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/

Nicole's 60th birthday weekend (1)

Way back in September we spent a fantastic weekend in the Basque country helping Tine's 'old' (yes, literally) student friend Nicole to celebrate her 60th birthday.

Lunch was enjoyed at a restaurant with its own flour mill alongside. Anybody who has ever eaten a 'gâteau basque' will know that the flour was put to excellent use!

It was wonderful to meet Lotfi & Halima all the way from Tunisia (we first heard of Lotfi over 30 years ago)! Here he hasn't lost his touch looking after Jérémy, Nicole & Daniel's 2nd grandson.

The relaxed atmosphere, good food & drink all meant a good time was ad by all.

The stream that feeds the water mill...

…and the perfectly milled flour ready for use.

Late afternoon we drove to Hendaye, the most south-westerly town in France, where we walked off our lunchtime excesses. That's Spain over the river.

Lotfi & Nicole

Just to prove we were in the Basque country!

Do you remember the summer?

Events have understandably taken over recently and there's quite a backlog of photos to share with you. I'm typing this in Sheffield having just come in from the cold and it's hard to believe what a beautiful September we had.

Our next door neighbours, Giles & Marie-Jeanne, took us for a boat trip out in the bay

What a pin-up!

Tine busy studying for our next big holiday in February: Thailand!

Your faithful blogger having one of his last dips of the year. The pool has now been 'put to bed' for the winter. Let's hope for an early spring!

Our simply irresistible grandson

Back to normal next time but I couldn't resist a few more Alfie photos. We're nearing the end of our extended stay in the UK and it's going to be hard saying au revoir in a few days' time. Long live Skype!

Nadine gets a look-in!

It was lovely to catch up with Christine & Mike, up from Hastings to meet their first grandchild.

The young fella's already computer literate!

Thanks to Jim for these three photos

And finally Alfie with new friend William