Last week was regatta week in Fowey - a week of celebration and entertainment most of which is free Many of the local ports and harbours have a annual regatta week. On Wednesday afternoon after work we headed off to Fowey to see the Red Arrows. When we set out the weather was warm and sunny and just perfect for an air display. We found ourselves a nice perch and viewpoint in the gardens of a hotel ( just meant buying the odd pint -not much of a problem!) The town was packed with people. About 30 minutes before the display was to start huge black clouds began to gather overhead and a sea mist could be seen lurking out in the bay. We began to wonder if there would be any display.

But exactly on time we heard the roar of the engines and the performance began, unfortunatly at exactly the same moment the first big raindrops began to fall and then the heavens opened. Thankfully we had coats with us but still got soaked. The skill of the pilots was really put to the test as the cloud base got lower and lower.




After about 15 minutes of the most amazing flying display through dense cloud and sea mist, the rain began to ease and the sun came out again. Well, what a backdrop nature provided for the remainder of the display. As you can see from these photos it was just spectacular. The official photos even made the national newspapers it was so special.

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On Friday we decided to get the ferry across the river from Padstow to Rock. I had not been to Rock before and still don't know why it is so popular. attracting many wealthy visitors including Princes William and Harry. It is just a small village with a couple of shops and a pub but has good facilities for sailing.

When the tide is in the ferry leaves from the harbourside in Padstow but at low tide you have to walk about half a mile along the coastal path to where the ferry pulls up right onto the beach.

Well, guess what time we got there - yep, it was low tide and even worse, one of the lowest tides of the year so we had to walk even further!

Are you sure we have walk this far - do we get a reduction in fare?

I think I can see it coming!

After a good 15 minute walk we could finally see the ferry. We climbed aboard for the short trip across the river. The bad news was that the boat could not land at Rock - yes you've guessed - because of the low tide! So it dropped us another 15 minutes walk from Rock. Why do I keep falling for it- I just don't know!!

Anne suggested that as we were already a good way along the beach, , we could walk down to the next bay, Daymar Bay, where we would be able to get a drink - seemed like good idea so off we went.

We didn't stop at Daymar bay because Anne said Polzeath, a good surf beach was only just around the next headland. I will never fall for that one again! We walked and we walked, the sign said a mile and a half - Anne said 20 minutes - it took ages!

But I did have my walking gear on and a good job too because once again we got wet!

The Brits one holiday - we will sit on the beach even if it is raining!

"It's getting a bit brighter now" Anne said.

Rose tinted spectacles - maybe!

Anyway the good news is there was a bus stop in Polzeath and even better a bus due in half an hour. We had a hot drink then jumped on the bus back to Rock.

The driver was really helpful as we were not too sure where to get off. He pulled up at the kerbside somewhere near Rock and said "This is as close as we go, just walk in that direction".

Now, Rock is on the sea, it has a beach and boats but there was no sign of any of it.

After about 10 minutes walk we did eventually reach the village and we passed some very nice houses on the way!

We waited on the beach for the return Ferry to Padstow and watched the start of a sailing competition.

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Saturday was the final day of regatta week in Fowey and in the evening there was a big firework display over the water and live entertainment on the quay. The town once again was packed with people.

Everyone was singing along and dancing to a Beatles tribute band called

Sergeant Peppers Only Dart Board Band.

The band members were dressed up just like the Beatles did for the album.

Befor the fireworks there was a parade of illuminated boats along the estuary. Difficult to capture on photo but very good to watch.

It was a real party night with people of all ages joining in enjoying the fun - we danced the night away.


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After work today I met Anne in Newquay and we went down to the harbour, a part of the town I had not been before.

Newquay is the 'Blackpool' of Cornwall complete with all the 'kiss me quick' rubbish, fish and chips and burger bars but the harbour area is like another world. It is the oldest part of the town and still very much a fishing port.

There were 2 seals in the harbour enjoying a bask in the shallow water.

There is such a contrast between this picture and the one you see just five minutes away in the centre of the town.

Off to the pub now for a pint!