in the 14th century. Its simplicity is striking – even with a small, but beautiful, pipe organ.

If one times their visit approximately, they can walk across that cobbled causeway going out or coming back. This particular day the timing was for a nice walk back to shore. So – time to head down and wander across;-)

One last view before running off. The westernmost town in England sits just across the bay – Penzance, as in the Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Pirates of …..”. Had to get this in as a line in “Pretty Woman” has become a standard of this writer’s. In the movie, after the opera that she is quite taken by, an older woman asks how she liked it and she replies – “it was so good I almost peed in my pants”. When the older woman looks flustered, Richard Gere covers by saying – “she liked it even better than Pirates of Penzance!” That has become my catch phrase for – “need to go!”

A very fun, energizing day. Don’t miss St. Michael’s Mount if in the area. Fantastic! But, again, time is up and more ports are calling.

E & G – still enjoying all the new sights and making lots of memories;-)