Trago Mills Near Liskeard, Cornwall

There were a couple of household items we wanted so we headed off to Trago Mills which is alongside the River Fowey in Glyn Valley, near Liskeard. It's known for it's value for money.

As you will see from my photos, this isn't the standard shopping centre - take the appearance of Trago, for example, it's more like some 'olde worlde' castle.

We had a mooch along the river and around the outside building before our shopping.

An old water wheel, not turning but still interesting.

Lots of quirkiness about! Below, under the clock, you'll see a picture of Sir Winston Churchill doing his V for victory gesture. 

Trago Mills was one of the first to promote the idea of the UK leaving the European Union - Brexit in other words.

A few ducks about ...

Plus a few strange gentlemen affixed to the walls.

We found some fungi clinging to a tree alongside the river. 

Wandering by the water, beware though ...

... you never know what you might find!

Also statues dedicated to H.M. Inland Revenue!

All was well with the chickens roaming the main car park. Some were having a snooze in the chilly sun.

All of this before we actually went into the store for the items we wanted. 

Felt quite safe inside Trago Mills, regarding the coronavirus. So much so we decided to have a meal in their restaurant - which was well organised. Covid-19 rules were followed.

Loads of Apples From a Pip Plus Some Flowers.

A while back I wrote a post Growing an Apple Tree From A Pip. We have just picked a bucket full of apples from the tree. To think I doubted my wife when she said she would grow an apple tree from a pip - mind you that was nine years ago!

Probably not the best apples in the world but my wife made a lovely apple cake the other day.

On a walk from our home, this morning, I noticed how many of the wild hydrangeas are still quite colourful. I guess years ago someone must have planted them but they are now wild and free.

This one was a bit droopy but looked in tune with the blackness of the road.

A couple more hydrangeas.

Nearby is a small river gurgling along happily to the sea.

Now back to my garden.

The recent heavy winds and rain spoilt many of our plants. Most of the dahlias came crashing down despite being supported.

 Never mind though - we've still got lots of apples!

Hopefully lots more apple cakes and apple pies to follow. 

Many thanks for visiting my blog.

 

A Return to Mevagissey Harbour and Fishing Village - Part 2

Today's post follows on from my previous Mevagissey post. The weather was changeable but, thanks to crossing my fingers, it didn't rain.

On the last visit we went along the east side of the harbours, so today it's the western side. Starting off where the fishermen unload their catch.

There is a small stall selling fresh fish. When no one else was about my wife bought herself some mackerel fresh from the boat. (Being vegetarian I don't eat fish.)

If you read my previous Mevagissey post below is the entrance to the inner harbour.

Here we are looking east showing the jumble of cottages and houses on the far hillside.

A young gull was enjoying the view...

... as was the family perched on the rocks.

The wall dividing the inner harbour from the outer harbour.

Eventually we reach the small lighthouse built in 1896. 

The sky started to turn blue so a closer view of the lighthouse.

You can also get to the harbour by walking down the many steps from the road. It obviously needs a lot more puff if you go up the steps.

Looking from the breakwater, on which the lighthouse is situated. The blue sky didn't last for long.

I noticed this happy family looking out to sea.

Finally we have a photo of the road behind Mevagissey harbour with the Ship Inn on the right. This road will take you to Portmellon - see my post: Portmellon, Cornwall - a Sandy Cove When the Tide is Out

A Return to Mevagissey Harbour and Fishing Village

'Twas a dull day, (7 Oct 20) rain was threatened but we wanted a walk so, after much debate, we agreed on Mevagissey and off we went - in a car of course. We hadn't been to the harbour and village since early March, thanks to the coronavirus.

We walked along the east side of the harbour. The tide was high so lots of boats bobbing about on this smaller, inner harbour. Quite a few people about. Mevagissey is always a tourist attraction.

I said there were lots of boats and here are a few, mostly the smaller variety.

As per usual we wandered along looking at the cottages and the aforementioned boats.

Passing the Harbour Office means we move from the inner to the outer harbour. Not so many boats here.

A side on view of the Harbour Office and the wall that separates the two harbours.

From here you can see the Mevagissey lighthouse - there was a small boat entering the harbour.

The photo below shows the harbour wall and a few people walking - and, no doubt, snapping photos.

From the wall the surrounding cliffs and coastline can be seen.

The next photo shows the outer harbour, not that many boats moored.

Looking across to the far side of the harbour, from where you can reach the small lighthouse.

Finally for today, a few cottages which overlook the harbour.

Other Random Mevagissey Posts:

An Introduction to Mevagissey, Cornwall The Two Saint Village

13 Photos of Mevagissey Harbour, Cornwall

The Mevagissey to Fowey Ferry

Significant Levels of Lithium In Cornwall

Cornwall has been known for it's tin and copper mines for many years. It is said, for example, that the mine at Polgooth supplied Phoenician traders with tin 3000 years ago.

There are tales of Joseph of Arimathea, a metal trader, visiting Cornwall with a young Jesus.

The small harbour at Charlestown, often mentioned on this blog, was initially built to export copper. Over 40,000 tons of copper ore were exported from here between 1810 and 1813.

Dolcoath mine, Camborne, Cornwall 1893

Cornwall had some of the richest copper reserves on earth during the 18th and 19th centuries.

And so the stories go on, but all has been quiet on the mining front for many years, the mines have all closed.

There is, however, promising news that the mining industry could once more spring to life. Not with tin or copper but with lithium. The mining firm, Cornish Lithium, are quoted as saying that Cornwall holds some of the world's best quality reserves of the metal.

Lithium is in  huge demand for use in mobile phones, laptops and also for the batteries of electric cars - essential as the UK plans to phase out petrol and diesel car sales by 2035.

It is said that along with hydrogen and helium, lithium was one of the three elements produced in bulk by the Big Bang that created the universe.

Other Posts:

Who or What are Cornish Knockers?

Did Jesus Visit Cornwall?

Public Footpath to Polgooth