Penryn River

Hannah came out for an early morning 'dash' up the river. https://vimeo.com/120179880

Portreath Via The Mines

A cycle from the South to the North Coast and back again fitted nicely into a bright Sunday. From home to Devoran and then into the Wheal Maid workings (an area known as the richest square mile on earth in the 18th and early 19th Centuries). Looking down the gaping open shaft next to an old engine house, it was easy to believe the mines go 350m below the surface where temperatures are around 40 degrees C. I reached Portreath where the North Atlantic was gently lapping the beach. Portreath grew up around the copper mining in the early 1700s, the ore being shipped to South Wales for smelting. This industry gave rise to a tramroad conveying copper one way and coal back to fuel the mine engines. Happily, the tramway now provides a pleasant off-road route for walkers, cyclists and horses. 4 hours there and back - not a bad day out.

Sunny Sunday

Ridiculous: The 8th of February and we're in shorts paddling! We pottered in the garden but soon loaded up a picnic and headed to the beach. Normal small surf service had resumed and we spent the day in the sun, reading the paper and watching The World go by. 

Easy afternoon, eased into easy evening as we headed back to town for roast beef supper. 

Sunny Saturday

After scraping the ice off the car, another beautiful day served up sheltered water for rowing in the morning. We cruised the Penryn River, with Falmouth sparkling to the South. 

In the afternoon, anticipating a Southerly swell we pitched up at our local beach which had become a surf spot, with overhead peaks crashing this usually benign bathing corner. Claire people-watched in the warmth of the early February sun, chatting with the pot-smoking students. Shaun the local (WeSUP) paddleboard guru joined me in the waves.

Mount's Bay

With cold North winds blowing we sought sheltered Southern corners, visiting Penzance and then Marazion. Despite Mount Bay's claim as one of the safest beaches in the country, we weren't tempted to put our costumes on; preferring hot chocolates in the warm instead.