The gatehouse, with its crenellations and pinnacles … Off with their heads!
A bright sunny Sunday in October, eager to get out in the air, we took ourselves off to Lanhydrock House, barely half an hour’s drive away. I’d not heard of Lanhydrock before we moved here but I quickly learned it has vast estates with plenty of paths for walking (and cycling). An exploratory stroll seemed in order. Continue reading “Lanhydrock: October sunshine and Alice”
Everywhere there are signs of productivity, passion, history and love
Yesterday Bernie & I visited the Lost Gardens of Heligan. I have wanted to go there for years – since well before the notion of moving here came into being. I’ve come close once or twice and it’s never quite happened. Finally, we’ve managed it – on a balmy afternoon in mid-September when everything colluded to give me an experience to treasure. Continue reading “The Lost Gardens of Heligan: an afternoon of history, tranquility and delight”
Wonderful colours, the smells of steam and smoke (and burgers); the vehicles all polished to perfection
We had promised ourselves a day out before July was through and on the last day of the month we made it: we visited Boconnoc Steam Fair. Continue reading “Boconnoc Steam Fair”
Once I’d stopped to think about a rainforest I recalled that under the canopy there is little light and relatively little colour. There was a lot of green
It was raining and distinctly cool. The paths would be wet and slippery; the views veiled by mist. Walking was off the agenda. We opted instead for a local attraction which offered at least some shelter and some more attractive temperatures: we had a day at the Eden Project. Continue reading “Singing in the Rain at the Eden Project”
Everywhere we looked offered a view and the vistas crackled with energy
If the first half of our walk can be defined as steeped in history, the second half can be defined as awash with nature. Both halves gave us views: the first of woodlands and settlements; the second of coastal grandeur. There’s no need to make comparisons: they combined to give us a wonderful day. A good walk with a dear friend, at a leisurely pace through magical scenery. What could be better! Continue reading “The View from Here: conquering the cliffs”
I might even be prevailed upon to paddle next time
Before I stopped working, I worked with several people who knew this part of Cornwall well. They have been a real help in offering advice and giving us the lowdown on places to see, shops to visit. And on this occasion, in suggesting beaches for children. Continue reading “Boys on the Beach: Millendreath”
“Can we come back here again tomorrow, Mummy?”
Yes please, I added silently.
Polperro is fast becoming a favourite haunt. Today I saw it through a child’s eyes.
The final day of May dawned warm, bright and sunny, with a generous light breeze to keep us cool and refreshed. Ellie tackled the narrow back roads to Polperro without complaint and reversed where necessary like a pro. I could learn from this. Continue reading “Polperro Revisited”
On crowding ferns bluebells and hazel leaves
A mid-month Friday provided the perfect opportunity to explore the bluebell woods that Roy the dahlia-grower had told me about. I set off eagerly. Continue reading “The Bluebell Woods”
I’d anticipated a spider’s web of glorious local footpaths: up hill and down dale, across field and pasture, through woodland, over streams…
Almost of the walking I’ve done since arriving here has been on our local roads. I must admit I’d anticipated a spider’s web of glorious local footpaths: up hill and down dale, across field and pasture, through woodland, over streams… Continue reading “Walking: what you learn and who you meet, from striding around your local beat”
I don’t know why she’s exerting such a huge influence on me here but I’m glad that she is
I could have tagged this onto either of the previous posts. But really, this small nugget of time was so special that I need it to have a post all to itself. A seemingly tiny thing, and I don’t expect to do it justice in words, but I need to have it here. Continue reading “The View from Here: The Pinnacle of my Festival Experience”
A Corner of Cornwall 