End of Break

All too soon, our break away in wind-swept Newquay was at an end. We'd seen plenty of crashing waves.

Some sandy - and almost deserted - beaches...

and even a skulking small bird or two (spot the Wren in this picture).

The natives were friendly - if a little persistent!

And the weather had been very kind to us. We had wondered if it was madness going on a week's holiday to Cornwall in the middle of January. But in the end it turned out to be much better than either of us could have hoped for.

Heading home again on the Saturday, we broke up the journey once more, with an overnight stay at Weston-Super-Mare. Arriving there in the afternoon, we had a stroll along the prom before checking in to the Travelodge. By heck! it was a chilly wind which assaulted us as we walked along.

Despite the sunshine, there were not very many people brave enough (or foolish enough) to be walking along the promenade, so we had a wonderfully quiet time of it.

So, the sun set on a great week away!

Porth and Surf

The major feature of our break in Newquay, had to be the windy weather. When we walked along to Porth on Tuesday, the wind was whipping up the surf into quite a froth.

Looking down from the bridge which crossed this particularly breezy cleft in the rocks, it looked like snow piled up.

And still the surf pounded in.

and crashed on the rocks.

At the other end of Newquay, the beaches were deserted - unsurprisingly!

It all made for some nice photos.

Definitely my sort of weather!

Back at the Hotel and the Herring Gull was still after our food and this time he'd brought along a friend! It almost put us off our scones and clotted cream - almost!

Newquay

We got to Newquay on Monday afternoon and booked in to our hotel. After sorting out the problem of being given a room overlooking the street, when we had booked a sea view, we finally settled in - only to find we were being scrutinised by a Herring gull. I think he just wanted a share of our sandwiches.

Despite the rather stormy weather, we had a good view from our room.

The drama of a stormy sky only added to the view.

We soon managed to get out for a walk in the blustery winds and headed round the harbour.

The familiar 'dragon' roof ornament was standing up to the wind and the gulls seemed to be having a good time.

The waves were rolling in as the skies cleared.

In sunny interludes, the sea was showing a wonderful greenish blue colour - and a good bit of spume.

A rainbow seemed to indicate that a pot of gold would be found near the old lifeboat station.

The ancient Hewer's Hut looked dramatic as it shone white against a dark and glowering sky.

And still the waves rolled in...

Much more tomorrow.

Bath Time

Continuing our walk around Bath, we took in lots of quaint little side streets, many of which were deserted - quite something in such a busy city.

We soon found ourselves amongst the throngs of tourists enjoying the views of the River Avon.

The most photographed thing in this area was of course, the grade 1 listed Pulteney Bridge.

Built in 1774 to a plan by Robert Adam, it is lined on both sides with shops. There has been a weir at this spot since at least 1600 but the present one was built in its 'V' shape during the 1970's.

The new design included a flood defence sluice on the eastern side. There was certainly plenty of water cascading over when we were there.

Having had enough of sigh-seeing around Bath, we spent the night at Weston-super-Mare before continuing on our way Monday morning.
Our route took us along the North Devon coast (another first for me) and having struggled along the very troublesome A39 (Porlock Hill will stay with me for some time!), we found ourselves taking a rest at the pretty village of Lynmouth.

Copious amounts of rain on Exmoor had swollen the river Lyn, making it something of a torrent.

Dodging a shower or two, we had time to stretch our legs and have a look around.

Down to the front...

Then we had coffee in the car at the side of the river to the accompaniment of rushing water.

Then it was time to get on our way again - more steep hills and twisting roads - but more of that next time.

Winter Break

Malcolm and I returned from our mid-winter break yesterday afternoon having spent a delightful week in Newquay. Initially, we wondered if we had gone quite mad by booking a break away in the UK in January. But it turned out to be a risk well worth taking.
We started last Sunday, by driving down to Weston-Super-Mare for a one night stay breaking up the long journey. On the way, we stopped at Bath, a city neither of us had visited before. Of course, we did all the main, tourist sights, starting with the Royal Crescent.

This row of thirty terraced houses was built between 1767 and 1774 and is some 500 feet long. Grade 1 listed, it remains one of the best examples of Georgian architecture in the UK.

Number 1 Royal Crescent, is maintained as Historic House Museum.

From there, we continued into the city centre and took in the Grand Pump Room.

Built in the Abbey Church Yard, it was largely built in its present form, at the end of the eighteenth century.

The square is dominated at its eastern end, by the imposing West elevation of the Abbey and the main entrance.

This end of the abbey is well known for its rather literal depiction of Jacob's Ladder with Angels climbing up either side of the main entrance door and window.

Round the corner, we had a fine view of the Abbey from Kingston Parade. Flying buttresses adorn the outside of this beautiful building.

We spent a lovely afternoon exploring the back-streets and alleyways of Bath and stumbled upon Sally Lunn's Eating House. . .

at the end of a fine street, which was unusually, quiet!

There will be lots more pictures over the next few days (lots to sort out).

New Year

It seems to have been quite a while since I posted anything on here, but seeing as the weather has pretty grotty so far this year, it's not really surprising. However, we managed to get a good walk yesterday, round Shipley Hill and then down to Osborne's Pond - avoiding the construction work which has started around Shipley Lake - and a good thing we did too! As we got to the water's edge, we were delighted to find a drake Mandarin Duck in fine form, preening on a rock.

On such a dull day, it was tricky getting a good shot, particularly as he was under a large Oak tree which made it even darker.  But such a brightly coloured bird will always shine out, even in the deepest gloom.

He really was a little stunner.

Turning for home, we found that the Hazel trees are gearing themselves up for the Spring ahead and have started to produce catkins already.

The long tassels of the male flowers are in stark contrast to the tiny, red female flowers sprouting from the tips of the twigs.

Back home, the Squirrel is plundering the bird feeders as usual.

Caught you!