Visiting a Newquay Beach, Cornwall One Day Before the Coronavirus Lockdown.

'Twas the day before the latest coronavirus lockdown in England. So what to do? Head for the coast and a beach while we can.

As we had to visit the church in St. Stephen in Brannel we then continued onward to the Newquay area on Cornwall's north coast. There was traffic everywhere, the road was jam packed. Other people must have had a similar idea.

I turned down a narrow road and ended up near Porth Beach.

It was a sunny, but cold day. After parking the car, we wandered along heading for the beach. On the way we passed a few chimneys. Have been fascinated by them recently, not sure why!

The tide was out so there was plenty of elbow room on the beach.

Not many people ...

... but somehow I slipped into a distant time with ladies of the day paddling in the chilly water.

The year was 1876 and the first passenger arrived at the new Railway Station in Newquay. The chairman of the railway predicted that Newquay, "would soon become the best watering place in the country".

Returning to today, Porth beach and the water looked quite tempting but way too cold for me.

At the back of the beach the road leads to Watergate Bay, often the choice for surfers.

Just to clarify Porth Beach and Watergate Bay are just two of Newquay's many beaches - this is why the town is such an attraction.

On the return walk to our car - more chimneys!

Pleasant views across the coast.

The final photo gives an idea of the length of the inlet and beach at Porth.

Thank you for visiting my blog. Wherever you are, take care.

Posts will continue during the coronavirus lockdown.

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