It did us both good

After six months of, first, non-stop rain and then, second, the dreaded shingles for the next four months, I was ready for a break from the house and village. We had intended to travel to the far north of Scotland and visit friends that live so far away from us here in the south-west. Jen thought it unwise for me to drive and tow the 'van such a distance that we cancelled those ideas and opted for a short, four-hour trip to windy Penwith, instead.

The cat was returned to the cattery for love and affection from Eileen and we set off for Sennen and a farm campsite with a sea view. As the tank was almost empty when we arrived, once we had set up the 'van, we hotfooted it to Morrisons for diesel and a few supplies. That evening we ate on site; reasonable both in quality and price - but it did lack a bit of atmosphere. It rained - heavy - and very windy.

Trevedra Farm camp site (club field)

Day one and we wandered off to Sennen Cove. We took it easy, looking round the lifeboat station, walking from one end to the other, taking a snack lunch with the obligatory ice cream afterwards and watching the antics of the surfers in what was posted as 'princely' conditions. The sun was hot!

Sennen Cove Harbour (looking north)
[We were camped on the skyline above the gent's head]

Next day dawned warm and sunny, too. Off to St Michael's Mount, where I'd not been before, taking the dogs with us. NT membership meant Jen didn't pay to view the gardens, while I sat with the dogs and a coffee, admiring the view. Terry Smith (Falmouth) hadn't put the flags out! Jen took herself off for an exploratory walk in the afternoon; I had a local drive around.

St. Michael's Mount at low tide

The following day we were invited to John and Eva's to witness the opening of the overnight moth trappings. I admired his new 2.0 litre VW Ecos with a swish sun-roof - trust the old "car salesman" in him to re-appear! 

J. Swann (right) - well in with the neighbours!

We then went for a walk round the Botallack-Pendeen  area, where there are many old disused mines and a few that are being resurrected, going by the tailings' dumps. We saw the 'Poldark' house but not the film crew, who are doing a re-make at the moment. I had to take the following picture of "The Crowns" which appears on many a calendar - at JS's insistence. We didn't see any Choughs (just watchers) but lots of other things that are local to the area ... and two 'lost' German men. 

An old mine being re-activated

"The Crowns"

In the afternoon, we went to Cape Cornwall - just for an ice cream, really. I did bump into an old couple from Knaphill, (near Woking), though, and had a natter.

Cape Cornwall (from NT car park)

The next day the heat must have gotten to me as I had a gippy tummy.We decided to make it a day of rest and relaxation. After all, it was the ninth anniversary of our first meeting at Knights' Hill! (that's above Castle Rising, Norfolk, at 51m a.s.l)

The Germans have arrived
(under the moon of love?)

Erin's tenth birthday. We drove to The Lizard and walked the unconventional route  to the most southerly point in the kingdom. We did see four Choughs feeding in a field, which pleased Jen. By gum, it was hot and sultry. Needs must for another ice cream. For an evening meal we decided that the Red Star Chinese in St. Just could fulfil our needs (it was only four miles away) and at £18 was magnificent. Top marks. 

The centre of St. Just.
(Oldest UK pasty shop (Warrens') on corner behind lamp column)

The weather was still glorious and the moon was full. In fact, at five o'clock in the morning you could see both the sun and the moon above the horizon at 180 degrees to each other!

The following day was somewhat cloudier than we had got used to. We made the short journey to Porthcurno, one, to visit this lovely beach with its steep, fine sands (unfortunately one is not allowed to take the dogs down there), and, second, to see the hut (not open 'til later in the day) where the telegraph lines came ashore and then to visit the newly opened museum in the old Cable and Wireless building. Pricey but well worth it, we felt.  (Entrance fee £7.50 for concessions)

The Telegraph Museum

Entrance to underground tunnels

On the way back, we popped into Treave Pottery but were disappointed that the stained glass people opposite were away for the week - just like us!.

Next day we packed up, gave my dog her pill and set off for one last walk around the local paths and lanes before driving northwards in lovely weather, back up the A30 and A38 to Somerset once more. We were home by 2 pm. With a couple of hours left before I could retrieve the cat, I went and re-filled all the half a dozen or so bird-feeders which were all empty, despite having been filled full before we left for Cornwall.

We did both feel better for this break and I almost forgot about my shingles. [Still getting the odd twinge and sore spot]. We both agreed it was nice to come home - we've both become a pair of old farts!

Missing it already.