Visiting Camborne, St. Austell and Lots of Trees

We had a fleeting visit to Camborne but, unfortunately, I only had time for five quick photos. Above is the Wesleyan Chapel and below some roadside art work.

Next is the Commercial Square, Camborne Town Centre.

I'm not sure what the next building actually is  ...

... or indeed the stone below, which was in its grounds. It looks old and interesting - but I couldn't find any info on the internet.

Camborne is somewhere I rarely visit. I guess it is probably most known as the centre of Cornwall's copper and mining industry, though this was at its peak in the 18th century and early 19th.

I always think of Richard Trevithick and his Puffing Devil when I think of Camborne. This was the world's first self propelled passenger vehicle. It was steam powered and made its first appearance on Christmas Eve way back in 1801. There is a traditional song to go along with Trevithick's ride up Camborne Hill ...

Goin' up Camborne Hill, coming down
Goin' up Camborne Hill, coming down
The horses stood still;
The wheels went around;
Going up Camborne Hill coming down

White stockings, white stockings she wore (she wore)
White stockings, white stockings she wore
White stockings she wore:
The same as before;
Going up Camborne Hill coming down

I knowed her old father old man (old man)
I knowed her old father old man
I knowed her old man:
He blawed in the band;
Going up Camborne Hill coming down

I 'ad 'er, I 'ad 'er, I did
I 'ad 'er, I 'ad 'er, I did
I 'ad 'er, I did:
It cost me a quid
Going up Camborne Hill coming down

He heaved in the coal, in the steam (the steam)
He heaved in the coal, in the steam
He heaved in the coal:
The steam hit the beam
Going up Camborne Hill coming down

Oh Please 'ave a baby by me
Oh Please 'ave a baby by me
I'm young and I'm strong:
Won't take very long
Going up Camborne Hill coming down

Goin' up Camborne Hill, coming down
Goin' up Camborne Hill, coming down
The horses stood still;
The wheels went around;
Going up Camborne Hill coming down

With the song ringing in my ears I'll move on!

Look who I saw on a house roof. I wondered why the seagulls were squawking and behaving strangely.

I like trees in winter, the branches and trunks have a chance to take centre stage. The new style house below has such a lovely display of winter trees at the back of the property.

An early morning walk at Charlestown showed a perfect silhouette of trees on the distant skyline.

A few trees in the church grounds at Tywardreath.

Small birds enjoying the branches.

As we cling on to life some leaves are also clinging on, and trying not to fall.

Winter trees alongside the beach at Carlyon Bay - and there's a blue sky too.

Signs pointing the way near St. Austell Trinity church.

A fancy signpost in St. Austell pointing the way: left is to the Eden Project (4.5 miles) and Bodmin (10 miles). Look right for Heligan (4 miles) and Mevagissey (6.5 miles). Must say that I'm not too sure about this sign's accuracy. 

While in St. Austell I was near the building below. This is all that remains of the once extensive Pentewan Railway Terminus. This was operational from 1828 to1918. The building itself dates back to circa 1860.

The building was originally 200+ feet long and was used for the storage of china clay This was carted here by horse drawn wagons. The clay was later transported by railway wagons to Pentewan Harbour. There is a 1900 photo of the harbour on my blog post here.

That's all for this week - all good wishes ~ Mike.

Out and About Near St. Austell, Cornwall

Peekaboo! Approaching St. Austell I noticed this lucky cat on the welcome sign.

And below another welcome to the town - not that there is anything going on of course.

In town, however, I did see a tiger ...

... and the very large humming bird.

On the outskirts of the town are sheep ...

... and this little fellow was wearing his best coat.

A pig was rooting about, churning up the grass. What a busy life.

Darkness filled the sky for a while but a rainbow brightened the view. To the right of the rainbow you can just see St. Austell's White Pyramid. 

Moving on to the coast. Below is Porthpean Beach, about 2.5 miles from St. Austell town. Often described as the beach where the locals go, but no one about today.

Inland again and a sheep with an itch!

Then it's along to the lake at Par Beach where there are usually ducks geese and the like - though the seagulls often like to boss the surroundings. 

And finally a flower, just because it's nice and colourful.

All in all a mixed set of photos for this post, but such is Covid-19 life at the moment.

Take care.

Out and About: Piskies, Flowers, Art Work and a Rainbow.

As we walked along the damp Cornish lane we wondered if a piskie would try to send us the wrong way or play some other trick with us - as is their custom. They are always full of fun and even have their own nursery rhyme.

"See-saw, Margery Daw,

Sold her bed and lay upon straw,

Sold her bed and lay upon hay, 

Piskie came and took her away."

Somehow a pansy had flowered, it's roots squashed between a crack in the surface of the lane.

A tree had recently been cut and was now laying comfortably on a bed of moss.

There is always something to see on a walk but often we don't seem to have time to stop and stare.

The sky turned a dark blue. The old pillar of a viaduct, which once carried trains to Cornwall from London stood, proudly next to the updated viaduct. It was originally built in 1859.

Suddenly the world looked brighter, there are always a few flowers to see even in winter.

The Camellia below is from our garden, where my favourite border collie dog is buried. He was so wonderful and will never be forgotten.

We wandered into St.Austell town centre. All was quiet because of the Coronavirus lockdown.  

Some artwork caught my eye.

I have walked through St. Austell many a time but have never noticed the art work high above the Fore Street.

On our way home a rainbow, but we didn't see any bluebirds flying high.

Finally, for today, a few bursts of winter colour.

Thanks for visiting my blog - all good wishes.

The Flowers and Attractions of St.Austell Town Plus More Flowers

After some lovely weather, there was a change in the air as we went off on a walk. I noticed the flower in the photo above at the side of the road. On returning the plant was quite wet (below). So we decided to walk into St.Austell town.

It was still drizzling so not many people about. Even the pasty shop was empty!

The town's flower displays were damp too.

But a large mural was shining bright ...

… and the fish seemed happy enough in the rain.

Another flower display...

… and part of a large section of artwork featuring people through the ages associated with the town.

Eventually we arrived home and noticed the first dahlia were now flowering (2nd July).

Other flowers were doing as they ought this time of year ...

… and another dahlia had burst into flower - maybe not exactly burst, but there was one pompom on display.

A few more flowers …

Finally a neighbours garden with his palm trees - they grow okay in Cornwall because of the mild climate.