Walking At The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Cornwall

Despite the above sign we visited the Lost Gardens of Heligan during the day. Generally speaking outdoor gardens aren't at their best in winter but we found some (strange) bits of interest.

There were a few flowers, as can be seen below. I snapped a few quick photos as we walked.

For a moment, when I spotted this hare, I thought it must be Spring - but the chill in the air soon persuaded me otherwise.

Diggory, the scarecrow, looked quite alone in the vegetable garden, but he had some gloves, a scarf and a hat to protect himself from the cold.

Ah, a few flowers in the Italian Garden and ...

... a very large frog or maybe a toad.

Moving on there was a pleasant tree with beehives in the background

The Sundial Garden was, unfortunately, closed but there were some very large 'flowers' as a consoltation.

Next we came across this beauty alongside the old brick wall.

Moving on to some friendly donkeys.

No other animals about, probably because of the weather ...

... though a few sheep were enjoying the green grass.

A large tree indicated that we were near the Lost Valley and Heligan's jungle.

Lots of greenery to be seen - near and far.

The jungle resides within a steep sided valley and has it's own microclimate. I believe the temperature is about five degrees milder than the other surrounding gardens within Heligan.

We came across some colourful flowers.

All looked brighter, with a pond and a pleasant place to sit

The next photos show the reflections of the surrounding trees in the water.

More reflections and plants. Some of the plants date back to Victorian times, when plant hunters brought back specimans from overseas.

Yet more ferns and plants.

A last glance at the edge of the jungle before we leave to make our way back home.

Have to be quiet though - so we don't awaken the Mud Maid from her slumbers.

I have only included a few of Heligan's gardens. I'd also better add that the novelty items like the hare and the large frog are part of a winter light display and are now being removed. I have written several posts on Heligan including a summer post with lots of photos see:

Lost Gardens of Heligan - Voted UKs Top Visitor Garden 

Well, that's all for this week, hope you are enjoying 2022. Good wishes ~ Mike.

Walking Around Mevagissey Harbour Looking at the Many Boats

The weather forecast was dull and misty with some rain and drizzle - again!  We still decided to get some fresh air and headed for Mevagissey. Always a favourite place to walk and visit .

As you will see from the photos, there were many boats in the harbour, haven't seen so many for quite a while

We wandered along the sea wall, hefty rocks hide this property



More rocks below the sea wall as we looked out to sea.

We went as far as possible on this side of the harbour, until we could see the small lighthouse. It is only 26 feet tall, but the light can be seen for about twelve nautical miles.

Two men were fishing but hadn't been lucky so far.

As the sea wall was damp underfoot the colour of the stones shone through.

We headed uphill! This leads to the coastal path and also passes some of the village cottages.

There was a view of the harbour from the pathway.

We passed several old cottages.

The 'Sea Oss' made me smile.

The old cottages are great but, unfortunately, many are now holiday homes, too expensive for the young people of the village to purchase.

Down now to the level of the harbour and we walk round the opposite side of the harbour.

There's a beach! Only very small though and can disappear as the tide hightens.

Looking across to the other side of the harbour where we walked first.

The harbour cat was sitting comfortably ...

... while he watched the various birds at play.

On high are some expensive apartments with views over the complete harbour

We retraced our footsteps.

There was a pleasant shine on the water.

All in all the weather was much better than forecasted.

A final view of the inner harbour and the many boats cuddling up closely.

P.S. Back in 1885 Mevagissey landed 255,000 hundredweight of fish. This is/was the greatest quantity of any port in the west.

Thanks for visiting my blog, hope to see you again soon. All good wishes ~ Mike.

The New Year, Lanhydrock House and Long Life

We had quite a luxurious spread over the Christmas and New Year period. Thank goodness our servants were fit and able.

Okay I fibbed a bit, the photos are of Lanhydrock House in Cornwall - well other than the photo above.  The gentleman on the ground is my grandfather!

I never knew him as he died long before I was born. He was considerably older than my grandmother. When they married she was very young and he was a widower. I have written about him previously, see my post: My Grandad, Vintage Coincidence & Reincarnation. Though I never knew him I feel a strong connection with him.

Anyway, lets wander around Lanhydrock House. Lots of pots and pans for the cook.

I guess this is where the crocks got washed, not quite so posh below stairs.

Ah! A bedroom at Lanhydrock House, a bit too fussy for my taste.

The bathroom adjoining the bedroom.

Let's take a look outdoors. This is the gatehouse dating way back to 1651.

And, obviously, there just had to be a driveway leading up to the gatehouse.

There's lots of elbow room in the grounds. I believe this stretches to well over 800 acres.

That's it, a brief look at Lanhydrock House which is managed by the National Trust.

Nearly forgot, I haven't wished everyone a Happy New Year as yet, so Happy New Year!

Wonder what 2022 will bring? Hopefully Long Life and Happiness.

Writing that reminded me of of my Grandmother, the wife of of my grandfather whom I mentioned earlier in this post - she definitely had long life, as she lived to 103!

She had great strength of character. When a mere 83 she had an accident when trying to hang some new curtains in her bedroom - while standing on a wobbly chair.

She fell to the ground and was on her own for nearly eight hours. Her hip was broken and she had pneumonia. Eventually she was rushed to hospital. Doctors suggested that her family should visit her, as she wasn't expected to live.

Grandmother proved them wrong and was soon out of hospital. She went on to live for another twenty years! 

Character and strength of mind do seem to be essential for long life.

The picture below is of the telegram sent by the Queen to my grandmother on her 100th birthday. I remember she wasn't that impressed!

Anyway, mustn't ramble on - thanks for visiting my blog. All good wishes ~ Mike.