"Magic Moments" Ellen's arrival in Falmouth by Susan Powell

Having E-mailed Ellen "all round the world" with messages of support and following her adventures on the website, I was very keen to travel to Cornwall to welcome her back.

Unfortunately it seemed I would have to make the journey on my own, leaving at the last minute, as due to the elements Ellen was battling against, it was not possible to gauge exactly when she would arrive in Falmouth. No-one I asked could come at such short notice - I was lucky enough to have someone who could cover my work!

I was rather nervous at the thought of travelling to Cornwall and staying down there for two nights, completely on my own (I live in Sussex and had never been to Cornwall before!) But hey, I thought - if Ellen can sail round the world on her own, coping with everything that was "thrown" at her, I could surely get to Cornwall on my own to support her!

Keeping a close eye on the website, I decided to travel down the day before she was due to sail in. I went by train (6 hours!) - the journey went very smoothly and the carriages were packed - mostly, I think, with "Ellen supporters!" One particularly beautiful part of the journey was along the Devon Coast, where the train literally ran right alongside the sea, winding in and out of huge rock faces. As I gazed out on the ocean, I wondered how Ellen was feeling, being now so close to home and seeing her family, team and friends again ....

On arrival in Falmouth, I felt at home straight away - it was peaceful and very pretty - and I loved it. After booking into my Bed and Breakfast I went for a walk to find my bearings - and to try and judge where the best place would be to see Ellen's arrival the next day!

I decided that the Maritime Museum would be an ideal spot to see Ellen sail in, as I had found out that B & Q was going to be berthed just below the Museum when she arrived. A huge screen had been erected in the Events Square, outside the Museum, where images of Ellen's previous voyages were being shown - and where it would show Ellen and B & Q crossing the finishing line.

During the early evening I was standing watching this screen, on my own, when I was approached and interviewed by a Reporter from the local paper - the Western Morning News - so that was a surprise! Other supporters were being filmed for various TV programmes. I also saw Mark Turner on a number of occasions that evening - mostly on his phone - I presumed still giving Ellen support as she came closer to the finish line ....

The next morning I was at the Maritime Museum about 8.00 am - as the crowds were building even at this hour for the exciting day ahead.

There were many "magic moments" for me on that day I shall always remember ....

...The moment B & Q glided gracefully into Falmouth Harbour with Ellen safely on board ....

...The flotilla of boats surrounding her - down to the tiniest of crafts ....

...Ellen and her parents embracing on board B & Q - (they must have been so relieved to have her back safely!) .... Being able to celebrate the triumph with Ellen and her team in the Maritime Museum Events Square .... Seeing B & Q vividly lit up against the night sky at the pontoon in the calm quietness of the evening .... Meeting a fellow "E-mailer from Ellen's website (who I thought was one of Ellen's team, as he was wearing a "Team Ellen" jacket from the website!) ....

I have certainly learnt from this trip that if there is something you really want to do in life, you SHOULD "go for it" - if I hadn't gone to Cornwall I would have missed out on a truly unforgettable experience ....Susan