She ain't heavy, she's my Misses!

When in Cornwall... it's time to Blog. Last year we spent three glorious months in this wonderful part of the world and fell in love with it. Now we're back, just for a week this time but the urge to record some of it in writing is gnawing away at me. So here we go again.

Last year the weather was amazing but that was May, June and July. So we couldn't complain (in March) as we drove down in typically grim British drizzle. It was a marvellous feeling as we arrived just after 8 pm and walked into the little barn that was such a memorable home for us just nine months earlier. Angie, the owner had placed a heart shaped slate sign on the wall inscribed with 'Gordon & Ruth, welcome back to your 2nd home'!


The next day we were off to Sennen Cove to encounter powerful winds and breath taking waves crashing into the harbour wall. It was spectacular sitting in Ruth's tiny car buffeted by the wind as we tucked into local chips, onion rings and wait for it... a Greek salad (which John, our son had given to us two days ago). A walk along the cliff to Land's End couldn't be resisted even though there were times when the wind almost swept us off our feet.

A mug of hot chocolate followed before we returned to Sennen Cove to visit 'Litte Bo's' cafe for cake and tea. Oh how I love being here!

Sunday was just perfect. It was so exciting going back to Ludgvan Church to see the church family who adopted us for three months during those hot summer months. We were relieved to discover the pew next to Irene, Kay and June was free. It was lovely to see them again, worship God, hear an excellent sermon and receive communion before enjoying a cup of tea and a chat with many others.

In the afternoon we drove into Marazion and then walked along the coastal path to our favourite beach at Perranuthnoe! Needless to say we didn't go swimming on this occasion. Instead we watched the many surfers trying in vain to boss the waves before we actually laid down on the pebbles and enjoyed a thirty minute nap. Wow...the afternoon sun made an appearance! And so to the evening where I even managed to watch a bit of footy on the TV.

So what else filled our week... a mooch round St Ives, hot chocolate at Olive's, lunch overlooking the harbour and plenty of walking (and geocaching) before we moved on to Penzance to shop! Shop? Yes...just a tiny bit. We also took an evening out at the delightful Newlyn Cinema where we watched Fishermen's Friends. How appropriate to see this delightful movie whilst in Cornwall.   

We so enjoyed re-visiting Botallack in surprisingly warm sunshine and wandering along past the old tin mines (Poldark eat your heart out). On we walked all the way to Pendeen Lighthouse before returning via lunch at Geevor mine where we shared a huge Cornish pasty. Within about a mile of the car park we stumbled across a trig point. That can mean only one thing... a glorious opportunity to place my lovely wife on top of a pedestal overlooking the beautiful sea and lush green rolling countryside. But, how was I to get her up there for the photo moment? After several attempts to lift her upwards failed I decided on a new tactic. I bent down in front of my beautiful Ruth who I've known for the last 38 years confident that my proposed technique would see her soar skywards and land her on the top of the trig point... I cried out... "quick, get on my shoulders"... and she did! As I began to push upwards I discovered my mistake! Stroll on... something hurt! Abort! Abort! Abort! With great relief Ruth's body weight was quickly removed only to be replaced by a rather serious pain in my lower back/hip. Ouch! Amazingly Ruth did then somehow manage to get up on the pedestal but by then things had become somewhat hazy. By the time we got back to the car it was clear I needed help!!! To Tesco's we must go. A tube of deep heat and ibuprofen in hand we returned to our little holiday retreat. A hot bath followed, then an ice block, then deep heat plus a dose of ibuprofen. Ow! Ow! Ow! Never mind. The next day I was so sore but as the day and it still hurts but at least we secured our photo opportunity!

Despite my injury we managed to have a lovely wander round Mousehole including more Geocache finds. Rather stupidly (bored as I waited for Ruth to secure another Geocache) I wandered up a steep footpath. The views at the top were good but now we had to get back down. It was inevitable that my feet would give way on the slippery mud and I smashed the ground hard on my backside jolting my injured back, grazing my hand and covering my rear end with a considerable dollop of mud. What a plonker! To be fair (despite the pain) we had a wonderful day. A fabulous lunch followed by a lovely walk by the sea at Marazion and to my relief the exercise seemed to loosen up my injury and amazingly I began to feel I was on the mend (but it still hurts!).

As with any time away from the usual routine there is time to reflect, think and relax again. This week has given me an opportunity to read a bit and readjust my perspective again. I was taken by these words... "We are part of history. We are baton carriers in a relay race. People before us ran as best they could, but their lives were not the whole thing. We are in our moment of history, using our gifts, talents, opportunities and relationships to do the best we can. When we finally run out of breath, others will come after us and continue the race". I guess it's not all about me!!! Thank goodness for that!

I then read: "Jesus lived his life in perspective. Out of a life of 33 years he was only in the public eye for three years. He did not seem to think it necessary to do all the things that we deem essential to have a successful ministry. He knew what he had come to do and did it. He did not need to go to the Gentiles, he never went to Rome, and he did not plant churches everywhere or start an organisation. He knew that would be done by others and was happy for it to be so. His life was in perspective. He knew he was on time. He knew what had gone before. He knew what would come next and was secure enough to do what he uniquely could do and then leave. It is quite a thing that after the resurrection, he did not stay longer. The potential was huge for a resurrected man! In fact, there would have been no limits to what he could have done. But there would have been no church, no releasing of the vast array of gifts, and ministries that were to come in others. Jesus saw his life in perspective". Great words above from Nick Cuthbert in his book "How to survive and thrive as a church leader." It's an excellent read whether or not you are in church leadership. Do take a look... it's full of good common sense.

So what else have we've been up to? A lovely walk round the wonderful Godrevy, a drive out to St Agnes Head followed by a wander along part of the coastal path we didn't cover last year. A chance encounter with some members of the RNLI practicing in the local bay with their speedy life boat. 

On our final day we enjoyed a walk across the causeway to St Michael's Mount in glorious sunshine - can this really be March! A visit to the Cornish Pasty shop at Marazion followed and then a tasty hot chocolate sitting outside overlooking the sea. Ruth in her typically caring style struck up a conversation with an elderly lady called Sheila. A local person who lived on her own and was no doubt lonely. It was lovely seeing Ruth give her time, conversation and a listening ear. I was warmed by her generosity. What an enjoyable morning!


After lunch we drove to Trencrom Hill for a walk to the top where you can view both the south coast of Cornwall at Marazion and the north coast at St Ives. To Ruth's delight she also found another Geocache... and her tail was wagging! Check out that smile (and my thumb which found it's way into the photo)!

Next we travelled a little bit towards Rosemergy before walking inland to Penwith and clambered around on a rocky outcrop risking life and limb in search of another Geocache. Sadly for Ruth we couldn't find it. Never mind you can't win them all.

Our final destination for the day was Portheras Beach. It was so impressive and very different to what we experienced the last time we were here nine months ago. The tide was coming in and the waves were smashing majestically against the rocks... awesome!

For our last evening we treated ourselves to a meal out at Trewellard Meadery, a strange and rather different restaurant but definitely worth a visit.

So our time in Cornwall is at a close. Only a week on this occasion but we feel so at home here. Thank you Lord, what a blessing.