A Day in Cornwall: Charlestown, St.Austell, Heligan

A few photos from the last week when we were out and about. Above is the port at Charlestown and below is looking out to sea from the harbour wall. You might just be able to see a few minute sailing ships on the horizon - or there again you may not.

We then moved on to the town of St. Austell

My wife had an appointment in the town so I mooched about with my camera. Some colourful paintings in the next two photos.

A photo next of a china a clay exhibit on a wall. There are several of these in various places in the town.

The appointment over we headed for the Lost Gardens of Heligan - starting off with a friendly goat.

We always like to see the rhododendrons, though it was a little chilly to use the seats! 

A cheerful colour next to an old wall ...

... and a closer look at the wall.

Moving on now to the  Jungle at Heligan

Time to be  homeward bound

And finally a quick look at Carlyon Bay on our way home.

Nearly forgot, a saying seen at Heligan:

We don't stop playing because we grow old

We grow old because we stop playing.

Thanks for visiting my blog~ Mike.

A Short Walk on Carlyon Beach, Cornwall

We hadn't been able to get out walking for a while, so decided on a short walk along the beach at Carlyon Bay. There's no car parking charge at the moment- not that I'm a tight wad of course!

Only a few people on the beach as you can see by the photos. The weather was changeable but mostly with a touch of blue in the sky.

I've walked on the beach here for many years but had never noticed this hole in the rocks previously.

There was a lot of seaweed about.

The sea was a lovely shade blue.

We got talking to someone and the sea seemed even brighter with fluffy white clouds.

We crossed  the beach, walking towards the cliffs.

There's a proper path to walk by the cliffs.

First though, we looked across the beach.

The view stretches to the Gribbin Tower in the distance - well it did with my camera's zoom.

Back to the cliffs and more realistic colours. Actually it started rain.

A few shrubs and plants alongside the path as we made our way back to our car.

We got back to our car without getting too wet. 

The photo below shows the far end of the beach at Carlyon Bay, on a previous early morning walk. Always special to be the first on the sand.

That's my lot for today.

Thanks for visiting my blog ~ Mike.

I mentioned Gribbin Tower in the post, here's one of my posts on Gribbin Head and the Tower:

Walking to Gribbin Head Cornwall - Daphne du Maurier Country

Sand and Barrel Jellyfish at Carlyon Bay, Cornwall.

 

There is a long beach at Carlyon Bay, St.Austell, Cornwall. 

The photo above was snapped after I had walked to the far end of the sand, so not many people about! Well, none actually! It gets much busier though at the height of the summer season. 

This far end of the beach was once a designated for naturists. I'm not sure if this still applies as the beach has confusing plans for redevelopment - mind you this has been promised / threatened for many years, but actual building work has never commenced.

The other end of the beach (photo below), nearest the car park, is quite popular. There are rocks to explore and so on. Some people are even brave enough to plunge into the water.

You have to be a little aware, if close to the cliffs, as there are rock falls occasionally.

When I walked to the far end of the beach all seemed peaceful, other than a young seagull blowing in the wind.

But then I spotted something in the sea - jellyfish - big ones!

They are Barrel jellyfish (Rhizostoma pulmo) and are said to be the largest in UK waters. I have read that they can grow as large as a dustbin lid - and are sometimes, therefore, known as dustbin-lid jellyfish. 

The jellyfish can sting but this is not normally harmful to us humans.

The jellyfish aren't at Carlyon Bay all of the time! They are most likely to be seen in May or June when the waters start to warm. They can get washed ashore if they swim too near the beach.

There always seems to be something interesting on a long beach. I have seen a very large fin whale washed ashore at Carlyon Bay, which was quite upsetting. 

After walking the length of the beach I retraced my footsteps to the most popular section - and the flags were flying!

As I walked back to the car - up a hill unfortunately - I snapped a final photo looking out to sea.

Kindly note this post was also published a while back. I am not available at the moment.

Many thanks for visiting my blog.

Good wishes ~ Mike.

A short walk from Carlyon Bay to Spit Beach and Beyond

The weather was in a quandary. Should it rain, dabble in sunshine or be dark and menacing? 

Whatever the weather we decided to go for a walk and headed for Carlyon Bay golf course. Not to play though, as I agree with Mark Twain who said, "Golf is a good walk spoiled." I guess I should apologise to any golfers! 

Alongside the golf course, overlooking the sea, there is a public footpath with some lovely views. You have to be aware of any stray golf balls, of course.

With the golf course stretched out before us it turned quite dark with a few drops of rain.

Clouds formed as we walked.

We decided to keep walking and visited Spit Beach. From here it is also possible to carry on walking to Par Beach - though the footpath is a bit grotty.  The sun did its best to shine.

For a brief moment Spit Beach looked great, with blue-green sea lapping the shore.

We decided to retrace our steps alongside the golf course. Dark clouds built up once more.

The clouds appeared to be almost hovering above the horizon.

With Carlyon Bay beach in view we are nearly back to where we started. 

To walk along the side of the golf course park in the Carlyon Bay beach car park. It's a bit bumpy but is often free out of the tourist season. Walk down the hill a short way and on the left is a Public Footpath sign, follow this to where we started our walk. Note that the path can get a bit muddy following heavy rain. 

To finish today's post the azalea in our front garden. Thanks for visiting my blog - Mike. 

SEARCHING FOR GOOD LUCK AT CARLYON BAY, CORNWALL

Gosh, a pleasant day, the rain had  ceased, though a few puddles remained. We decided to have a short walk along the beach at  Carlyon Bay.

It was quite chilly, but who cares when there is treasure to be found - well, perhaps.

I had recently read a book 'Seagulls in the Attic' by Tessa Hainsworth, who has started a new life in Cornwall. 

Tessa writes how she likes to find cowrie shells on the beach. She writes, "I love these tiny pinkish shells, no bigger than my little fingernail. They're lucky shells, the Cornish equivalent to the Irish four-leaf clover."

On a previous visit to Carlyon Bay my wife and I found dozens of small pink shells. So we set off to find some more. It's always useful to have a handy supply of good luck, you never know when it might come in handy!

I soon found a pink shell but little else.

The beach was quite empty, the sand smooth, untouched and nothing had been washed ashore.

A walk on the untouched sand is, by itself, good luck.

We enjoyed the far end of the beach, the peace and the silence.

The rocks and cliffs have their own special beauty. The comings and goings they must have witnessed over thousands of years.

Eventually we retraced our footsteps.

Looking inland, numerous enormous rocks were piled high. They were originally to be used as a breakwater when there was talk of the beach being redeveloped with apartments and shops. But this has never come to fruition.

We made our way back to our car via the puddles.

I did manage to pick up a few bits and pieces along the beach, but nothing too exciting. They will, however, be added to my collection of bits and pieces labelled 'you never know when these might come in handy.'

Thanks for visiting my blog

Hope you lots of good luck luck ~ Mike.