Day 11
Still cloudy in the morning, we made a quick getaway and departed without breakfast.
We drove straight down the coast to Mousehole (pron: Moz’l), a small town west of Penzance. Lots of tiny streets you can barely drive one car through. Very quaint, and probably hasn’t changed much in the last 300 years. The last woman known who spoke Cornish lived here, and we saw her house. A restaurant named in several articles – The Lobster Pot – was not yet open.
We drove straight down the coast to Mousehole (pron: Moz’l), a small town west of Penzance. Lots of tiny streets you can barely drive one car through. Very quaint, and probably hasn’t changed much in the last 300 years. The last woman known who spoke Cornish lived here, and we saw her house. A restaurant named in several articles – The Lobster Pot – was not yet open.
Went to Penzance, where we phoned ahead for several hotel reservations. Also stopped at the brand new Safeway Superstore for a few groceries. The Cornish folks ahead of us were simply amazed at the UPC code reader!
Drove up the coast to the town across from St. Michael’s Mount and had lunch. Then were able to walk out to the Mount, as it was low tide. The Mount itself is very impressive, especially considering it is still a private home. Jill was imagining herself as the owner. The views were spectacular. The gardens hold tropical flowers, which thrive in Cornwall’s warm winters.
We took a boat off the island, as the tide had risen and covered the walkway. The tide here seemed to rise at least 8-10 feet from low to high. When it goes out it leaves sailboats balanced on their keels in the mud.
Then up to Fowey (pron: Foy) which was another beautiful sheltered-harbor town, with many boats and narrow, winding, streets. Kids running to the ferry to take them across the river. Ferry seats about 10!
We then took the ferry across the river, down many side roads and one lane roads with 15 foot hedgerows to reach our destination – Talland Bay Inn. Our room is a separate cottage – furnished ok but not great. The main house seems much nicer, and the grounds are magnificent. (Ed note: the cottage is for young Americans, the house is for the old Brits, I’m sure.)
After we arrived, I poured a nip of the Glenmorangie and strolled down past the pool and croquet green to a beach with a great view. To the left ¼ mile – an old church with huge headstones, and 3 equestriennes galloping around a hill. To the right ¼ mile – 100 sheep grazing on several fields. And dead center – the English Channel (Ed Note: ?) fronted by red and green rock outcroppings.
Drove up the coast to the town across from St. Michael’s Mount and had lunch. Then were able to walk out to the Mount, as it was low tide. The Mount itself is very impressive, especially considering it is still a private home. Jill was imagining herself as the owner. The views were spectacular. The gardens hold tropical flowers, which thrive in Cornwall’s warm winters.
We took a boat off the island, as the tide had risen and covered the walkway. The tide here seemed to rise at least 8-10 feet from low to high. When it goes out it leaves sailboats balanced on their keels in the mud.
Then up to Fowey (pron: Foy) which was another beautiful sheltered-harbor town, with many boats and narrow, winding, streets. Kids running to the ferry to take them across the river. Ferry seats about 10!
We then took the ferry across the river, down many side roads and one lane roads with 15 foot hedgerows to reach our destination – Talland Bay Inn. Our room is a separate cottage – furnished ok but not great. The main house seems much nicer, and the grounds are magnificent. (Ed note: the cottage is for young Americans, the house is for the old Brits, I’m sure.)
After we arrived, I poured a nip of the Glenmorangie and strolled down past the pool and croquet green to a beach with a great view. To the left ¼ mile – an old church with huge headstones, and 3 equestriennes galloping around a hill. To the right ¼ mile – 100 sheep grazing on several fields. And dead center – the English Channel (Ed Note: ?) fronted by red and green rock outcroppings.
Jill got cold and went in, so I went down to the beach where several people were fishing. Walking back up the road, I saw a red phone booth in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by hedges. So, called Mom & Dad.
Just about ready for dinner. Last night’s was pretty good – Dave salmon steak and Cornish crab au gratin – Jill steak. Went to bed early after a walk around the village.
One bothersome thing about Devon and Cornwall is the hedgerows. They block your view about 80% of the time. Also, I am surprised by the volume of traffic, especially around 5 p.m. Rush hour!
Day 12 >>>
Just about ready for dinner. Last night’s was pretty good – Dave salmon steak and Cornish crab au gratin – Jill steak. Went to bed early after a walk around the village.
One bothersome thing about Devon and Cornwall is the hedgerows. They block your view about 80% of the time. Also, I am surprised by the volume of traffic, especially around 5 p.m. Rush hour!
Day 12 >>>
