It Rained Cats and Dogs, But Was Still a Good Day For a Short walk

As my dear old dad would have said, "It has been raining cats and dogs". There seemed no end to the rain - no wonder parts of the country has had floods.

Luckily the rain ceased and we were able to go for a walk through the trees alongside the small rushing river.

For some reason I was reminded of Longfellow's poem where he said: Into each life some rain must fall and how some days must be dark and dreary.

But I don't mind the rain, the river looked full of energy and joy.

A house was nearly hidden behind the trees.

The river rumbled on with not a care in the world.

Damp primroses looked on cheerfully ...

... as the river splashed and gurgled.

Soon the water calmed.

I spotted some Elf Cups. In folklore it is said that the elves drink the morning dew from the cups. 

Ah well, the end of our walk for today.

As we passed by a small cottage window all was peaceful.

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Walking to Malpas, Cornwall Alongside the River

We decided on a shortish walk starting at Boscawen Park, Truro - where there is free car parking. From here there are views of the cathedral, though it looks better when the tide is high.

From here we walked alongside the Truro River. The park's playing fields and the trees are all very pleasant.

The river is quite muddy when the tide is out.

So, a muddy view follows. I read that the mudflats are feeding grounds for wildfowl and wading birds as well as fish species including European sea bass, thicklip grey mullet, European flounder and European eel. 

The sun popped out brightly as we reached the aptly named Sunny Corner.

Several small boats on parade - real stick in the muds though!

The Flower Pot Family welcomed us with a smile.

It was then time to climb some steps onto a footpath, which led through the woods.

The path took us to Malpas Village. The only problem on the path was that the tall trees hid the views of the river.

Perhaps we hadn't missed much as the river was still very muddy. 

At Malpas the river becomes the Tresillian River, which later flows into the River Fal.

There are some pleasant houses in the village overlooking the river.

A few small boats visible now.

The river widens as it makes it's way between the tree laden banks.

Bits and pieces  to enjoy on the river.

For a moment the river sparkled in the sun, all looked so peaceful.

This photo just because I like Porshe cars!

We started to retrace our steps ...

... passing the Heron Inn

In normal pre-virus days we would probably have had a drink here - but times have changed. We found somewhere overlooking the river to sit and devour our packed lunch - and a flask of tea (of course!)

We wandered back and soon found ourselves  at Sunny Corner once more. There's a veranda here with seats, so we sat for a while - as there was no one else about.

We then made our way back to Boscawen Park.

The park usually has some impressive flower beds but this year they have been sowed with wild flowers - beginning to fade now though.

The cricket pitch looked well cared for - with the score board in position.

It was then just a short walk back to our car.

A couple of other random walks:

(1) Walking to Black Head, Cornwall - With Magnificent Views of Coastline

(2) 33 Photos: A Circular Walk Based On Gover Valley, St.Austell, Cornwall

Village of St. Clement, The Tresillian River and The Ancient Ignioc Stone

It was a pleasant day so we decided to walk alongside the Tresillian River to the small village of St.Clement. The photo above shows some of the riverside cottages within the village.

The river is tidal and looked splendid in the sunshine. Unfortunately the tide was going out so there were mud flats in places.

The path by the river is a decent width.

No boats on the river, only those not being used.

When we arrive at St.Clement we always look out for the row of cups and mugs on one of the buildings.

The main attraction in the village is the 13th century church.

By the side of the church is a very old stone (below) known as the Ignioc Stone. There is an inscription 'VITALI FILI TORRICI' which translates as 'Vitalus son of Torricus'. It is thought that the stone goes back to the sixth or seventh century. There is another later inscription, IGNIOC - most probably a personal name - which gives the stone its name.

There are many old memorial stones, including the one below for William Callaway from 1784, as an example. It reads:

Today, of Health and strength we boast 

To-morrow brings us down to Dust

May we, while Time & strength are giv'n

Believe in CHRIST & live for Heav'n

The church itself was closed, because of the coronavirus. After looking round the churchyard we wandered back to the river, where we munched on some sandwiches. Together with cups of tea, of course.

It was then time to start our return walk.

Lots of daisies on many of the stone walls.

The river looked nice despite the mud.

There's a small lake on the opposite side of the path. We managed to see a few small fish.

Lots of reeds by the river - and then we were back to our car, parked in a small lay-by.

Also see The Peaceful St.Clement Church by the Tresillian River, Cornwall. This has photos of the inside of the St. Clement church