Maremma Travel

The four of us were coming to the end of a marathon and fantastic holiday in the Scillies – we had just one problem – how were we going to get home? The passenger ship “The Scillonian III” had stopped sailing for the winter and we had actually booked our return on the freight ship – the “Gry Maritha” known so were we told by locals as the “Grim Reeper” – such is it’s sick inducing ability!!

After having been told several times about how some seasoned sailors had found it “difficult”, we headed up to St Marys Airport. There we met with Merryn of British International Helicopters. He got out the biggest dog box British International Helicopters had – we tried to shoehorn Emma in – her shoulders wouldn’t go in the box – Monte just about made it – but there was no real room for him. Little did we know we were being watched by the Island’s doctor who we met a couple of days later who informed us that it was the best laugh he’d had in a long time!

Dejected, we left – Merryn informing us he would have a look at any alternatives available for us. Next day Merryn rang – he and his wife had gone onto the internet and tracked down an aviation approved dog box big enough for our “polar bears” which they could also fit onto the helicopter. The Helicopter Company Management then agreed to fit the dog box onto the helicopter so we could get them back to Penzance so long as we then donated the box to the helicopter company for future use by all other largish animals. We were very pleased to do so – there are quite a few pretty large dogs on the islands which will now have a more comfortable journey back to the mainland if necessary.

In the meantime, we had to circumvent another problem – the sound of rotary blades on a helicopter and the strangeness of being on a helicopter etc are not too good for a dog’s nerves - what to do? We took them to the islands’ vet who prescribed them ACP – the doggie form of Valium – he told us Emma could take up to 3 and Monte up to 2 – but as they hadn’t had it before – to try them out on a half dose 1 hour before take off. Apparently that is what all the locals do with their animals on the helicopter or small plane so they do not get stressed. The instructions were noted and the tablets duly put away to await lift off!

The day of our return arrived and the dog box was there in the helicopter - Merryn, despite being on holiday, made sure he was there at the airport to ensure all went well. Rob and he took Emma onto the helicopter – blades rotating more slowly (less noise) – and popped her into the box whilst I waited in the departure lounge with Monte. Seconds later they were back down the steps without Emma – Rob grabbed hold of Monte’s lead – I ran towards the helicopter and we were away within seconds! Emma was completely bemused, (the ACP had completely kicked in by now), we then had about a minute’s flight and then landed at Tresco on the cricket pitch! There was a switch around of people, another take off, then Emma had two nice young chaps behind her who fell in love with her, and who then actually asked me if I had any ACP left for them! They kept on poking their fingers through the air holes to give her a tickle. Emma was oblivious to all of this – she was busy staring out of the window at the islands and sea whizzing past her below for the next 20 minutes. So far so easy – little did I know what was waiting for us at Penzance!

We landed at Penzance heliport where there were quite a few people at the windows looking out for “the big white dog” for whom the crate had been bought and specially fitted onto the helicopter! The Airport Manageress even came out and offered to look after her whilst I was dealing with luggage etc. Leaving the luggage in the arrivals area - (it is really that safe!) – Emma and I then set off on what I thought was going to be a quick half hour max walk up the road to the harbour to pick up my car which had come over on the Gry Maritha three days before.

It was further away than I had thought and was severely hampered by the fact that by now Emma could barely walk with the effects of the ACP getting stronger. I had mistakenly thought she could walk it off. About half way there, (I was told that the offices who had the keys to my car shut at 5 p,m, and it was now 5 to 5), she started frothing a bit – what could I do? In absolute desperation I managed to get her into the reception of the nearby doggie-friendly hotel where we had stayed the night before our epic holiday in Scilly—within seconds Emma was spark out on the floor! The receptionist bemusedly took Emma’s lead whilst I frantically tried to convey the problem! I ran off like a bat out of hell and finally got to the harbour looking like a lobster, (have since started going to the gym – have learned my lesson!). I then ran around trying to find my car – where was it?? It wasn’t at the harbour where I was promised it would be! After LOTS of to-ing and fro-ing I was given directions to yet another office! Off I was again like a rocket! I saw my car outside the office, however it wasboxed in by another car. Finally a chap arrived to let me out – but not without an ambulance drawing up and blocking the exit for us and then once out – I couldn’t drive in the direction I wanted to because it was a one way system – the wrong way!! A complete catalogue of disasters!!

Eventually I was on the coast road driving back to the hotel where I had unceremoniously “dumped” Emma. I felt awful – desperate and guilty for having left her in the care of a stranger. I drew up to the hotel – was she still going to be there? – had someone kidnapped her because she was so gorgeous and helpless? I needn’t have worried – there was Emma straight in front of me – having a lovely time flat out, paws akimbo in front of the roaring log fire! On seeing me she gave a gentle little woof, a wag of the tail and unsteadily got up to totter towards me! The receptionist had given her some water, a tickle and then settled her down there where she could keep an eye on her from reception. Wonderful!! I lifted Emma into the car – note to self – need to do weights for arms! – and off we went back to the heliport in Penzance.

There was Rob stood there with a big grin on his face and a slightly woozy Monte. The Manageress had greeted him and Monte too – Rob said he had never seen me look so wild eyed before! I then fell into the passenger seat surrounded by tonnes of scented narcissi we had been given by Sarah who owns the fabulous house we had been staying in. Why on earth hadn’t I got a taxi to the harbour? The journey back was incredibly quiet – both Emma and Monte slept together all the way home. Next time, we’ll give Emma and Monte less ACP and Rob can take all the luggage and pick up the car!! Many thanks go to all who helped us.