Sailing to treasure island

Sailing to treasure island

On a recent trip to the Lake District, we used our sailing boat and canoe to get out to an island just off the shore, but made it into a Might Eagle adventure .

There was actually a bit more preparation behind this than you might think, but with a little time, preparation and a camera to record the whole event, this adventure is a legend to be retold over many years.

Firstly, when we visited the island the day before we scouted for safe landing sites. Then we scoped the island too to make sure there was nothing dangerous. In the canoe on the way home, we hatched a plan.

Very early the next morning, we went to the shops and bought treats and toys which we could use as treasure. Then we quickly canoed over to the island and buried them. Obviously with an X to mark the spot.

Making an old treasure map

Making an old treasure map

A wax seal

A wax seal

When we got back to where we were staying, we drew up a treasure map. To make it look old and authentic we soaked a tea bag and wiped it over the paper, then lit the sides with a lighter. To do this safely, we burnt the paper over a large oven tin. To seal the map, we rolled it up, burnt a candle and dripped the wax onto the edge. To seal the paper we pushed a coin into the wax before hiding it somewhere in the house.

Then we waited.

It was with a flurry of excitement that the map was found (hidden in a crack in a stone wall).

Family open canoe adventure to treasure island

Family open canoe adventure to treasure island

Then everyone headed out to the boats to find the treasure.

Admittedly doing this in our sailing boat was much harder than the canoe but we wanted to sail out and then drop the anchor to add to the authenticity.

Reading a treasure map

Reading a treasure map

Digging up pirate treasure

Digging up pirate treasure

Finally we landed on the island – looking out for pirates all the time. The map was pored over, the island explored and eventually the treasure trove was found, and the bounty plundered and distributed.

A pirate's treasure trove

A pirate's treasure trove

To round off the adventure we lit a fire, cooked some marshmallows, then left for the boats.

I have to admit, probably one of the best days ever. It even rained for the whole time.