Sunny Monday

On Monday, we had a blue sky day with occasional dips in the blue sea to round off a beautiful long weekend.

Marazion Bay

With the wind building all day, we found shelter from it in a stroll at Penzance. As the sun sparkled across the harbour, we ate al fresco. Moving on to Marazion Bay, with the tide out, we could amble over the causeway for a climb up the mount and the splendid views. After taking in various galleries in the town, we increased our support for the local economy via a donation in exchange for a cream tea. Philanthropy is our middle name.

Seal Surprise

Two elements that rarely mix, came together for us, (sunshine and bank holiday weekend), to provide the prospect of three good days at Godrevy. With no swell, Jerry headed over to the lighthouse rocks where he was quickly surrounded by inquisitive (Atlantic Grey) seals checking him out. A special, if slightly 'nervy' experience, with large males coming right up to his SUP. Claire had remained on terra firma and also spotted these aquatic mammals off the northern beach. The four hour drive and a two hour paddle took it's toll, but after a siesta we had a walk along the coast path before M&S supper.

Wet Weekend

The Flying Turtinios whisked us off on a damp Saturday to the inclement climes of North Devon. On arrival at The Ho a pleasant surf was had before the wind got up and blew everything over. The waterproof camera departed it's waterproof housing mid session and relocated itself to the seabed, rendering this blog devoid of digital enhancements. To duck the gales we moved over to Putsborough where a comparatively sheltered (but crowded) wave provided a whole afternoon of possibilities. Damp, completely exhausted but satisfied, we ran for home. Thanks guys! Looking forward to next time.

Pure Welsh Shores

On route to our second 2010 pilgrimage to the cathedral city of Tyddewi at the South West tip of Wales, we stopped off south at the Stackpole Estate for one of the finest walks in the World. The mix of freshwater lakes, small coves, stark cliffs and secluded beaches, with their associated views is breathtaking.

Basecamp nestled between St David's and the beach was in convenient proximity to Team Turton, reclining in oak-beamed spendour between Newgale and Solva. Wave Masters LFT and WT were able to go on daily swell hunting missions, while the more senior of us sought out new lands and seas to conquer via paddleboard. This led to some extreme sketching, jumping in, exploring coastal caves and natural arches and swimming in kelp forests; places that your average tourist would not even dream about. A view from 'our' island back towards Whitesand Beach is above, with the same view in one of Tim's 10 minute sketches below:

We watched an hilarious evening performance of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' in the ruins of the Bishop's Palace and walked back under clear skies and a meteor shower. We rambled the coast path, soaking up the vistas, and watched a seal hunting along the shoreline in the ridiculous tidal race between Ramsay Island and the mainland, in the area known as 'The Bitches'. Luke proved to be the only person who was successful in the fishing department. He and Will took many strolls to the beach, including a night trip on the best shooting stars night. A superb trip all round. FT Films.

Coughton Court

On a warm first day of August we did 'history' in Warwickshire, including a rummage around the room where the Gunpowder plotters.... well.. plotted. This was shortly before they found themselves caught, tortured and despatched pronto. There was also the smock in which Mary Queen of Scots found herself in.. immediately prior to finding herself minus her head (someone had given it a good clean luckily). After lunch we walked the gardens which were considerably less connected to violent death and therefore more uplifting generally.

The aptly named walled garden was full of nice things, some of which we recognised.