Minack and Porthcurno

Amanda and Shannon very kindly offered to have Finn so that I could go and have a "me" day - they had been to Fowey the day before while I had Sid - so, as one of the things I had wanted to do was the Minack Gardens, I headed down to the south coast for a few hours.  It had been years since I'd been to the Minack and I really wanted to see the gardens that had been planted there as that was a relatively new addition to the site.  

This was the view as I turned up - I love the beach at Porthcurno and the colour of that sea!

The Minack Theatre was built by Rowena Cade back in the 1930s - by chiselling out rock and carrying equipment in a wheelbarrow from one bit of the site to another.   The first performance at the theatre was given in 1932 where the stage was a simple grass terrace and lighting was provided by batteries and car headlights!   It's much more professional now of course, with dressing rooms, light and sound control rooms, etc.   But still stunning because of its location perched on the edge of the cliff.

And I have to say that the gardens really enhance the whole environment.  It means that the theatre can be open every day throughout the year and not look so "empty".

The gardeners have used lots of succulents which gives it a really lush feel.  Obviously, in November, there wasn't too much in flower so not much colour, but that didn't take anything away from the planting.

And all around you have the views of this beautiful sea!

It was fab to be able to walk everywhere, although there were some tricky, slippery, steps around.

I love that the names of productions are carved into the rocky seats.

The light today was amazing so I spent ages playing about with my camera - as usual!

Whisky Galore!  One of my most favourite ever films!

I watched these workmen constructing and making a right meal of it, it has to be said.  There was lots of squealing and swearing and shouting - and yet Rowena Cade built most of this on her own!

The view from my perch in the cafe.

A fab morning - so glad I came back for another look.

Trebarwith Strand and Tintagel

We had planned this day perfectly - it's just a shame the weather was against us.  The plan was that we would take the boys for a good run over Trebarwith Strand to wear them out as Amanda was going to sit in the car with them at Tintagel while Shannon and I went up to the castle.  However, it was so wet, cold and blustery that they didn't get a proper run and then, when we got to Tintagel, the castle was closed due to high winds!   (So Shannon and I had to try mead samples in the shop instead!)

We did get further onto the beach at Trebarwith Strand than we did a few years ago though - back then, the tide was right in.  This time, the tide was out but the weather was shocking.

So after only a very short walk indeed, we bundled back to the car - Shannon was already back there! - to get to Tintagel.

People taking shelter in Merlin's Cave on the beach.

Nothing else for it, but to get provisions and head back to base.  Tintagel will be there another time though!