Durgan and sun!

There has been precious little chance for long walks here as the weather has got progressively wetter over the holiday; even going out to feed the ducks has taken true determination and gritting of teeth, the short task meaning a change of clothes and fortifying hot drink will be necessary. Whenever the rain has let up we have raced out for a break to try to keep the cabin fever at bay. We returned to Coombe (the river walk I blogged about previously) and this time the tide was out allowing us to go slightly further along the river bank. The shore opposite has a collection of ramshackle houseboats nestled quietly under the overhanging trees miles from anywhere. I think they are beautifully romantic, but I guess it depends on your disposition - always prefer to see the romance in things. Click on the pic to enlarge and see what you think.




The path became more and more tunnel-like, the children scaring each other with tales of Dark Riders and impressions of that eerie shrieking they do in the films. Isabella just shrieked for the pleasure of doing so without being told to stop by her mum who loathes high-pitched screaming of any sort!





I just love this little shed in the middle of nowhere with its bench suggesting an owner who enjoys its presence as much as I do.



We managed to collect these Kea plums for jam making - there were more but I wasn't quick enough to stop the girls from scrumping when I wasn't looking.




On the way home we also managed to find a stash of yummy mushrooms just begging to be piled onto pasta for pasta al funghi...mmmm.




The following days were impossibly wet and windy; finally yesterday the clouds broke in the afternoon and we headed off for Durgan, a little beach tucked away at the bottom of a hill near the village of Mawnan Smith. As you walk down the hill from the car park via a woodland path, these wonderful views of the river slowly unfold through the trees:




Boats are dotted everywhere and tiny slipways plunge down the rocks to hidden beaches just perfect for evening barbecues and icy river swims. We carried on down the hill with the river opening out on one side toward the sea and the other wending its way into the various coves and inlets that so inspired writers such as du Maurier.



As we reached the bottom we entered the hamlet of Durgan with its pretty cottages and schoolhouse (no longer used sadly, but let instead). The sun broke through and washed us with that wonderful warmth that has been missing for us this summer and the children raced to swim in the sea in case it disappeared once more. Isabella and I trawled the rocks looking for shells and examining the pools for signs of life while Dave sat quietly soaking up the peaceful late afternoon air.



And it was at this point the camera batteries went flat! Probably not a bad thing as there is more than enough here and I can almost here the groans of those who have managed to get this far! Isabella has just informed me that a slug is drowning outside and wants me to kill it once and for all - she has a real fear of 'shlugs and nails' hence the murderous thoughts in one so young.


Have a great Friday and hope the weekend is DRY! xx