Tuesday morning brought us another sunny day with clear blue skies and temperatures around 15C. Ray and I did a 50 minute run “up” the lane from Camille’s house, and into the paths around the farmer’s fields waving to the farmers, and saying hello to the various horses we met along the way. Then we hit the car, and drove into Penzance, around the bay, and into Newlyn. Camille took us to one of the local fish shops to buy the evening’s dinner; but I think she was a little disappointed that I didn’t linger longer in the shop! (Those of you who know me well will know that “fish” is not my most favourite food). After the fish buying we wandered around the harbour and up into the tiny residential lanes. There was an eclectic mixture of washing hanging out to dry, flower pots with beautiful arrangements of colourful flowers, and tiny paved streets climbing up the side of the cliff. It was just full of the character that makes England so unique.
Then it was back into the car and we headed towards Porthcurno and “The Minack Theatre (http://www.minack.com/). The Minack is one of the world’s unique spots. It is an open air theatre built up the sides of a cliff. It is spectacular. It almost reminds you of being in Greece. The seats are tiered up the cliffside and you can sit and look out over the aquamarine ocean and Porthcurno Bay and Logan Rock. Part of the theatre includes a cliff garden where even at this time of the year there is an abundance of floral colour. The theatre was the brain wave of Rowena Cade an English girl who lived through both world wars and came from a privileged family. She helped build the theatre by moving rocks to make the seats, the stage. etc. The first play performed there was in 1929. Now there is a 17 week summer season. Whether you look up the cliff from the stage, or down the cliff from the seating areas, the creativity is unique, the views outstanding, and despite the cold nights and hard seats I am sure you will be immersed in a spectacular experience.
After wandering over the theatre, and watching a short video on the life of Rowena Cade, we had lunch in the cliff top café consisting of course…. of a Cornish pastie!
Then it was off to Sennen Cove and a mile’s coastal walk to Land’s End past some climbers climbing what we think might be Cairn Gloose overlooking Land’s End. The rugged beauty of the Cornish coast is stunning; but the theme park and monstrous hotel at the point are just one more example of man’s need to dominate life’s most beautiful natural experiences. Anyway, thankfully, they were closed, and we were able to wander around relatively undisturbed by other visitors. We saw a ring of standing stones just near the entrance to the theme park. Then we wandered over to Greeb Farm, where although the farm was closed, we saw a beautiful little Shetland pony and her 3 week old foal. We never did ask their name. Our coastal walk took us just over 2 hours by which time the sun was setting and we experienced one of Cornwall’s spectacular sunsets.
Then it was home, and a delicious dinner of “brill” (yes, you are right, bought at the fish shop in the morning (Camille had a cooler in the back of the car)), and prawns; followed by baked orange caramel custard. A sampling of the local brew “Adnam’s Broadside”, much discussion, and my fair share of wine ensured a good night’s sleep after a very exciting and active day. Are you exhausted?? We were!!
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