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!

St Ives is about 45 minutes drive from home and is very popular with artists because of the very special light qualities. There are many galleries in the town including Tate St.Ives.

The seagulls here are renown for their pasty stealing skills!

It is a wonderful place especially if you venture beyond the busy main street. There are lots of tiny, narrow streets full of very pretty cottages.

It would be a very nice place to live but I don't think I will be moving into this street.

We needed this sit down after the steep climb up to the gardens on St Michael's Mount..

Look closely and you will see the security man giving me a telling off - "No photography allowed in National Trust properties" he said. But it cost me a tenner to get in!

Semi-skimmed or Gold Top?

Anne's idea!

Well, what a busy time we have had for the last three weeks!

The first of our visitors was Anne's friend Mieke from The Netherlands. Mieke stayed with us for a week.

Anne's son Matthew also had a friend staying- he was from Brittainy and brought with him lots of french crepes. We enjoyed them with summer fruits and clotted cream but then got a bit bored of them and wondered if they had any other uses- a nice hat maybe? !!

Mieke went home and two days later my friend Simon from Worcester and his wife and daughter arrived followed by my son Shaun.


We had a lovely time in Padstow and ended the day with fish and chips from Rick Steins.

Look out for seagulls!!





We awoke on Sunday to an amazing cobweb display around the garden. This is just one of many.

It was Charlestown regatta week and we got there just in time to see the lifeboat display. The RNLI are always busy in Cornwall at this time of year but this was just a demonstration of the kind of work they do.

My sister Pauline and her husband Modge were our next visitors. We meet up with them on a lovely, sunny evening in Charlestown once again.

The tall ships were in the harbour.

We had a super meal together and then sat outside their hotel as the sun went down.

The following day( Friday) we headed off towards Penzance and got the little ferry across the water to St Michaels Mount. You can walk across a causeway at low tide but we were a bit early so had to use the boat.

Me with my sister Pauline and her hubby Modge on the harbour.

There are many birds nesting on the island and we saw quite a large colony of oyster catchers.

The castle is built high on the island and there was a very steep drop down to the lovely gardens.

There are stunning views of Mount's Bay from the top of the castle.

We did lots of walking - looking at the castle gardens which are home to some unusual sub- tropical plants.

From Penzance we headed north again to St.Ives. We travelled into town by train along the coast. The views are stunning.

The bar on the beach was good too!!

Modge was not impressed with Anne's dried cranberries or the box of spouting beans!

But we all enjoyed the pasties!

Anne decided we all needed a 'nice' walk along the coastal path.

I don't think Modge was too impressed! How much further?

St. Ives is a really pretty place with lots of tiny, narrow, winding streets.



On Friday we went to Falmouth and had coffee overlooking the harbour. We looked at the many yachts and decided which one we would buy if we had a few humdred thousand to spare!

After coffee we went to Pendennis Castle. The castle was built by Henry VIII to protect Falmouth from the Spanish!!

It is concentric in design which is apparently typical of the tudor period.

Caught you!

I had fun in the 'hands on' bit!!

From Falmouth we headed towards home but stopped off at Mylor harbour for an ice- cream.........

...........the Pandora Inn for a beer...............and.................

Padstow again for fish and chips!

It's been a very busy three weeks but we have had a great time with family and friends.