Wednesday 30 May 2007

Sat up against the side of a cliff...



“This severe, ascetic music, calm and horizontal as the line of the ocean, monotonous by virtue of its serenity, anti-sensuous, and yet so intense in its contemplativeness that it verges sometimes on ecstasy”


For you and the ocean you love so well...

“I shall go the way of the open sea,
To the lands I knew before you came,
And the cool ocean breezes shall blow from me,
The memory of your name”

~Laurence Hope

Sunday 27 May 2007

Looking Out From Godrevy Cliffs



There is nothing noble in being superior to some other man.
The true nobility is being superior to your previous self.
Hindu Proverb

Saturday 26 May 2007

Sunset Over Gwinear


This is the sunset over Gwinear Parish, taken last night, while out walking Molokini, our dog.

“Clouds come floating into my life,
no longer to carry rain or usher storm,
but to add color to my sunset sky"

- Rabindranath Tagore

Friday 25 May 2007

St. Gothian Sands Nature Reserve


This is one of the pools at St. Gothian sands. It's now a nature reserve and coming on nicely too. But in it's last life it was used for commercial sand extraction, which is basically digging out thousands upon thousands of tonne of sand from a beautiful area and selling it to other areas to give them a beach, and many other pointless uses.

By doing this they alter the structure of the dunes and beaches for a long time to come.

Thankfully this practice has stopped here and it has been turned into a reserve. This practice has also gone on at the Hayle estuary and has only recently stopped (2004) but is always in threat of restarting. There is a local action group called SOS Hayle and they are looking to stop these practices forever and revert back to the the old way of clearing the estuary which involves using a sluicing method of clearing the estuary which has served the area for more than a hundred years. If you want more detailed information click on one of the links from this page.

Wednesday 23 May 2007

Too Cold for me...


This was taken a few months ago... waters were about 8 degrees C - too cold for me.

So, I sat on some rocks and took pictures...

Tuesday 22 May 2007

A Quiet Scene...



Since Cornwall is bordered by the ocean at 3 out of 4 corners, it isn't much of a wonder why so many Britons holiday here in the summer. It's the only part of Britain with a subtropical climate.

Yesterday evening, I took my dog for a walk on the harbour of St. Ives - the tide was going out. Still rather a quiet scene, residents were probably having their dinner and others heading home from work, we were joined by just a few other dogs and their owners. You could smell the fish aroma coming from boats that were docked and the salty sea air... close your eyes and you can hear the seagulls flying above your head!

In a few short weeks, summer will have officially arrived, and this quiet scene is yielded to the visiting crowds!

Monday 21 May 2007

Canine Hydrotherapy?


When there's been plenty of rainfall, the sand dunes at Gwithian provide wonderful, gigantic pools of water throughout the dunes. Large enough, that we get to take our collie, Molokini, for a swim.

Getting out of the pool at the other end, were 2 huge Alsation (German Shepherd) dogs. Their session was over, as their owner whistled for them to get out of the water, and unfortunately, Molokini had to do without playmates.

Just over these dunes is Gwithian beach. No dogs allowed, 1 April - 1 October!

Sunday 20 May 2007

Secret Surf Cove...



The best places to surf, are the secret spots. Here is a good secret surf cove, which my husband likes to frequent - when the wind is in a certain direction, coupled with the right swell and a particular state of tide. This cove spot, can generate one of the best waves around - with none of the usual crowds!

Obviously, the hard part is getting down to it, barefoot, with your board + a camera ;-)

Saturday 19 May 2007

Low Tide...



This was taken last summer. It was the end of day, as the crowds began to leave. Few stragglers about, and I just sat and watched. The sea went calm, as the tide began to head back to sea.

A moody seaview...

Friday 18 May 2007

Sheep Resting




"In order to form an immaculate member of a flock of sheep one must,
above all, be a sheep".

Albert Einstein

Thursday 17 May 2007

An Early Summer's Bloom


Even on the gloomiest of days,
beauty can still be found everywhere you look!

Wednesday 16 May 2007

Observing with a quiet mind...




You are my beacon, my lighthouse

Sometimes life is as rough as the uncaring sea
It causes panic, frustration, and despair
But you are there for me
A quiet entity on the edge of a rugged cliff.


(The real voyage of discovery consists, not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes~ Marcel Proust)

Tuesday 15 May 2007

Misty Setting



I was lucky enough to catch this misty sunset,
as the days continue to bring mostly clouds and rain.
This shot was taken from the village of Angarrack,
just a few miles outside of the town of Hayle.

Monday 14 May 2007

A respite from the storm



There was a small amount of surf today, about waist high with the occasional bigger set coming through. The weather hasn't been good recently, it's been rainy and very windy. The wind switched today though to off shore and the sun even came out, well almost. So there was an abundance of people in the water for this time of the year. In a few months time there will be as many as 200 people in the water all trying to get a few waves.

Saturday 12 May 2007

Spring Gardens


Warm, afternoon rays
Upon the lush greenery
Blooming white lilies

I like the spring... when the weather allows - you'll see everyone out, tending their gardens.
This is just one of the gardens you'd find, if you took a walk around our little village.

Friday 11 May 2007

Yo Ho Ho And A Bottle Of Rum




We came across this boat the other day whilst out walking. As you can see it's a really nice boat. What's slightly bizarre though, It doesn't look at all out of place where it is. After you get over the initial "Look at that" it just kind of blends in and has a beauty of it's own, even though it's out of it's natural environment.

Thursday 10 May 2007

Moon's Reflection




Dark skies and silence
Moon, shone as bright as the Sun
Waves lapping lightly

Wednesday 9 May 2007

Recycle



I love what has been done with this particular piece of agricultural equipment. It seems a nice usage of something that would otherwise now be defunct. This particular one is made from granite, a beautiful material which is used all over Cornwall because it is in abundance.

A little quiz for you all:-
Although this is a very nice looking water feature now, what did it spend it's working life as ?

Have a wonderful Day

Tuesday 8 May 2007

Hayle Regeneration!



Hayle Harbour is operated under the Hayle Harbour Act by Hayle Harbour Company Ltd., and is primarily a shellfish port. In addition, winter berthing is provided for the St. Ives fishing fleet.

At present, the flood tide flows through the harbour entrance channel and divides at Middle Weir to continue westwards into Lelant Water and Eastwards into the main harbour area, and Copperhouse Pool and Carnsew Pool. On the ebb tide, waters evacuate the harbour at a rate governed by the offshore tidal level and constraints imposed by the outer sand bar and fixed sluice openings. At the centre of the harbour is a man-made structure (Cockle Bank) forming two channels for water draining from Copperhouse Pool and Carnsew Pool.

A number of the quay walls are listed structures, but many have fallen into disrepair, showing a range of structural defects that require remediation.

The Regeneration of Hayle, relies heavily on the new Harbour Development.

The current scheme will provide chances for the growth of the harbour uses as well as a range of activities to complement the life of the town. Based on a program that could span a period of some ten years, the organic growth of the existing settlement will be positively influenced. The elements of the proposal, which is the Masterplan agreed by the Consultative Group, have been arrived at through consultation throughout the design process. These are:

  • Removal of Cockle Bank and construction of a tidal cill, impounding the harbour area at a minimum half tide level and creating 15 hectares (36 acres) of permanent deep water.
  • The installation of a new sluice from Carnsew Pool into Lelant Water. This will close the existing sluice into the harbour.
  • No change to the present tidal regime in Copperhouse Pool.
  • The remediation of over 40 hectares (100 acres) of harbour land.
  • An integrated transport strategy.
  • The creation of two new road junctions to serve the site and integrate traffic movements with the town.
  • The building of a new two-way road bridge between East and North Quays, with full pedestrian access.
  • The improvement of harbour facilities including a new dedicated area for the fishing fleet, retention of commercial handling facilities and increase in available moorings.
  • The reclamation of part of Carnsew Pool within previously agreed limits.
  • The repair, refurbishment or renovation of harbour walls.
  • The developments of a mixed use scheme with each quay.
The new Harbour plans would provide:
  1. Up to 1530 new jobs safeguarded or created over the programme.
  2. Up to 240 new construction jobs over the programme.
  3. 400 new homes (100 affordable/low cost).
  4. 261,000 sq. ft of cultural/leisure buildings.
  5. 205,000 sq. ft of retail space.
  6. 485,000 sq. ft of mixed use space (commercial/retail).
  7. Projected £100 million of Private Sector investment.

Monday 7 May 2007

Before Sunset!


Trains... They're such a wonderful way to travel cross-country! The people you meet and the places you see engage you in life!

If you've ever seen the movies "Before Sunrise" and "Before Sunset", you might agree! I suppose it's really just the simple possibility that something like this could actually happen, which makes it so exciting and romantic.

Is there 'someone' who lingers in your memory - someone who makes you wonder what might have been?...

Or, if you're already with that 'someone', what's your love story?

Sunday 6 May 2007

Synchronisation!


Hello everybody!

This photo was taken at a local show held yesterday called the Gwinear Show. It happens every year on the first Saturday of May. There are various different horse events, a companion dog show, local crafts competitions, floral art, photography, art, plants, wine, licensed bar and refreshments and things to keep children occupied (like rides and bouncy castles.)

There were many horse events... this one pictured, was a 'heavy horse dress event', all the horses in this event were Shire horses - often used as working horses. Here you can see the horse has been decorated with ribbons tied in its mane and tail. Sometimes they decorate the horse in it's full gear, with all sorts of horse brasses. It's all very elegant! Some other events that we managed to catch were the 'driving competition' and the 'mounting events'.

We particularly liked this gentleman, as he did the walk with synchronicity to his horse!


Saturday 5 May 2007

A Surf Report

Nought to Flat... so basically Nadda Surf!



So, obviously nought, flat and nadda all mean the same - Zero/Nothing! With the start of Bank Holiday Weekend, today the beach was reasonably busy. Families were out, couples were having little BBQ's, and despite the poor surf conditions - there was a surf school out teaching the little ones, as well as, some regular surfers, who were out lookin' to just get their boards wet...

From atop a cliff, I spied two young boys, whom abandoned their surfboards and decided to meander along the rocks
...


...just because there's no
surf, doesn't mean there isn't anything to do!
“Let your thoughts meander towards a sea of ideas.”

Friday 4 May 2007

Ebb and Flow!



Consider the ebb and flow of the tide. When waves come to strike the shore, they crest and fall, creating a sound. Your breath following the same pattern, absorbing the entire universe with each inhalation. Know that we all have access to four treasures: the energy of the sun and moon, the breath of heaven, the breath of earth, and the ebb and flow of the tide.

The Art of Peace...

Thursday 3 May 2007

Walking through the woods...



We are huge fans of most outdoor pursuits, be it on land or on sea. Out here in Cornwall, there is an abundance of hikes and walks right outside your front door, and living in Hayle, we also have easy access to many water sports. When we lived in the city, we used to drive 3-4 hours - for the simple pleasures of Cornwall. Now, these simple pleasures are in walking distance.

Here's to Simple Pleasures!

“There is a serene and settled majesty to woodland scenery that enters into the soul and delights and elevates it, and fills it with noble inclinations.”


muchos mahalos to kala, for his blog suggestions and advice, my photos are now larger!... =)

Wednesday 2 May 2007

A Lunch Oasis!


Does anyone fancy a pint of Cornish ale and a Cornish crab salad sandwich? I'm off to lunch in a minute...

This lovely Cafe, Bar & Restaurant, serves one of my favourite crab sandwiches. Bought fresh daily from a neighbouring village, Newlyn.

As soon as you reach the bottom of these steps and get onto the walkway, you immediately feel like you're in an oasis. The area is filled so deep with these Cornish palms and plenty of shrubs and flowers and other greenery. Sitting outside on the deck, with my pint of Cornish Mutiny and crab sandwich, enjoying sea views, all set in an oasis of Cornish palms. It's absolutely lovely... guarranteed to send you back to work with a smile!

Have a lovely day!

Tuesday 1 May 2007

City Exchange!!

This is a view from the top of Lourdes castle.

This castle was successively a military fortress - taken by Charlemagne in 778 (legend),
a state prison, the residence of the counts of Bigorre in the 16C and 17C,
and has undergone numerous transformations with the passing years:
Don Juan from the 14C, drawbridge restored in the 19C.

If you look carefully there is a church in the background, it's called the Basilica Of The Immaculate Conception. It is a church built above the site of the Grotto Of Massabielle, the site where the Virgin Mary appeared to Bernadette Soubirious on 18 separate occasions between 18th February and 16th of July 1858.

Have A Great Day.

Theme Day for the month of May 2007: City Exchange! Be sure to check out the other blogs participating in this theme day:

Monte Carlo, Monaco - Rome,Italy - Singapore, Singapore - Rotterdam, Netherlands - Montréal(QC), Canada - Melbourne, Australia - Naples (FL), USA - Bastia, France - Hong Kong, China -Mazatlan, Mexico - Buenos Aeres, Argentina - Manila, Philippines - Arradon, France - Madison (WI), USA - Evry, France - Seoul, Korea - Shanghai, China -
Bucaramanga (Santander), Colombia - Sequim (WA), USA - Singapore, Singapore - Budapest, Hungary - Baziège, France - Hamburg, Germany - Toru, Poland - Nelson, New Zealand - Madison (WI), USA - Vantaa, Finland - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Mainz, Germany - Dubai, UAE - Saint Paul (MN), USA - Cork, Ireland - Stockholm, Sweden - Menton, France - Tel Aviv, Israel - Albuquerque (NM), USA - Kitakami, Japan - Stayton (OR), USA - Szentes, Hungary - Stavanger, Norway - Grenoble, France - Villigen, Switzerland - Paris, France - Hyde, UK -
Moscow, Russia - Joplin (MO), USA - Jakarta, Indonesia - Greenville (SC), USA - Cape Town, South Africa - Asheville (NC), USA - Seattle (WA), USA - Kyoto, Japan - Tokyo, Japan - Madrid, Spain - Auckland, New Zealand - Oulu, Finland - Lubbock (TX), USA - Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina - Baton Rouge (LA), USA - Sydney, Australia - Maple Ridge (BC), Canada - Vancouver,Canada - Seattle (WA), USA - Selma (AL), USA - Chandler (AZ), USA - Sharon (CT), USA - Manila, Philippines - Lyon, France - New York City (NY), USA - Los Angeles (CA), USA - Brookville (OH), USA - Hayle, UK - Wailea (HI), USA - Saarbrücken, Germany - San Diego (CA), USA-Boston (MA), USA - Saint Louis (MO), USA - Cypress (TX), USA