What a day to remember…

The Olympic torch began its 8,000 mile relay around the UK early on Saturday morning at Land’s End, Cornwall. Passing through Falmouth and the Eden Project on the first stages of it’s route and at approximately 1pm, the torch and it’s team arrived in Truro. Met by excited crowds along the route through Lemon Street and down passed Truro Cathedral, there was a real buzz with people of all ages soaking up the atmosphere and celebrating the special occasion.

 

The weather was lovely and sunny which heightened the great sense of spirit. Crowds were 4 or 5 deep with lots of flags, cheering and even neighbours having garden parties.

Eight thousand people will pass the torch from hand-to-hand, reaching the length and breadth of Britain. Ten weeks from now we will see the flame arrive at the Olympic Stadium, bringing with it the excitement for the GB team!

This video produced by www.visitcornwall.com is simply breathtaking. A birds eye view of Cornwall and all it’s magical places. Cornish mines, Tate Gallery St Ives, Fistral Beach Newquay there all there. We are so lucky to have grown up and to live in Cornwall all our lives and you can see why. Sit back, grab a cup of tea and enjoy whilst looking out the window to the wet and windy winter weather.

We seemed to be experiencing some sort of Indian summer yesterday here in Cornwall…can’t believe it’s October! With this as the perfect excuse to get out there, we decided to explore the South West Coast Path.

We found ourselves settling at Porthluney Beach, a lovely sandy beach nessled between rolling hills and working farms towards Caerhays and Gorran, Cornwall. With it’s own carpark it was easy to be on the beach in minutes and it seemed everyone many others loved this area too. We couldn’t resist taking a few shots for a panoramic!

Towels down and few chapters of my book read, it didn’t take long before i needed to cool down and take a dip. One, two, three i counted before diveing under a wave. I managed a few ‘lengths’, bobbing around other swimmers, children playing and kayakers coming back to shore.

Refreshed and ready for lunch i headed back up the beach. Although we had a picnic prepared there is a shop and cafe by the beach which was great to top up with water throughout our visit. With public toilets also situated very near by it seems Porthluney has everything to offer.

Time passed quickly and so to keep to our plan we packed up and went for a stroll before leaving. The beautiful Caerhays Castle is directly across the road, set in 60 acres of woodland. Although, shut at this time of year you can still get a glimpse of the gardens and English Heritage Grade 1 Listed Building from the road. Built by the famous architect, John Nash for the Trevanion family in the early 1800s. It houses a magnificent selection of plants brought back from China and the Far East by the plant hunters of the early 1900s. The gardens also hold the National Magnolia Collection. So with our little nosey over we started to make our way back.

At the top of the hill there was such a fantastic view South towards Nare Head and Gull Rock, we had to stop for a better look. Cows were drinking in the next field and walkers were taking advantage of the beautiful coastal footpath. It felt so high up and the fields simply rolled down to the sea. The view was immense, and the air so fresh, any cobwebs were definitely blown out!

What a great way to spend one of the last few days of summer this year!

No, we haven’t been partying with Donkey Kong (however fun that would be!). Apparently a ‘monkey’s birthday’ is the term given to a meteorological phenomenon in which rain falls while the sun is shining.  Not only did we find the name funny, but we couldn’t help but laugh as we were caught in the most confusing weather today in Truro, Cornwall – luckily we saw the funny side of being dressed for summer and squelching around in our flip-flops amid torrential showers!

Ah the joys of a good old British summer!

We couldn’t resist sharing this post with you. Some of you may have experienced this wonderful day before, but if not, read on and you will see why the town of Helston down here in Cornwall has been buzzing of late.

Together with hoards of other people, we descended on the streets of Helston yesterday, to experience one of the UK’s oldest traditions, Flora Day. It is a celebration of the passing of Winter and the arrival of Spring, and although the winter weather threatened to return and rain on the day, it held off and we were all able to celebrate in style!

The special event is usually held on 8th May, except when this date falls on a Sunday or Monday, then it is held on the preceding Saturday. The tradition sees couples dancing in their finest, top hats and tails for the men and only the best of  ball gowns for the women, as they weave all over town, painting the streets with colour and even passing through private houses and shops.

There were stalls selling Cornish crafts and homemade food, plus a fun fair for the young at heart at the bottom of the town, near the boating lake.

What a day…you should definitely come and join us next year!