Cornwall part 1

Sunday 22nd June

Further south today through the amazing Cornish District. Today it is 24-25 degrees and wonderful sunshine again. Straight to Penzance on the A30, through some breathtaking scenery across the patchwork fields and paddocks. We parked at Penzance and took a walk around the town. Clearly, the pirates have moved out, as public parking was free. As distinct from every other town where they charge an arm and a leg to stop anywhere for any time! Whilst the place is a very old seaside town, there are plenty of interesting shops throughout the shopping village and some magnificent old mansions overlooking the town.

 

 

We then drove a little further south, through the gorgeous seaside town of Mousehole (pronounced Mousall...I know, clearly it is 'mouse hole', but there you go?). Cath then directed me down some 'back roads'....which turned out to be footpaths! Honestly, I was expecting to arrive at someone's front door. There was no turning back now...there was no turning at all!! But, as she rightly points out, we popped out at an amazing pub called the Lemona Wink. It has been there for centuries, but has been done up a treat. With the sun shining, no better time for a pint...Interestingly, Lemona was another town once crawling with Pirates and smugglers. Legend was that unpaid debts, or minor acts of treachery would result in having one of your eyes 'popped out' with a knife. Once that happened, you then had a 'Lemona Wink'...but debt sorted.

 

We then travelled onto Lands End. This is at the very bottom of the UK and is referred to as the 'First and Last'. The wild coastline has claimed countless ships and lives, and any wonder. Razor sharp reefs jut out and hide inches below the surface of the sea. The water was crystal clear and calm today, and we could see the reefs plainly from up high on the cliffs. Must be a bugger in wild surf or fog, both of which they have plenty of here.

Lemona wink

 

Then onto the Minack Theatre. We have a connection here of course as Cath's great, great Aunt?? Rowena Cade, made building this remarkable cliff top open theatre, her life's work. The story is one of amazing dedication and plain hard work. Interrupted by the 2nd World War, dreadful weather conditions and heart breaking effort, the theatre has been home to all sorts of plays, operas and performances. It's right on the edge of a bloody great cliff! People such as Michael York, Sarah Brightman and Sir John Geilgood have performed here.

 

 

Back home for a drink and a chat about our day at the Earl of Chatham, then dinner at the Royal Oak,as the Chatham doesn't do food on a Sunday night..

End of part 1

Cathngreg

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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