Jersey

Alas, our fairy tale is coming to an end. Today was our last day on the cruise. We spent it on the sunny Channel Island of Jersey. Eric and I took a tour of the island and visited a lavender farm. The island is only 3 miles by 5 miles so we had no trouble circumnavigating it. The beaches are pristine, swept every day by the tides. Jersey has the 2nd greatest difference between high and low tide in the world. When the water sweeps back in, it does it at a rate of 3" a minute! Because of the ease of travel these days, tourism has fallen about 47% in the last few years. It is now so easy for Europeans to get to the U.S. or Canada. The lavender farm was a small, family run business. They grow a couple of varieties, some being better to dry and others being better to distill the oils for perfumes, etc. Although the last tender back to the ship was supposed to be at 1 o'clock, there were so many people ashore on tours, we weren't picked up until 2. Needless to say, we were a little late leaving port. It has been a wonderful cruise. We have met people from all over and the crew couldn't have been nicer. Early tomorrow morning (7:45) we will leave the ship for our drive back to London and Heathrow Airport. Although I will miss cruising, I can't wait to see and talk to my family and friends.