Off the southwest coast of England lies a small piece of granite named Lundy Island. It is located in the Atlantic, at the mouth of the Bristol Channel. A few weeks ago today I saw a man wearing an aqua colored T-shirt that had "LUNDY ISLAND" on the back with "BRISTOL CHANNEL" underneath in smaller letters. . This immediately reminded me of the time during World War II when I spent eighteen months on a farm near Westward Ho! on the North Devon coast. I was lucky enough to miss the London Blitz during those months and had an idyllic time at this farm. From the age of ten, I had a thirst for knowledge and was able to explore many areas in the surrounding area. I loved adventure books like Robin Hood and Treasure Island and I remember vividly that the latter story began in Devon. Lundy became my own “treasure island” and I longed to cross the sea and climb its steep slopes. Wartime England was not a good time for a beach holiday. Most were heavily mined and cordoned off with barbed wire to prevent invading forces from landing. However, North Devon was at the corner of the vulnerable English Channel and we were allowed to explore the vast sands of Westward Ho! On a clear day the shape of Lundy Island could be made out, a few miles west of Devon. side. Often I would look at it and wonder what was going on there. There were days when the sun shone brightly and its reflection reflected strongly on the ocean, but Lundy Island was obscured by sea mist. Even so, I liked to look in his direction hoping to catch a glimpse of him, but he rarely seemed to show himself these days. At that time, only one boat per day visited the island and travel was restricted because... .middle of paper ......tion for climbers. The cliffs rise over four hundred feet and can be imagined to be very steep due to Lundy's small size. I have often thought about visiting the island, but will I find it as I imagined it over sixty years ago, or will I find my illusions shattered by the sight of typical commercial structures? Let's hope not, because the island is now owned by the British National Trust. I have seen Lundy Island twice since my time in Devon. I was on vacation in 1966 and again in 2000, but I didn't have time in my busy itinerary to see the island of my dreams. I could only stand on the shore and relive memories that had faded over the years. I doubt I'll ever come back. Let the mystery remain. Too often I have experienced the disappointment of visiting places that did not live up to my expectations. Besides, I'm too old to fight ruthless pirates.!