An afternoon's stroll

The hot spell of weather has resulted in very few stitches being added to Elizabeth Cox. My afternoons have been spent quilting in my sewing studio where a refreshing breeze blows in from the sea and my evenings walking Poppy and Blue when it is cooler.

Today was spent with the ladies from Gunwalloe W.I walking a section of the South West Coastal Path followed by a delicious cream team courtesy of Pam and Nick in the wonderful setting of Penaire Barton.

A short walk along a driveway and then through a private gate down to their beach overlooking the sea to St Anthony's Lighthouse and the entrance to the Fal and Helford.

We then took the coastal path to Nare Point.

The National Coastwatch Institution have a station here operated and manned by volunteers. These stations play an important role in protecting and preserving life at sea around the UK coastline.

Whilst the Coastguard Stations have high technology and sophisticated systems a computer cannot spot a distress flare or an overturned boat or a yachtsman or fisherman in trouble. Other vulnerable activities like diving, wind surfing and canoeing are made safe with the visual surveillance these stations provide.

The watchkeepers provide the eyes and ears along the coast , monitoring radio channels and providing a listening watch in poor visibility.

We were shown some of the duties they perform. 

 Just off Nare Point is The Manacles. A particularly dangerous area for pleasure boats and commercial shipping. There are many wrecks here so it is also a popular area with divers. The Coast Watch Station plays a vital role in monitoring this area.

Back out into the sunshine and the beauty of the path. A climb up to the headland

and a quick look back to the Coast Watch Station 

 before rounding the headland.

Porthoustock can be spotted in the distance. This small hamlet is dominated by a large concrete stone mill that was once used to crush stone which was then transported away by sea.

 Fishing boats operate from the shingle beach and it is a great place to buy fresh lobsters and crabs.

This area is designated "An Area of Outstanding Beauty".



Some agility was required to climb over the stone walls.

 We soon found ourselves back at base where we enjoyed exploring the beautiful gardens.

There is nothing quite so "English" as a cream tea which was enjoyed in the sunshine

looking out to sea

and for those requiring some shade from the beautiful conservatory.

A big THANK YOU to Dot for organising the afternoon and to Pam and Nick for their hospitality.