Puffin No-Shows, Penguin Wins, and the Legend of Little Jimmy

Wildlife Watch (Minus Puffins)

We knew from the moment we woke up — today was going to be an awesome day. Wildlife sea safari time!

With cameras and binoculars in hand, we jumped into the tender and headed out around St Mary’s. The boat ride was breezy, hopeful, and buzzing with anticipation — and nature didn’t disappoint. Razorbills skimmed across the waves like little torpedoes, seals were sunbaking on the rocks like seasoned pros, and a flurry of seabirds flapped about, pretending not to notice us. No puffins though — clearly they missed the group chat.

The Scilly Run: Next-Level Endurance

While cruising, we noticed runners hugging the coastline paths of St Mary’s. Turns out they were competing in the Scilly Run — a hardcore 60km (or maybe 60 miles?) challenge covering all five inhabited islands. The catch? You must complete each island within a set time, or you’re eliminated. Once everyone finishes one island, they ferry to the next. It’s like endurance racing meets musical chairs… with sea spray and sore legs. Respect.

Hugh Town: Seaside Charmer

Before heading back to the ship, we took a little time to explore Hugh Town, the main hub of St Mary’s. It’s a charming place — part sleepy seaside village, part cheerful harbour town — with narrow streets, friendly locals, and a surprisingly good selection of little shops. Just beyond the town centre, we wandered along the beachfront, where sand met the gently lapping tide. The water was crystal clear, and even though we weren’t planning a swim, it was one of those spots that made you want to kick off your shoes and stay a while. Peaceful, breezy, and beautifully unspoiled — the kind of beach that feels like a secret, even when you're not alone.

Power nap prep for peak cornhole

Back on the ship, it was nap time (absolutely necessary) before the main event: the world’s most nautical cornhole competition.

Round One, Ros got double the points in the first round than the whole score yesterday – which was 4 pitiful points.

Round two? Iconic. Someone had discovered four tiny beanbags — thus began The Little Jimmy Round. With an acknowledgement of the origins of the “little Jimmy” nickname being thanks to Ros’s sisters hahaha. I had the honour (or was it a setup?) of going first to throw the “little miniature” bean bags into the hole. Hilarious. Ridiculous. Small but mighty, I think Ros nearly died of laughter.

Round three upped the chaos again. We had to throw two beanbags simultaneously using both hands. There were many flailing techniques, but Ros stole the show. She chucked all four at once like a cornhole ninja. Three in the hole, one on the board — ten points in a single go! It was the winning throw that sealed her championship, pushing her past 21. I ended on a solid 16 — noble, but not victorious.

And what did the cornhole queen win, you ask? A very nice penguin-themed bag – adorable, practical, and now officially a badge of honour.

Rocking dinner

Dinner was at Elements, which tonight felt more like a ride than a restaurant. The boat was really swaying, and navigating from table to table was like playing a guessing game — sway left or right? You either looked like a ballet dancer or a slightly confused sailor. The food was fantastic yet again. Ros had a seafood mix, which contained prawns, bugs, clams, scallops and calamari. I opted for the steak. We were absolutely stuffed and couldn't eat anything else, until dessert was presented to us. Two chocolate souffles, which were both demolished. Probably not the smartest of ideas to eat it after feeling so full, but you do what you have to do.

End scene: no puffins, no alarm

We ended the night watching a bit of TV in the room, the gentle (okay, not-so-gentle) rocking of the ship helping us drift off. And best of all? No alarm needed — tomorrow, we’re staying put on the boat while everybody else checks out and heads off.