Thursday 28 April 2011

Cornwall

Pre-amble 2011


February 2011- Kids think we've lost the plot, as we settle down for a couple of days in........The Peak District! About half an hour from home!! We just thought we'd give the van a bit of a run out, after a very harsh winter, when we'd lost palms that we've grown for about 15 years, mature bay trees and mahonias, and ceanothus!

Just stayed a couple of nights, and walked from Mam Tor to Lose Hill. Had a great time, and the weather was even sunny. I think we both just missed being in the van!

April 2011- Cornwall Cycle Event

Climbing out of Port Isaac
We haven't been to Cornwall for ages, and were looking forward to the Cornwall Tor Cycle Sportive. Ian entered the 74 mile, and I the 45mile route. We stayed for 3 nights at the Valley Truckle site just outside Camelford. Great location and facilities. We went for a 14 mile walk out onto Bodmin Moor and part of the Camel Way. The following day a cycle ride to Tintagel. Beautiful weather again for the cycle event, starting at Bodmin, visiting Port Isaac, Tintagel, Boscastle, edge of Bodmin Moor and then through the Camel Valley back. Down, down, down steep valleys to delightful little bays, and the up up up very steeply again! Really hilly courses. Slow time but who cares! Ian did really well in 5hrs 8mins, and came 20th in his group. To finish the day off we sunbathed and had a barbeque - not bad for early April!

Later we went to Padstow and had a meal at Rick Stein's seafood restaurant - a snip at £37 each for a fixed lunch  + wine!!! Was excellent though.

The day after we went to St Ives - absolutely beautiful weather - lovely place but a bit over-crowded and the Tate Gallery was a disappointment.

St Ives
The weather broke on the Wednesday so went home having had a great week and to get ready for our trip to Mallorca! It continues to be a hard life!
The view from the Formentor Lighthouse

Marie cycling on Formentor, Mallorca just before she fell off and broke two ribs!