CORNWALL'S EDEN PROJECT - 20+ photos

We had a visit to Cornwall's Eden Project. It wasn't looking its best, because of the time of year, but we still enjoyed our visit  - especially as there weren't many other visitors about.

We walked around the gardens before visiting the biomes. Good to see the magnolias above.

Not sure what the plants below are

Getting nearer the biomes.

There are lots of planting going on at Eden, as symbolised by this blue 'man' with the red gloves.

Here we are below, now inside the rain forest biome  for the next eleven photos. It is said to be the world's largest indoor rain forest.

Yes, a robin keeping warm in the biome. He came and sat beside me.

That's all for the Rainforest biome for today.

Below is now the Mediterranean biome.

A quick look inside the more colourful Mediterranean biome.

That's all for today, thanks for visiting my blog. There are many more Eden posts - use the search at the top of  my blog ~ Mike.

Introduction to Gover Valley, Cornwall

 A few photos today of Gover Valley where there is usually an abundance of greenery. 

A stream tinkles along.

It would be easy to imagine a few of the little people - fairies and the like - are watching on.

Green branches reach out to  touch the passing walker.

Boulders galore, perhaps, they provide places for those little people to hide.

A bright green wall guides the stream for a short distance.

Darker green moss clings to remnants of the once china clay industry. A gentleman I met, a while back, told me how his dog disliked this area and would not pass by without by without a struggle. 

There's a steep road  to the top of the valley, from where there are views of the greenery and a chimney from the once china clay industry

There's another look at the chimney and a row of houses. In the background is a china clay 'pyramid' cfreated from china clay spoils, but  has now been taken over by nature.

That's all for today's post but for more info on Gover Valley see my blog post with 40 photos:

 40 Photos On Updated Circular Walk Based On Gover Valley

Thanks for visiting my blog ~ Mike.

A Stroll at Charlestown, Cornwall

After all of the rain, coldness and dark skies we actually had a day of sunshine in Cornwall. So off we went for a stroll around Charlestown.

As we walked I snapped a few quick photos. Even the small beach was tempting.

Not many boats to view but, on the plus side, there were very few other people about.

The sky was a perfect blue, at least for a while.

We wandered along the harbour wall.

Looking inland the cliffs and beach were on view.

It is hard to imagine that 40,000 tones of copper ore were exported from Charlestown between 1810 and 1811.

See my post  For a Brief History of Charlestown.

After our stroll we made our way home. The photo below is of the outer part of Charlestown with green fields in the distance.

We actually walked to Charlestown from Carlyon Bay along a public path to make our stroll / walk a bit longer.

That's all for Charlestown today,  so a couple of indoor flowers my wife has grown, t0 finish the post.

Thanks for visiting my blog

Good wishes, Mike.

Menacuddle: Chapel, Holy Well and White Waterfall

It was a damp, cold day but I felt drawn to visit Menacuddle, St.Austell, with it's small chapel and holy well. It's quite a magical place - well I think so.

The small waterfall, with its white colour always fascinates me. 

The white colour is from the local china clay deposits.

On my visit all was peaceful, I was the only person in the area.

Here we are, below, at the chapel and holy well. A few ribbons remain left by visitors, though the weather has taken its toll. The chapel was built in the 15th century and is aligned east west - with the east wall built into  the  natural rock wall.

The chapel is 11 feet long and 9 feet wide.

The Holy spring water was once held in high regard for its curative powers. Sick children were regularly bathed here and the Victorians  recommended the drinking of its salubrious fluid. I wouldn't recommend drinking the water nowadays though!

There is only one concern about Menacuddle, it is said to be renowned for having a supernatural presence - including a terrifying black beast!

In 2016 an Express newspaper had a headline which stated: 

"The grisley remains of a centuries old corpse has been discovered in a creepy British woodland - which locals believe is haunted ."

I have to say that, personally, I have never felt uneasy when visiting Menacuddle - the opposite in fact I find it peaceful and uplifting.

I like to walk the paths. There are also a few seats to sit for awhile.

To finish on, above, is a very old bridge and below a granite chair known as the Druids Chair. It is also sometimes called King Arthur's seat.

On the way into Menacuddle you may notice the Brake Manor, as above.

To visit Menacuddle leave the town of Austell  via the B3274. You will pass  the building as shown above, and go  under a bridge. Shortly after this you will see a sign on the left to Menacuddle. It is very easy to miss this, so slow down!

That's all for today, thanks for visiting my blog.

~ Mike.