St Ives, Mount St Michael, Mousehole

Moved on to St Ives, planned to spend the night here but after about 4 hours of walking around the town, crowded with damn tourists, we decided to head off to Penzance. Driving times and distances are proving tricky as they look far but we seem to be moving at around 20 miles per day. The roads are extremely narrow and have had to reverse a few times to let a truck or bus get by. Other motorists have been very tolerant of our slow speed as it is very nerve-wracking having oncoming traffic pass with only inches to spare on both sides. The locals are used to it and do not slow down. By chance we ended up at a site adjacent to St Michaels Mount, a must see on Davina’s list. Walked around the tiny village of Marazion.

Visited the castle on St Michaels Mount in the morning. Had to use boats for access both ways as tide was in. Very beautiful old castle dating from the Normans back in 1135. Parts are still in use today by the family who own it. Later in the day we cycled to Mousehole, 25km return, before walking across the causeway to the Castle harbour and then sat on the beach while Davina painted a picture of the Castle with an audience of Italian tourists marveling at her talent. I was very tempted to try to sell the picture. Davina was quite embarrassed and flustered by the attention

Visited Lizard Point, the southern most point in the UK. Very cold and wild wind down on the coast. So decided to head through to Truro. The campsite looked very 60’s on the website but the road was too tight to access.

We are now well into the rhythm and routine of life in the van. Decided to have a day in Truro campsite chilling out as it was pouring with rain and it was the first day we had of just chilling. It cleared later in the day so we went into town and bought a MIFI unit. This is a mobile 4G wifi hotspot that will hopefully work throughout EU to keep us connected. Spent the next day at Trelissick House and Gardens. Spent a lovely few hours wandering out in the gardens. Then headed up to the rural camp Penhale near Fowey close to St Austell. Cycled down to Polkerris beach and pub for a drink before dinner. Was glad to have the e-bikes as the 17% gradient would have been challenging. The weather remains generally dry but cold

Caught up again with Neil and Tricia Bate for lunch and spent the day at the very interesting Eden Project.

Visited Drogo Castle, a 20^th Century building that was falling over and is now being restored at vast expensive.

Tried to get into Exeter but roadworks and diversions meant no parking was available. Headed up to Bath instead at the site alongside the river. Cycled into Bath alongside the river and the colourful narrow boats, walked around the city and visited the Roman Baths.

Eden Project