Cornwall: Cadgwith & Lizard Point

We were great fans of 'The Fisherman's Apprentice with Monty Halls' shown last year on TV, and it was too tempting not to visit Cadgwith Cove where the series was filmed. We weren't disappointed, Cadgwith is a sleepy, picturesque fishing village, today with a very calm sea, not like some of the days we saw on the programme!

Back to the car, direction The Lizard, the most southerly point of the British Isles.

On the way a landscape of older times when Cornwall had many mines for precious metals.

A typical Cornish road, single track with stone sides. Don't worry there are plenty of passing places!

Not as dramatic as Land's End but we finally made it to the Lizard, enjoying a picnic and a lovely cup of coffee.

Cornwall: Portreath, St Ives & Hell's Mouth

Making the most of the good weather we headed further south, not quite making it to Land's End but lunching at my favourite place in the world - St Ives.

First stop, Portreath, a sleepy village but with plenty to explore.

The tide was very low when we got to St Ives...

...but we still spotted the Harbour Restaurant where I served on whilst a student, in the early 70s.

Meanwhile someone's enjoying a postprandial nap...

...and the fishing fleet awaits the next tide.

Back home via the dramatically named and very impressive Hell's Mouth.

Cornwall: Coast walk from Perranporth to Holywell

We decided to venture up the coast a bit, following the coastal track from Perranporth to Holywell Bay, passing some very quiet but interesting military bases.

Here's our cottage, a converted bakehouse that we last visited 10 years ago (http://www.cornwall-online.co.uk/bolenna-court/)

Arriving on the beach at Perranporth itself...

...with its amazing arch.

These two photos were taken from the same spot - that's how long the sands are at low tide!

Our walk to Holywell Bay followed the footpath along the dunes, with magnificent views...

...and an accompanying feathered friend.

There are old mines all along the cliff tops, thankfully well marked.

Not for those with fear of heights!

Our destination, Holywell Bay...

...where we spotted a wreck sticking out of the sands.

On closer inspection we saw just how big the vessel was!

Apparently it is only visible at very low tides.

ps from my Googling:

The shipwreck visible at low tide on Holywell beach is generally thought to be the remains of the SS. Francia, a 700 ton steam-powered Argentinean coaster. It was wrecked in 1917 shortly after setting out from Newquay with a cargo of coal. However some reports cite the Francia as sinking 4 miles offshore, so exactly what happened is a bit of a mystery.

For our walk back we dropped down to Perran Sands once we'd passed the headland. The pint at the beach bar at the other end was much appreciated!

Cornwall: Fowey & St Agnes

I know this is An Englishman in La Tranche but we've got a lot to catch up with back in the UK on our recent visit, so I hope the next few posts will be appreciated. We LOVED our week in Cornwall - when we win the EuroMillions jackpot one of our houses will definitely be there!

First stop on our journey from the Plymouth to Perranporth: Fowey (pronounced Foy) on the southern coast, where we had a wonderful English breakfast!

The small town lies on the estuary of the River Fowey...

...that's the open sea in the distance!

Onto St Agnes on the West Coast, a good spot for surfers when the tide is up!

Two views of the same steps. One of these two has a balding head!

Your faithful blogger couldn't resist exploring! 

Nicole's 60th birthday weekend (2)

The pictures really do tell the story, with much merriment throughout the evening and way into the early hours!

The photo we'd been waiting for: Fanny, Raphaël & Jérôme...

…but even better, all the family together!

The birthday cake: wonderful profiteroles in the shape of a Mexican hat.

I assure you that Nicole IS laughing in this photo! Do you notice a Mexican theme slipping in here….?

After much practise the previous day we finally enjoyed the performance of Nicole's 'favourite' song, Mexico by Luis Mariano (YouTube it at your peril) ...

…even young Gabriel joining in the dancing!

Finally a demonstration of traditional Tunisian dancing from Lotfi.

A huge thank you to Nicole & Daniel for a fantastic weekend. If you're feeling up for it (and want to practise your French) look at this great blog from the birthday girl herself.

http://coxigrue.wordpress.com/2013/10/21/60-ans-preliminaires/