The Fin Whale Stranded on the Cornish Beach

As with all of the English population we are under lockdown because of this awful Covid-19 virus. We have to stay indoors, other than for exercise and essential trips. So, for a while, some of the photos will have to be mainly from the past.

I'm starting off with a sad story from my archives - and an evening I will never forget.

I had just been told that I had kidney cancer and would have to have my right kidney removed. I'll add straight away that I am now okay and was given the all clear a while back.

Anyway, back to that night. I wanted to have a walk on my own to get my head straight about the forthcoming surgery. I headed for the long beach at Carlyon Bay.

On the beach I saw immediately that a whale had been beached with nasty wounds to its head. 

A Coastguard Rescue man soon arrived at the scene.

Looking at the whale it was obviously in trouble as it lashed out on the shore. So very sad. 

Somehow the local radio got hold of the story and soon scores of sightseers were on the beach.

The fin whale was about 65ft long.  I've read since, that fin whales are the second largest animal on the planet and are an endangered species.

Police and maritime experts arrived, but were unable to help the whale.

 

A plan was made to float the whale out to sea but this turned out to be impossible.

I stayed for several hours hours willing the whale to somehow survive.  The weather turned for the worse and the rain poured down, almost as tears for this wonderful creature struggling for life.

When I eventually left it was quite dark. Sadly the whale died during the night. 

It is thought that a boat must have injured the whale.

Thanks for visiting my blog. I'll try and make future posts a little more cheerful!

See also:

The Meeting With Barrel Jellyfish at Carlyon Bay, Cornwall

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.