Friendships sustain us through life’s choppy waters

“WE’VE come for the puffins,” my friend told the young National Trust volunteer, who backed away in alarm as six determined women in their late-30s descended on his telescope in a bid to spot the elusive birds.

We had arrived on Lundy Island by ferry, a two-hour journey from hell. It began with our group sitting together on the deck, catching up and enjoying the fresh sea air and ended with us standing at separate parts of the boat, silent and willing ourselves not to throw up. Choppy would be putting it mildly.

The last ferry I had travelled on was with Irish Ferries from Pembrokeshire to Rosslare. The Lundy ferry that morning felt a bit like flying in a tiny propeller plane through a storm as opposed to a jumbo jet. But it was all part of the fun, and as our feet gratefully touched land, the sun shone and a wonderful day exploring the island together stretched out before us.

Sarah had decided she would like to visit Lundy Island and stay in nearby Lynton for a few days for her birthday, so the rest of us girls were only too happy to oblige. Never turn down a child-free break away is my motto, especially one that allows me to spend quality time with some very good friends.

What a truly beautiful place it is. Wild and rugged, where the Bristol Channel meets the Atlantic, Lundy is famous for its seabirds, especially puffins, which gave the island its name (Lundy is Norse for Puffin Island). Photographs online are deceptive and make these birds look much bigger than their 10-inch-tall reality. That day they were all ducking and diving in the sea, feasting on fish while staying close to their nests as it’s breeding season. Luckily we were able to view them from our clifftop position through the young volunteer’s trusty telescope. He even offered up a few interesting facts once he could see we weren’t going to harm him!

No traffic or crowds of people to mar the stunning scenery, the coastal path walk around Lundy is a balm to the soul. And the return ferry trip was almost pleasant thanks to much calmer waters.

The rest of our break was spent in a beautiful Airbnb in Lynton, straight out of a magazine. Evenings were spent curled up in front of the log burner with a glass of red, conversation and laughter the only things scheduled. That feeling of having nothing to do and nowhere to be, a complete contrast to my usual routine. I soaked it up, and felt 10 times lighter on my return home.

I am very fortunate to have been blessed with great friendships throughout my life. The gang I have known since we were six years old, all living on the same estate and going to the same schools, and who still go out of their way to clear their diaries and assemble for a catch up every time I come home. Over 30 years of friendship. That’s quite something. And those friendships that were forged a bit later in secondary school and college, one or two eventually fading away with time and distance, but one that has stayed strong to this day – bridesmaid at my wedding, godmother to her son.

And here, in Bristol, close friends who continue to sustain me through highs and lows and whom I cherish.

Ada is excited that her best friend from pre-school will also be going to the same primary school as her. Also named Ada, they are as thick as thieves. It is lovely to see. But what I hope for her once she starts school and throughout her life, is that she will also be blessed with not just one, but many strong friendships.

My life is certainly the better because of mine.