Visiting my brother in Cornwall

Clodhopper · Post by **Clodhopper** » Tue Nov 03, 2009 5:34 pm

I wonder if I can explain why this visit has been so good...

Cornwall, for a start, is beautiful. Not spectacular as in the Grand Canyon, but beautiful. Sea cliffs with Peregrines and tin mines long abandoned that make you think of lives long gone, working in hard rock under the sea. It feels as though nowhere is more than five miles from that sea in any direction and it is ALWAYS power and beauty, even up here near Truro, where the sea is what covers the mudflats and lifts the birds skywards.

In the last three days I've walked on the cliffs with my brother and watched the spray blowing up the natural chimneys like smoke and the wind jolt us sideways on the path. A Kestrel blew over us, swung into the wind and stopped, motionless. Head still as a satellite above the turning world as his body shivered, controlling every flicker of wind perfectly to keep his hunting eyes focussed.

We dropped down to the beach (Porthcowan?) and the gale had stirred the sea like espresso - the end of the wave's rush up the beach went floppy with foam and flobbed its last few feet. Sadly, it didn't quite splash my brother who had gone down to its very edge to photograph this high wind feature.

That night we went into town to have a few beers and it was Hallowe'en. Truro was heaving. We were in a costume Ball of Horror and had a lot of fun.

Yesterday was (not surprisingly) quieter, but I met a very nice person and we had a good chat for a while. The weather was truly foul and I came back here and curled up with a book and a little FG time, interspersed with setting up my telescope on the doorstep and watching the birds on the mudflats below the house (Heron, Curlew and Little Egret. Telescope is new toy, and really good. Amazing the advances in Optics over the last decade or so!)

Today I went for a walk along the estuary edge. The trees ( broadleaf woodland mostly) come right down to and hang over the water's edge, so you are protected from the worst of the weather but see a lot. Mudflats are immensely rich feeding grounds for birds of all sorts and the variety was fantastic. Highlights included Goldcrest, Sparrowhawk, Shelduck and Greenshank. Got back and spent the afternoon birdwatching and FG-ing, while doing some housework for my brother.

If that last sounds odd, he's between Nisi and Absolute; and although he's immensely strong and hasn't said anything to colleagues or friends down here in the small town environment, he's really appreciated having someone he can talk to freely.

So I've been in a beautiful bit of country, enjoying myself AND I've been able to help my brother when he was in a tough place.

I'm a happy bunny.:-6

(Oh, I'm posting this because I told him to go off and spend the night with his new girlfriend and not to worry about me - I was going to drink his beer and he'd only be in the way:wah:)

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Tue Nov 03, 2009 8:06 pm

Clodhopper;1259001 wrote: I wonder if I can explain why this visit has been so good...

Cornwall, for a start, is beautiful. Not spectacular as in the Grand Canyon, but beautiful. Sea cliffs with Peregrines and tin mines long abandoned that make you think of lives long gone, working in hard rock under the sea. It feels as though nowhere is more than five miles from that sea in any direction and it is ALWAYS power and beauty, even up here near Truro, where the sea is what covers the mudflats and lifts the birds skywards.

In the last three days I've walked on the cliffs with my brother and watched the spray blowing up the natural chimneys like smoke and the wind jolt us sideways on the path. A Kestrel blew over us, swung into the wind and stopped, motionless. Head still as a satellite above the turning world as his body shivered, controlling every flicker of wind perfectly to keep his hunting eyes focussed.

We dropped down to the beach (Porthcowan?) and the gale had stirred the sea like espresso - the end of the wave's rush up the beach went floppy with foam and flobbed its last few feet. Sadly, it didn't quite splash my brother who had gone down to its very edge to photograph this high wind feature.

That night we went into town to have a few beers and it was Hallowe'en. Truro was heaving. We were in a costume Ball of Horror and had a lot of fun.

Yesterday was (not surprisingly) quieter, but I met a very nice person and we had a good chat for a while. The weather was truly foul and I came back here and curled up with a book and a little FG time, interspersed with setting up my telescope on the doorstep and watching the birds on the mudflats below the house (Heron, Curlew and Little Egret. Telescope is new toy, and really good. Amazing the advances in Optics over the last decade or so!)

Today I went for a walk along the estuary edge. The trees ( broadleaf woodland mostly) come right down to and hang over the water's edge, so you are protected from the worst of the weather but see a lot. Mudflats are immensely rich feeding grounds for birds of all sorts and the variety was fantastic. Highlights included Goldcrest, Sparrowhawk, Shelduck and Greenshank. Got back and spent the afternoon birdwatching and FG-ing, while doing some housework for my brother.

If that last sounds odd, he's between Nisi and Absolute; and although he's immensely strong and hasn't said anything to colleagues or friends down here in the small town environment, he's really appreciated having someone he can talk to freely.

So I've been in a beautiful bit of country, enjoying myself AND I've been able to help my brother when he was in a tough place.

I'm a happy bunny.:-6

(Oh, I'm posting this because I told him to go off and spend the night with his new girlfriend and not to worry about me - I was going to drink his beer and he'd only be in the way:wah:)

awwwwww its good to be a happy bunny!:-6

It feels good to be with your brother again, and I am very happy for you!:guitarist

I love telescopes, just never had the opportunity to use one, enjoy your time together.

CARLA · Post by **CARLA** » Tue Nov 03, 2009 8:20 pm

Sound like a lovely visit indeed, beautiful countryside and time to relax wonderful. :-6

ZAP · Post by **ZAP** » Tue Nov 03, 2009 8:24 pm

It sounds beautiful and you describe it so well.

Post by **Betty Boop** » Wed Nov 04, 2009 1:09 am

I think your time in Cornwall is doing you both good :-6

Glad you got to walk the river eventually, your brother lives in the best place, close to the city (village to you :wah:) but far enough away to escape all the hustle and bustle.

What stunning views he has, I can imagine it's pretty wonderful in the summer too and I'm sure you've worked out which way the tide runs by now.

I think you must have visited Porthtowan

Enjoy the rest of your stay I'm off to debate whether John Donne is a misogynist, or not, for two hours. :-6

AussiePam · Post by **AussiePam** » Wed Nov 04, 2009 1:33 am

Is John Donne a misogynist??? - I'd be interested to hear the decision, Betty B.

Clodhopper, my husband used to live in Porthtowan - and I've been there. Lovely part of a lovely county. I'm glad you're enjoying it. One year I will go walking there again.

Thank you for the great visuals... you write so well. Enjoy the time with your brother. I only have one sister, and she is very special. I'd have loved a brother too.

:-6

Imladris · Post by **Imladris** » Wed Nov 04, 2009 9:20 am

Cornwall is just great, loved living there still love visiting.

Sounds like fun and beer was had by all! (my type of weekend!)

G#Gill · Post by **G#Gill** » Wed Nov 04, 2009 10:23 am

Cloddy, I really enjoyed your post. It's so good to read something cheerful on FG, and so well written too. It is also so good that you are able to help your brother at this time. :-6 :-6 :-6

Clodhopper · Post by **Clodhopper** » Thu Nov 05, 2009 11:39 am

Thank you all for your kind words. Especially glad you enjoyed it, GGill (btw, I always think of you as Giggle. Is that your intention?:))

Back home to Kingston tomorrow. Finished Elizabeth the Queen by Alison Weir this morning, and went for more birdwatching this afternoon. Saw my first ever Water Rail (yippee!) as well as being escorted along the lane by a flock of Long Tailed Tit, which are some of the cutest birds.

Regarding Elizabeth the Queen most interesting. Makes me laugh, Tweetatoo claiming women are weak and feeble and incapable of thinking - to the ENGLISH, ffs!

Bit worried about my bro. He seems to be having sex with the carpet. Oh. Press-ups.

Kathy Ellen · Post by **Kathy Ellen** » Thu Nov 05, 2009 12:17 pm

Loved reading your thread Clod. Your descriptive writing put lovely thoughts into my head about Cornwall.

I've always wanted to walk the coast of Cornwall, and hope that I will one day. I have a friend from England, and she told me about her parents' journey walking and backpacking along the coast....Sounds wonderful:-6

AussiePam · Post by **AussiePam** » Thu Nov 05, 2009 12:25 pm

I'll come on that one, Kathy!!!! And we'll stay in gorgeous bed and brekkie places and eat scones and clotted cream while evading piskies etc.

Love the birds, Clodders.

And your brother!!!!!!!! GUFFAW. I shall henceforth view my morning exercise routine in a whole new erotic light!!

:yh_rotfl

ps... There was a snippet in one of the newspapers here recently about some walk in England, coast to coast... pub to pub. I will be in France in May next year and might even venture over the Channel and do that...

Kathy Ellen · Post by **Kathy Ellen** » Thu Nov 05, 2009 12:42 pm

AussiePam;1259604 wrote: I'll come on that one, Kathy!!!! And we'll stay in gorgeous bed and brekkie places and eat scones and clotted cream while evading piskies etc.

Love the birds, Clodders.

And your brother!!!!!!!! GUFFAW. I shall henceforth view my morning exercise routine in a whole new erotic light!!

:yh_rotfl

ps... There was a snippet in one of the newspapers here recently about some walk in England, coast to coast... pub to pub. I will be in France in May next year and might even venture over the Channel and do that...

Oh, I would love nothing better than that Pam. The only thing is I don't wanna camp out and sleep in a tent. I want a nice, warm hotel with a bath and restuarant:wah:

I'm so jealous...you're going to France.....How wonderful.

I'm forgetting what it's like to travel:(

AussiePam · Post by **AussiePam** » Thu Nov 05, 2009 12:53 pm

Kathy Ellen;1259621 wrote: Oh, I would love nothing better than that Pam. The only thing is I don't wanna camp out and sleep in a tent. I want a nice, warm hotel with a bath and restuarant:wah:

I'm so jealous...you're going to France.....How wonderful.

I'm forgetting what it's like to travel:(

I'm only on the drawing board so far, Kathy. But no camping out. I love camping but not when I'm walking. England is full of fabulous little country pubs and private houses that do bed and breakfast for wayfarers, with charming hospitality. Much better.

Chris muttered something about wanting to walk with me in Burgundy. I thought he'd got over traipsing about the French countryside ... grin... but apparently the vineyards and old manor houses with wicked degustation menus are exerting a pull. I think his work place are planning some kind of Chopin appreciation tour - not my scene that... but if he wanders off to commune with fine music... I'll go bush in rural France and play with the natives, tuning in to the latest Paris pop or le bon gangsta rap.

kazalala · Post by **kazalala** » Thu Nov 05, 2009 12:57 pm

what a wonderful post cloddy:Dsounds like you had a great time too. Kingston! I was there on Monday,,, had lunch in Jamie Olivers place,, i wasnt overly impressed:wah:

Kathy Ellen · Post by **Kathy Ellen** » Thu Nov 05, 2009 12:58 pm

AussiePam;1259632 wrote: I'm only on the drawing board so far, Kathy. But no camping out. I love camping but not when I'm walking. England is full of fabulous little country pubs and private houses that do bed and breakfast for wayfarers, with charming hospitality. Much better.

Chris muttered something about wanting to walk with me in Burgundy. I thought he'd got over traipsing about the French countryside ... grin... but apparently the vineyards and old manor houses with wicked degustation menus are exerting a pull. I think his work place are planning some kind of Chopin appreciation tour - not my scene that... but if he wanders off to commune with fine music... I'll go bush in rural France and play with the natives, tuning in to the latest Paris pop or le bon gangsta rap.

That sounds absolutely wonderful Pam. I still have that beautiful post card you sent me from France...infact...I still have all of them:-4

Damn...we'll meet one day again somewhere in Europe....

AussiePam · Post by **AussiePam** » Thu Nov 05, 2009 1:08 pm

Hi Kaz - I just know I'll be singing songs about Jamaica all day now at the mention of Kingston. Grin.... I watched, for the first time in ages, a cooking show on television last night... Jamie Oliver's American road tour, or something like that. He went to New Orleans. It was fascinating. He looked kind of less chubby, less cocky and a whole lot nicer. And he was out hunting crocs in cajun country, cooking gumbo with a old black woman in a poor area of the city where she told him off constantly... grin.. And yes, Kingston upon Thames..

Kathy - we gotta get together somewhere... grin.. !!!

Clodders - I'm sorry.. messing with your thread.. But you inspired us. I read some threads in here these days and my eyes cross and my finger hovers on the off switch... but your threads are full of sparks and we all go off on happy tangents as a result. Sparks???!!!!

Happy Guy Fawkes Day...:sneaky:

kazalala · Post by **kazalala** » Thu Nov 05, 2009 1:14 pm

AussiePam;1259647 wrote: Hi Kaz - I just know I'll be singing songs about Jamaica all day now at the mention of Kingston. Grin.... I watched, for the first time in ages, a cooking show on television last night... Jamie Oliver's American road tour, or something like that. He went to New Orleans. It was fascinating. He looked kind of less chubby, less cocky and a whole lot nicer. And he was out hunting crocs in cajun country, cooking gumbo with a old black woman in a poor area of the city where she told him off constantly... grin.. And yes, Kingston upon Thames..

Kathy - we gotta get together somewhere... grin.. !!!

Clodders - I'm sorry.. messing with your thread.. But you inspired us. I read some threads in here these days and my eyes cross and my finger hovers on the off switch... but your threads are full of sparks and we all go off on happy tangents as a result. Sparks???!!!!

Happy Guy Fawkes Day...:sneaky:

HI pam!!! oh yea i watched that show!!! excellent!

bloody guy fawkes ,, my poor dog is cowering here :-5

Clodhopper · Post by **Clodhopper** » Thu Nov 05, 2009 2:37 pm

Kaz: You were in Kingston? Sorry to have missed you. Let me know if you're down again.

Dear Aussiepam and Kathy Ellen - no need to apologise for going off on tangents! I'm glad that my post has given you a starting point.

I think the coast to coast walk you refer to is up North. Starts somewhere round Whitehaven in the Lake District and ends in Robin Hood's Bay in Yorkshire. I've done the Eastern end, from the Pennines to the RHB, but never the West. And yes! These days I find I much prefer Bed and Breakfasting it rather than sleeping on the ground. Do let me know if you are planning some walking - I'd love to join you.

:wah: These days I rarely know what day it is, let alone what date. Only realised it was Guy Fawkes when I saw some fireworks going off across the estuary where my bro and I were having a rather good meal. ( Sent him off to his girlfriend again. Am eying his wine collection....hic!:D)

AussiePam · Post by **AussiePam** » Thu Nov 05, 2009 5:30 pm

When I was very small, Clodders, I remember my family having bonfire night in November. That went away when we got less British. And now of course it's all dragon dances and lantern festivals of the moon. But the beginning of our Aussie winter / the opening of the ski season coincided somehow with a long weekend in June originally apparently celebrating the birthday of some foreign monarch - so we have cracker night and bonfires then, instead. (Fireworks in private hands are considered politically incorrect these days but can be got :sneaky:)

I've never walked much in England - am going to look into that, seriously..

Clodhopper · Post by **Clodhopper** » Thu Nov 05, 2009 7:30 pm

I've never walked much in England - am going to look into that, seriously..

It's a beautiful place.:-4 Let me know what sort of thing you like and I'll tell you where to go.:sneaky:

I'm sorta looking at walking in Scotland for my next big trip, but Durham is high on my list of places to go in England because I've never been there and heard lots of good things about it.

kazalala · Post by **kazalala** » Fri Nov 06, 2009 4:50 am

Clodhopper;1259693 wrote: Kaz: You were in Kingston? Sorry to have missed you. Let me know if you're down again.

Dear Aussiepam and Kathy Ellen - no need to apologise for going off on tangents! I'm glad that my post has given you a starting point.

I think the coast to coast walk you refer to is up North. Starts somewhere round Whitehaven in the Lake District and ends in Robin Hood's Bay in Yorkshire. I've done the Eastern end, from the Pennines to the RHB, but never the West. And yes! These days I find I much prefer Bed and Breakfasting it rather than sleeping on the ground. Do let me know if you are planning some walking - I'd love to join you.

:wah: These days I rarely know what day it is, let alone what date. Only realised it was Guy Fawkes when I saw some fireworks going off across the estuary where my bro and I were having a rather good meal. ( Sent him off to his girlfriend again. Am eying his wine collection....hic!:D)
Yes,, just a 3 day visit to my hubbys sister in Surrey, we went to Kingston for the day, did some shopping, had a glass of wine on the river front and went for lunch:D

AussiePam;1259882 wrote: When I was very small, Clodders, I remember my family having bonfire night in November. That went away when we got less British. And now of course it's all dragon dances and lantern festivals of the moon. But the beginning of our Aussie winter / the opening of the ski season coincided somehow with a long weekend in June originally apparently celebrating the birthday of some foreign monarch - so we have cracker night and bonfires then, instead. (Fireworks in private hands are considered politically incorrect these days but can be got :sneaky:)

I've never walked much in England - am going to look into that, seriously..
There are some spectacular places here Pam,, Cloddy will probably be able to tell you about the Wainwright walk.. dunno if its walk or way:-2:D

You can still buy fireworks quite easily here Pam ,, Supermarkets newsagents,,, shops that just open up specifically to sell them ,, I think its wrong so i wont get started on that:mad::wah:

Raven · Post by **Raven** » Fri Nov 06, 2009 9:06 am

AussiePam;1259604 wrote: I'll come on that one, Kathy!!!! And we'll stay in gorgeous bed and brekkie places and eat scones and clotted cream while evading piskies etc.

Love the birds, Clodders.

And your brother!!!!!!!! GUFFAW. I shall henceforth view my morning exercise routine in a whole new erotic light!!

:yh_rotfl

ps... There was a snippet in one of the newspapers here recently about some walk in England, coast to coast... pub to pub. I will be in France in May next year and might even venture over the Channel and do that...
Just in time for THE party! I have a sofa bed. You are welcome to it!:-6

Raven · Post by **Raven** » Fri Nov 06, 2009 9:09 am

Clodhopper;1259693 wrote: Kaz: You were in Kingston? Sorry to have missed you. Let me know if you're down again.

Dear Aussiepam and Kathy Ellen - no need to apologise for going off on tangents! I'm glad that my post has given you a starting point.

I think the coast to coast walk you refer to is up North. Starts somewhere round Whitehaven in the Lake District and ends in Robin Hood's Bay in Yorkshire. I've done the Eastern end, from the Pennines to the RHB, but never the West. And yes! These days I find I much prefer Bed and Breakfasting it rather than sleeping on the ground. Do let me know if you are planning some walking - I'd love to join you.

:wah: These days I rarely know what day it is, let alone what date. Only realised it was Guy Fawkes when I saw some fireworks going off across the estuary where my bro and I were having a rather good meal. ( Sent him off to his girlfriend again. Am eying his wine collection....hic!:D)
:yh_rotfl It's a wonderful place, and thats what brothers are for! Well done!