The Cornish Beach and Treasures While on Covid Lockdown

Oh dear, here we are again under lockdown regulations because of the Covid virus. In England we have to stay home - other than for essential food gathering and limited exercise.

Anyway, these photos were taken just prior to the lockdown. We were walking along the coastal path and made a diversion on to a small beach.

Strange, as when we touched the cliffs, the sun popped out to say hello and the world looked a happier place.

The sea was a pleasant shade of blue-green

All was peaceful, with nobody else to be seen.

The sky darkened a little as we reached a bank of pebbles and stones.

We couldn't resist searching for some treasure to take home.

And below, some of our treasure. Okay, nothing too dramatic but ...

... our kitchen creatures seemed happy enough with our bounty.

The next day was full on lockdown, so we went for a walk from home. Nothing too exciting but there is always something to appreciate.

A train trundled by as we peeked over the bridge.

That's all for today. Stay safe.

It's All White During a Day in Cornwall

It had been raining and the Gover Stream was  busy bubbling along, the water having a white glow.

Alongside the stream the trees were often covered in moss and created an almost magical scene.

Further on I followed the White River, as it passed by the Trenance Viaduct. The heavy rain made the river move along at speed. As I have mentioned previously the whiteness is from local china clay deposits.

The white of the river contrasted with the green leaves and moss.

It wasn't only the river that was white. I met this cat who seemed to want to play. I couldn't resist.

For a while we got on well, but cats are independent creatures and my playfulness tired him after a while. 

I remembered another white cat I once met on a walk, who had the most beautiful blue eyes.

There's a lot of white about. The seagull, with it's white chest and head, looked very smart as it ambled by a flower display.

And then I spotted the damp white flowers who didn't seem to mind the winter rain.

A wild hydrangea was mostly white and looked quite Spring like despite the winter chill.

As the hours swept by it got quite dark. The Gover Stream looked quite mysterious, so time to hurry home. Who knows who or what could be lurking in the darkness.

Thanks for visiting my blog.

Also see 33 Photos: A Circular Walk Based On Gover Valley, St.Austell, Cornwall

The Pentewan Trail, Cornwall

We had a walk, or maybe it was more of a stroll, along the Pentewan Valley Trail.

It was a little damp under foot but all was very pleasant. We walked alongside the small river heading towards Pentewan harbour and village.

Part of the walk is a path through a wood, very attractive with the fallen leaves underfoot.

It had been raining a heck of a lot, so much water either side of the path.

The trees and reflections made some confusing views.

The trail ended for us at Pentewan harbour. The photo below shows the sluice gate built in 1872. This  controlled the water used to flush out the harbour basin. 

A few more small trees and quite a lot of water.

And then we reached the now defunct harbour at Pentewan.

From here we retraced our steps alongside the river.

I guess we walked just under three miles. So nothing very strenuous, but it's always uplifting to get out in the fresh air and amongst the trees and nature.

Thanks for visiting my blog.

A couple of random Pentewan posts:

Pentewan Harbour, Beach and Village, Cornwall

Pentewan Beach Cornwall and Seeing What is Sometimes Missed in Life

Walking Along the Cliffs and Golf Course From Carlyon Bay

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

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' - apologies to 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 visit Spit Beach - from the footpath - and the sun did its best to shine.

For a brief moment the beach looked great with blue-green sea lapping the shore.

As we retraced our steps, alongside the golf course, dark clouds, again ...

... some appeared to be hovering above the horizon.

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

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

It's possible to carry on walking past Spit Beach and onto Par Beach.

Charlestown Harbour on Special Mornings

I guess, to a degree, we are all creatures of habit. We, for example, always seem to gravitate to Charlestown harbour on special mornings such as Christmas, New Year and so on. 

We were even at Charlestown very early on the Millennium morning. I remember how misty it was as we stood looking back at the harbour. It was like stepping back in time.

On Christmas morning there weren't many people about so felt quite safe despite the Covid-19 rules and regulations. 

The couple below were wearing their Christmas hats.

The Georgian Pier House at Charlestown was closed but had attracted fifty or more white doves on the roof.

As for the stony east beach, the tide was in and not a person in sight.

Actually the first photo I snapped at Charlestown, below, was quite early. All was still and peaceful.

Hope your New Year is going well.

Two random Charlestown posts:

A Stroll Around Poldark's Charlestown Harbour, Cornwall - 12 Photos

Charlestown, Cornwall With Sailing Ships In The Harbour

On Tour: Alone with the Stones at Stonehenge

Perhaps I should have started 2021 with Cornwall photos but, for some reason, I had a feeling that my first blog of the year should be photos of Stonehenge - so I followed my feelings! The photos are all pre the coronavirus and were snapped by me.

Life goes on, despite the problems of 2020. To think, though, that Stonehenge has probably been around for 5000 years. There's hope for us all.

The official line, regarding Stonehenge is that it is, "a survival from a prehistoric culture now lost to us. The monument evolved between 3,000 BC and 1,600 BC and is aligned with the midsummer sunrise and midwinter sunset - but it's exact purpose remains a mystery".

All well and good, but so many questions. Looking at my photo above it indicates that the stones may well have been erected by people  familiar with making items of wood.

The single stone has a rounded part at the top. This would originally have supported a lintel which would have had an appropriate hole, into which the rounded part would have fitted - a form of rustic carpentry joint.

Nearby Stonehenge there is also the lesser known Woodhenge, probably built around 2000BC. This is made up of six concentric oval rings. The wood inserts have now rotted away and replaced by concrete posts.

Continuing again with photos of Stonehenge.

I like the photo below as it gives more of a feel as to how Stonehenge would have once looked.

 The final photo is of the the 'Heel Stone' which is about 40 yards outside of the main circle of stones. This is featured in the Druids celebrations at Midsummer.

Standing in the centre of the circle, at this time, watchers can see the sun rise in line with the Heel Stone. At sight of the first rays Druids declare, "Arise, Oh Sun! Let the darkness of night fade before the beams of thy glorious light!"

Though the Druids seem to have adopted Stonehenge they weren't in existence at the time the stones were erected. So they didn't build Stonehenge, as is often believed.

I love Stonehenge, a special place if you allow your imagination to run wild. I've been lucky enough to have wandered through the stones and touched them, and have felt their energy.

With that thought I wish everyone a Happy 2021 and beyond.