Seaside

Last Day on the Beach

Here we go, the last of our holiday. As with any holiday though, far too quickly it came to an end. WIth some good weather forecast, we had a lazy morning then headed to the beach. Not much more to say really, having barely moved the car for a week we had had the most amazing time.

A lot of photos taken reflecting how much fun we had. We will be back!

Castles in the Mist

Another belated holiday write up, although, as a warning, there will be a few of these.

Day two saw us wake up to mist, mist and more mist. So much so that standing at the bottom of Bamburgh castle you could not see the top of the ramparts, absolutely crazy weather. Apart from the misty damp, it was dry.

Having popped out into the town early to explore and see what was about, I came back home with an arm full of breakfast materials from the local butchers. It was amazing and featured the famous Bamburgh Banger, a very tasty sausage.

Having filled our faces with sausages, bacon, black pudding and the trimmings, we headed out for a walk on the beach. It was such an eerie walk, with people appearing out of, and disappearing into, the mist, as if from nowhere. Lyns’ nose however did not fail as she managed to sniff out a coffee shack in the gloom.

We had a lovely walk along the beech whilst enjoying our drinks, just what the doctor ordered to keep the conditions at bay. Jess and James loved it, running in and out of the sea and generally causing chaos.

We must have walked a good few miles up and down the beach, making the most of the peace and quiet that seemed to settle on you in the mist. You could certainly see the magic of the place. However, it did not last long as James and Lyns spent a good few minutes racing up and down the dunes to use up the last of the little man’s energy before we headed back to the house.

We headed home for dinner and to put the little man to bed. Once he was tucked up and Lyns was snuggled under the blanket in front of the TV, I headed back out for an hour or so as the mist had finally cleared. There was no spectacular sunset but it was nice to be out to enjoy the last of the days light.

A lovely first full day for our holiday, we did not let the weather get us down and absolutely made the most of being at the seaside.

First Days Away

First Days Away

So here we are, another summer and another summer holiday, although what a difference to any other year. Covid is still gripping the country, although no where near as badly has it had done so we booked a last minute trip to Northumberland to get a break away and spend some time on the beach. As it turned out, we only moved the car once and come rain or shine, we went to the beach, much to James’ delight.

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Fifty Years and Still Going Strong

Fifty Years and Still Going Strong

By the Saturday, the glorious weather from the week before had blown away and we were met with a wall of fog blowing in from the sea.   I started the day with a ten mile run, running along the cliff top path to the next bay, Runswick Bay.   It was a bitterly cold run but worth while as it was very scenic.   Once I had got back and showered we headed off to Whitby.

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Luskentyre Beach in the Sunshine!

Today saw our first full day on the Isle of Harris in the Outer Herbrides.   We had decided to have a relaxing morning before heading out.   When we arrived the owner had left us a welcome hamper which included some local hot smoked salmon.   Lyns and I demolished this as Granny and Grandad did not want any.   Accompanied by toast and scrambled egg, it made the perfect start to the day.

As it happened, the morning turned out to be a wash out but the afternoon saw a big yellow blob appear in the sky, something we had not been expecting.   We headed out to Luskentyre Beach which is one of the most amazing beaches you will ever see.   Golden sand stretching for miles and turquoise sea.   Shame about the chilly gale blowing but you cannot have everything.  

Unfortunately for James, but fortunately for us, there were very few shells on this beach. This meant that James and I headed down to the sea while everyone else stayed at the top of the beach. We had a lovely twenty mins or so with James splashing in the sea and running away from the waves. His little face beamed as he screamed and ran away from them, all the while, fully protected in his wellies and puddle suit.

After splashing around in the sea, it was time for lunch. Lyns, Granny and Grandad had disappeared into the dunes to take shelter from the wind. By the time James and I had got there everyone had disappeared which meant we got to play hunt mummy!

Can you spot grandad

This way James

Lets get your hand warmed up

Longingly looking to see if they can see somewhere warm that sells cups of tea

After we had finished lunch we headed back to the car. James was asleep within a few minutes, this meant Lyns very kindly pulled over on the way back to let me take some pictures of the waves crashing onto the rocks. I had a very fun twenty five minutes or so before heading back to the car and back to the cottage so we could have a brew and do dinner.

After dinner had been finished, it looked like the sunset was going to be spectacular.  Lyns again very kindly let me go out, missing James’ bath time, and I headed up to a spot I had found earlier in the day.  The sunset was not to be, however, it was lovely to sit and watch the sun go down, until, that is, a rain shower came in and drenched me to the skin.  One of those things. 

The view was nice until I noticed the rain heading my way

With that, the day was more or less over. A nice whiskey and a film saw it time to head to bed, all set for another adventure tomorrow.

Two Days, One Beach

So the first couple of days of our holiday saw us visit Rosemarkie Beach on the Black Isle. We went by ourselves on the first day to explore and let both James and Jess run off all the energy they had built up after spending cooped up in the car the previous day.

What’s this Daddy?

We headed to the beach mid morning, looking to have lots of fun. Both James and Jess were full of excitement. Lyns had spent a large part of her childhood living on the Black Isle so it was really interesting having her point out where she had lived and hearing some of the stories about the mischief she had got up to and seeing where it had happened.

Although it had been raining earlier in the morning, when we arrived it had cleared up nicely so we were able to enjoy the beach without our waterproofs which was nice, even if James did manage to fill his wellies with water.

Really?? More photos?? Whatever poser!

James was in his element, finding shells everywhere. We came back with two whole bags full which took forever to wash, but that is no problem because his face was a picture every time he found a new type of shell. Also, it let me explain to him, albeit with my limited knowledge, about all the different types of shell and what lives in them and yes James, Grandad does eat the ones in mussel shells!!

We even found a dead crab which James thought was amazing. Especially as we could see how its claws worked. The last time I was this close to a crab we were crabbing in Northumberland and I picked it up ‘the right way so it could not get me with its claws’ and next thing I knew, I was yelping as it had grabbed me, much to James’ and Lyns’ amusement.

Yes James, Grandad eats those

No chance of getting nipped by this one

Whilst James was busy running around and collecting shells, Jess was running wild on the beach. Off the lead, she was into every rockpool, into the sea and digging huge holes. I think she enjoyed it more than James!

After we had had a good run on the beach, it was time for lunch. We headed to the Rosemarkie Beach Cafe for lunch. James and I had a very nice sausage sandwich, each made with sausages from the local butchers. They were pork, sweet chilli and Ironbru! Amazingly tasty, much to Lyns’ envy as she was tucking into a cheese and tomato sandwich. They were so nice in fact, that we hunted out the butcher’s they came from and bought some to have later in the week. After lunch and couple of quick selfies we headed back into Inverness where we were meeting Lyns’ family for some bowling.

Say cheese

All too much for someone!

It was James’ first experience of ten pin bowling and he loved it, although he did get bored about half way in, but nonetheless, it was lots of fun. I was too busy playing to take many pictures of the actual bowling.

The next day saw us head back to Rosemarkie beach to meet James’ cousins Lachlan and Madison. This was another opportunity for James to collect bags upon bags of shells! We will have to do a cull at some point.

Look, another shell

This is a good one

Lachlan turned out to be a little daredevil. He was climbing over all the rocks and nothing daunted him. Every time he fell over, he was back up again and scrambling over the next set of rocks.

Which rocks next?

Look at me

James showed Madison what to look for in the rock pools as she had never been rock pooling before. Unfortunately, we did not find any crabs but we did manage to see lots of shells and a couple of fishes to, much to her and James’ excitement.

Piggy back for her tired little brother

I’m the queen of the castle

It had been a lovely two days at the beach and, in the main, the rain had held off allowing us to have lots and lots of fun, although, it would not be a British beach holiday without a little rain. It is shaping up to be a lovely holiday.

Sun, Sea and Steam

So another brilliantly sunny Sunday, I cannot remember the last time we had such a good spell of hot weather, saw us heading to the North York Moors to go on the North York Moors Railway.   We had been wanting to do this for a while, but when we last tried to go it was fully sold out.   This time saw at least 70 free tickets when we booked online, saving a whole £2 per person.   We had persuaded our friend Lydia to be tortured by Lyns' love of all things steam train related and, as her husband was away on a stag do, she leapt at the chance.   The only problem was we had booked on the 9:30 train which meant we had to leave at 8, meaning Lyns had to be out of bed by 7!! to make matters worse, she had been to see Paloma Faith at the race course the night before.   To help things move a long, I was up early, got James dressed and ready to and Lyns' alarm clock was a chirpy James giving her kisses and cuddles.   I can think of worse ways to be woken.

We got on the road early, fearing that the masses would be heading to the beach for the day.   We risked the A64 and there was very little traffic.   It meant that we were at the station by 8:45 raring to go.   I left Lyns with James and popped over to get some drinks from Costa.   No better way of cheering up a tired and jaded Lyns than by giving her a hot chocolate.   Unfortunately, I had ordered her a cup of tea, thinking the caffeine would be a help.   Here was problem number two, the lady in Costa had got out order wrong and given me a decaf tea and as full fat coffee!! DOH!!!   Then, to make things even worse, they put so much milk in it, it was undrinkable.   My only saving grace was that I had made Lyns a sausage sandwich before we left.   At least I had collected a couple of brownie points.

My hot drink is fine mummy - thanks pal!

The boys were loving the train, as it was all a big adventure for them, even Lydia was getting into the spirit of stream train things.   We had decided on the first train of the day so we could get to Whitby, have some dinner and have a bit of time for a wander around.   It did not quite work out like that, but the intention was there.

Look what I can see

Who is more excited do you think??? Closet train spotter??

After the two(ish) hour trip to Whitby which, if you have never been, goes through some stunning scenery on the moors, we jumped off the train and heading into the town.   As expected, the town was absolutely heaving.   Even though it was only 11:30, we decided to head to get some lunch before it got busier.

The quintessential English lady abroad

Could be anywhere in Latin America

When it Whitby, where else is there to go for fish and chips other than the Magpie Cafe.   We headed straight there and were shown to a table.   No queue at all.   Good job we went when we did, by the time we left, they were queueing onto the street.   We had a lovely dinner.   Lydia and I were strange and had our fish grilled, albeit with sauce and chips, and Lyns had scampi.   It was delicious.   Then came the question of the obligatory ice-cream at the sea side.   Because it was so hot and we were in a lovely air conditioned restaurant, we stayed inside.   All the big children had sundaes and the boys had ice-cream and chocolate fish.   By the time we had finished stuffing ourselves, it was time to head back to the train.   So much for seeing the sea and the beach.   One of those things.

Fully fuelled and back on the train.   Lyns bought this stick of rock for a friend.   James dropped it on the floor and it smashed, cue angry words from Lyns, before she promptly left it on the train when we got off at the next stop!

Speeding through the countryside

Someone was excited to be back on the train

For our trip back we had decided to split it into two parts.   This was primarily because the boys were starting to get tired and with it came a few grumps from both of them!   I know, I know, you cannot believe it from these two as butter definitely will not melt.   

Lydia giving Ted a countdown from three.   For some reason, she managed to get stuck on one when there was some defiance.

Luckily, Lyns and I had come prepared for this eventuality and we pulled out the super hero capes.   These are quickly becoming our standard solution to tired and grumpy little ones.   Immediately the boys cheered up and promised to be good.

Bat Ted to the rescue

As we were splitting the return journey into two, we got off in Goathland, famed for being the setting of Heartbeat and more recently Hogsmeade station in Harry Potter.   It is a stunning little village, maybe five minutes walk from the station.   Lyns was even able to replace the stick of rock that she had left on the train.   However, the main reason we chose to stop here, apart from, it being half way, was that there is a play park and we know how the little super heroes love a play park.   

Apparently, it is not only the kids that love a play park

Look, I can balance on the toadstool

Too cool for school (or nursery)

Mummy definitely not competing in the coolness stakes

Then, out came the capes again and onto the swing the two super heroes went.   With the wind whistling through their hair and capes flying out behind them, they soared backwards and forwards, until mummy super pushing energy ran out.

How high can you go?

Two cheesy superheroes

Over the course of the day, Lydia had shown Lyns how to do boomerangs on Instagram, no idea what they are but apparently they are all the rage.   In practical terms, this meant that the boys were made to jump off the toadstools in the playground time and time again, much to their amusement and with much merriment.   They boys loved it and Lyns boomeranged to her heart's content.

I can fly

To the rescue!

After the boys had had their fill of the park, we all headed back to the train station.   After grabbing a coffee it was back onto the train for the hour or so trip back to Pickering.

The express to Whitby

Our train arriving in.   For some reason, all the engines we saw throughout the day were travelling backwards

We arrived back just before 6 and, with the sunsetting on a lovely day out, we said goodbye to Lydia and Ted and headed home.   James zonked out when his head hit the car seat and we were able to transfer him straight to bed when we got home.   A lovely day in the sun, with some wonderful company.

Find the Giant's Heart

So, for the first time this holiday, we woke up to overcast skies and blowing winds, which was a little bit of a shame but it was not going to hold us back.   Today we decided to go to St. Michaels Mount.   We checked the tide times before setting off, the causeway was open 10am to 3pm, plenty of time to get across and back, with time to explore in the middle.   The mount lies out in the bay near the town of Marazion and gets cut off when. the tide was in.   There is a boat service, £2 per person, however, it was amusing to see a group try to wade back and get soaked up to their waists.

After arriving in Marazion and parking, £4 all day which was very reasonable, we headed across the causeway to the mount itself.   With the wind howling it was an emotional walk but we got across, windswept and cold but in one piece.   National Trust members get in free to the house which was very good.   The island is managed between the family that own it and the National Trust.

We then began the long climb to the top of the mount.   For us it was steep but on, the little guys on the other hand were true mountaineers getting to the top.   They both did it though, without any complaints, and soon we were stood at the top.

Its windy up here!

Which way is the beach?

Does this thing fire?

After this, we went into the house itself.   The house was interesting to walk around and the boys got a treasure hunt to do, with stickers every time they found one of the treasures.   We managed to miss a few as we went round, but that did not stop them getting their medal when we got to the end.   I did not manage to take any photos inside as I was too busy looking around, however, there was a brief part of the trip round the house which is outside.   This was hugely windy, but the boys had lots of fun running around.

Nah Nah, I'm out of the wind

I wish I was!

By the time we had finished round the house it was lunchtime.   We headed back down to the mount's harbour and found a lovely little cafe call the Sail Loft.   Here they did a selection of meals, I had whitebait, and the biggest sausage rolls you ever did see.   Lyns was very jealous of Gav having one with his soup!   Afterwards there was a cookie to share which the boys really enjoyed.

Eat it or wear it?

After dinner it was time to head back across the causeway before it closed.   Here we had a problem, both the boys had tired legs and were hesitant about walking back across.   At this point we pulled out Lyns' secret weapon.   For Christmas she had bought James a set of super hero capes but we had not opened them up to this point.   I had thrown them in my camera bag for such an occurrence as this.

Very soon we had two re-energised toddlers or should I say we had Batman and Spiderman on hand to deal with any trouble that may come our way.   Talk about a new lease of life, the two of them looked as if they had had their batteries changed.   I think I am going to carry a cape wherever I go from no onwards.

Come on Robin

Go go go...

Come on Batman

Coming!!!

I'll show you all the way

After we had flown over the causeway we had a little wander around Marazion, it would be rude to have a cream tea so soon after lunch!   There were a few little shops, all quite unique and interesting, with lots of little bits, right up the girls' street, not so much the boys' though and they lost interest quite quickly.

Then came the most important job of the day, finding somewhere to have a wee afternoon snackette as Lyns calls it, meaning tea and cake.   We tried the hotel on the bay which advertised cakes and cream teas but we walked out quite quickly as it did not appear to be the kind of place that welcomed young families.    We ended up going to the Chapel Rock Cafe, a hundred or so meters down the road.   Here they made us feel very welcome and the cream teas - wow - two huge scones, still warm and a good pot of tea.   So much for my diet and so much for a little snackette!   Nevermind though, too late to complain. 

Elliot looking chilled as ever

Kisses for his baby brother

After demolishing the cakes, it was time for the promised trip to the park we had seen in the morning.   It was a lovely park on the front.   Lots of things to play on and because the weather was not great we had it to ourselves.   At this point, I would like take a few minutes to have a Dominique spot as she made the most of all the equipment.

This is how you do it boys!

Or not

This cannot be too hard!

Errr.... help?

Even the boys / superheroes had lots of fun in the park.

What happens if I pull this?

What's down there?

After the park, it was time to head back to the cars and onto the cottage.   Even though the weather had conspired against us, it did not hold us back and we had a thoroughly enjoyable day.

Oh yes, the giant's heart, on the path up to the house on St. Michael's Mount there is a heart shape rock marking the point where the giant's heart is buried.   The boys had lots of fun looking for it, and even though there is a sign marking where it is, we still managed to walk past it, and had a nice gentleman not have pointed it out, we might still have missed it!

The Giant's heart

Lizard Point and Kynance Cove

So today we woke up to an overcasting windy day, not what we had become accustomed to over the past few days.   Not that the weather would hold us back.   Today we were off to explore Lizard Point and Kynance Cove.   The Lizard is roughly a thirty minute drive away so not too far at all.   We drove past HMS Culdrose on the way, a Navy Air Squadron base, as a training jet took off over the car, much to James' delight.   The other thing we saw from the base were helicopters.   These were overhead for most of the day and the boys had great fun spotting them.

When we arrived at the point, car parking is free for National Trust Members, I knew I had made a mistake in my clothing choice.   We had come to the only sunny part of Cornwall, and there was I dressed in trousers and a hoody!   It is a short walk down to the point itself.   To be honest, there is not a lot at the point other than a couple of cafes and a road down to the old fishing station.   The views, however, are spectacular.   We walked down to the beach by the fishing station.   This is not a beach to spend any great amount of time on, however it was good to let the boys explore the rock pools and the the small caves. 

What can we see here?

Carefully does it

What do we have here?

There was one interesting thing on the beach, a giant cement filled cone.   If anyone could tell me what it actually is, that would be great!

What is this?

After looking at all the sea urchins and walking up the steep climb back to the cafe, it was time for lunch.   Conveniently placed is the Polpeor Cafe.   We sat outside to take in the views.   You could not get a better position for a cafe.   The food was simple but tasty.   The children's meal were the star of the show, they fed the boys with some left over for us.

When is lunch coming?

Lunch with a view

After lunch we headed back up to the lighthouse itself.   We did not go in as we wanted to head to Kynance cove, but just had a walk round the grounds.   Not a lot to see outside but I explained to James what the lighthouse did and why it was there so hopefully he got some understanding out of it.

Who is loving the cuddle more?

Backwards we go!

After that it was back to the cars and off to Kynance Cove.   It was a drive of ten minutes at the most to get there.   Again, it is a National Trust carpark so free parking if you are a member.   It is a fifteen minute walk down to the cove itself, or thirty if you have two tired boys with you, and if you are inclined, there are lots of footpaths to explore around the area and across the headland.

The tide was almost in when we arrived, so there was only a few minuted for the boys to have a paddle and build a sandcastle before the sand disappeared and we were just left with rocks.   Not that it mattered as they had loads of fun.

View from the beach

After we had scrambled back up the beach, it was time for a cup of tea and a cake.   Now, Lyns and I had come here a few years ago and the weather was truly horrendous, very dramatic, but not the sort of weather to go outside in.   This time I was going to make the most of the nice weather and explore a little.   Sacrificing my tea and cake, I followed the footpath up onto the headland past the cove and what views there were, well worth missing out on cake for.   It was a shame everyone could not have come and seen them, however it was not suitable for the little ones.

Overlooking Kynance Cove

Further up the headland

I had half an hour to explore then headed back to walk back up to the cars.   With one last look it was time to head off.

Last look before heading back to the car

Both the boys did very well with the steep walk back up to the cars.   After getting James settled in the car, we were off back to the house.   James was asleep before we left the carpark.   We managed to get back to the house for around 5:30 and transfer him straight to bed where he slept for a solid fourteen hours.   We had one very tired but very happy boy.

I Saw a Man with Seven Wives

Day two of our holiday and we are off to the seaside properly.   We are off to St. Ives.   For those of you who do not know, St. Ives is a popular Cornish Harbour town with some lovely beaches.   It is very touristy with lots of independent shops, fish and chips and ice cream.   We were getting the park and ride into the town itself.   Unlike normal park and rides, this one was a train rather than a bus.   £8 group ticket for the four adults and the children rode for free.   Parking was £2.80 so £13 for the two cars and the train both ways, not too bad at all.   

Unfortunately the train both ways was very busy so the boys could not sit and look out of the window.   This did not stop them enjoying their ride though.   Stupidly, I did not take any pictures of the town itself, but it is a very pretty little town.

St Ives Beach

After walking into the town from the train station, we had a look round the shops.   When I say we, the girls explored all the jewellery and hand made glass shops whilst Gav and I were left looking after the children.   Not that it matter as the weather was beautiful and the boys in good form.   Had it have been throwing it down, it might have been a different story.

After looking round the shops, James announced he was hungry.   Big debate at this point, fish and chips or pasty for lunch.   Fish and chips won out so thats what we had, all the time keeping an eye out for the gulls that were ever present when somebody had food.   A short walk round the harbour after lunch and we found ourselves on the beach.

Off came the shoes and socks.   I shouted across to Lyns suggesting she take James' jumper off but it was too late.   Like a cheetah he shot into the sea and promptly fell over!   More or less soaked from head to toe.   After the initial shock had worn off, he was back into the sea, nothing holding him back.

I did not mean to sit down in the sea!

We all settled down for an hour or so playing in the sea.

What mischief to get up to next?

The calm before the storm

It was not long before even Elliot was getting stuck into the sea.   After the initial shock, accompanied by a few funny faces, he was quite happy having his feet dipped in.

Ready for his dip

In he goes

After that, the boys ran wild.   There was splashing, running in and out of the sea and digging holes.   They had a wail of a time, both very excited to be at the seaside and in the sea.

Guess who got splashed?

Butter would not melt

Chase me, chase me

More running through the waves

Before too long the tide was lapping at the sea wall.   With the beach here being so shallow, the tide rushes up it.

Do we have to go???

Up onto the sea wall we all went.   With the promise of an ice cream, the boys were changed into dry cloths and sun tan lotion applied.   Having seen a lady have her ice cream knocked out of her hand by a gull, there were a lot of nervous glances at the sky while ice cream was being eaten.   Once all were finished, we took a slow walk back to the train station and ultimately the car.   James fell asleep at this point and did not wake up until he was being loaded into the car.   We headed back to the house to feed the boys and later ourselves.   It was a lovely day out with the most perfect weather.   Seems as this week is shaping up to be a great one.

First Day Away

We have just arrived back from our holiday to Cornwall with some friends.   Unfortunately, there was no internet access, well there was but it was slower than the good old fashioned dial up (remember that, where you could not use the phone at the same time), so I could only write the text to this blog and not upload the pictures.   Therefore, over the next couple of weeks, I will let you know what we have been up to....

So today finds us in a very sunny Cornwall with some good friends.   Apart from a spell of heavy rain on the way down, the seven hours of driving yesterday had passed very quickly and we arrived at the stunning cottage we are staying in, about two miles from Praa Sands, in the middle of the countryside.   There was a beautiful sunset which boded well for our holiday.   Today has not disappointed in terms of weather.   I was up for a run at 6am and whilst it was chilly, the sun was shining.   By the time I was back at the house two hours later, it was starting to warm up nicely.

Today we had decided to stay fairly local as it was the first day of the holiday and all being National Trust members, we headed to Godolphin.   The house here is a holiday property and only open for a few days a year but that did not matter as there are gardens and an estate to explore.   As it happened, we did not get out of the gardens.   As we arrived we did not think there was a lot there, however, we were proven wrong.

First we headed into the medieval walled garden which was supposed to be a sea of tranquility.   To be fair it might well have been, however, with two hyper active three year olds playing together in there, it was not to be.   We had loads of fun, however, anyone wanting to relax in there would have been disappointed.

Chaaaarrrrrgggggeeee - at least the medieval spirit lives here!

Causing chaos

The walled garden was lovely and we spent a lot of time in there.   It was nice to let the boys run wild without the need to worry about them disappearing into the distance.   There was a modern art exhibition on which I'll be honest I did not get.   I described it as a nursery when the children had gone home as it was piles of sand and lumps of clay.   It reflects more on my lack of ability to see the art than the quality of the the art, but it was just not for me.

We headed back to the garden for a little bit more chaos causing.

Thou art made a daisy chain for ones' beloved

Through the rose bush

Spying on the children - only way to take pictures sometimes

Look what I found

Just when we thought the boys could not cause any more chaos, Gav decided to lie on the grass for a few minutes!   Big mistake.   Two little heads shot up, sniffing the air as they scented their prey.   Faster than a striking cobra they pounced ...

Got you!

After rescuing a badly mauled Gav, we headed out into the grounds.   There were lots of dandelion clocks around and the children took great glee in blowing them.   

Took a few goes but we got there not to be held back then

All the children had fun blowing dandelion clocks

By this time the children were getting hangry so we headed to the picnic benches.   Conveniently there was a little cafe near by.   Two cream teas, with the largest scones you ever did see later, we were all satisfied.   The area we found ourselves in was a wild flower meadow with paths cut through it to allow you to wander through the flowers.   With the sun shining it was a beautiful area.

All paths were kept to - honestly

Contemplating where to run off to

How to get to the next stepping stone

Our trip to Godolphin finished with some races as both the boys love racing.   However, I do not think it was the boys who enjoyed it the most!

Who are the bigger kids here?

It was now time to head back to the holiday cottage.   As it was the first day and we had not done any proper shopping yet, we did what anyone in Cornwall would do, we ate the scones that the owner of the cottage had left out for us.   Two cream teas in one day, well, when in Rome and all...

After we had eaten we decided to pop out for a little walk, to help the little guys burn some energy of, and us our scones.   Lyns and I had come down here on holiday a few years ago so I suggested we head to Prussia Cove.

The road down to the parking is horrendous.   Very narrow with high hedges on both sides.   Luckily we only met a few cars on the way down and made it safely to the parking area.   We headed down to the cove itself however, disaster, the tide was all the way in so no bubbles on the beach.   Instead, we walked half a mile or so on the coast path to a headland.   There were a few steep drops on the side of the path as well as on the headland.   We got the bubbles out and had sitting down bubbles due to where we are.   The little guys did not mind though as they had great fun letting the wind blow the bubbles.

Let the wind do the work

Much easier than blowing

After we had had our fill of bubbles it was back to the cottage and dinner all round.   What a lovely first day it had been and if it was anything to go by, this week was going to be amazing.