Holiday in St Ives - Part IV

“I’m not surprised they only have short stay carparks” announced Ang as we walked down the highstreet in Newquay. We’d just spend the last 20 minutes looking for a suitable carpark and were now experiencing the “delights” of what we’d come for ... or were we? To be honest, Newquay was a bit of a disappointment – after the delights of St Ives, it felt a bit tacky and certainly not the special destination we had been expecting. Putting our setback aside, we bought a couple of jam doughnuts, visited a number of surf shops before heading down to the cliffs to view the beach.

Convincing Ang that we needed to make the most of the day, we headed down on to the beach and watched a number surfers having some lessons from the local surf school. We lifted Joel out of his carrier for a bounce on the beach before heading back to the car for his feed of chicken and grape mush.

Looking at the map we decided to make use of our National Trust membership and drove south to Trelissick Garden. The gardens were stunning with a multitude of different rhododendrons covering the hillside. We pushed Joel’s buggy around the tracks and stumbled across a beautiful looking stately home which just needed to be photographed!

There were great views across the fields to the sea.

After our lovely walk we headed to the coffee shop where Ang and I ordered scones, jam and cream while Joel enjoyed another bounce in the sun.

Holiday in St Ives - Part III

This morning we started by looking out the window to a stunning sunrise, shining across the sea through the mist. It was dazzling and a great start to a great day.

After the now routine ritual of feeding Joel with pear & apple and then a cooked breakfast for Ang and myself we jumped in the car and headed towards Lands End for what we thought would just be a waypoint on the way to St Michael’s mount. Driving through the fog we arrived at Lands End and got out the car in the sea midst hoping it would clear. We started off by exploring two boats – an ex life boat and then a trawler – Joel even had a go at the helm!

The sea midst cleared to show off the amazing cliffs at Lands End. After feeding Joel we pushed the buggy along the coastal paths towards a children’s farm where chickens, goats and ducks roamed the hill side.

Passing through the farm we then headed further down the coast and stopped at a point which offered us amazing views in both directions. We took some time to take some photos including one of Joel falling off the cliff (don’t worry, Ang is holding on to him!).

Heading back to the car park we witnessed a large helicopter landing at Lands End before taking off again – even Joel was impressed by the noisy bird! Back in the car we drove down the coast and stopped off at a recommendation from my parents, Minack Theatre – an open air amphitheatre built into the sea cliffs with stunning views. The sea looked so blue from the sea cliffs and we were lucky enough to witness a pair of birds diving feet under water to catch fish.

The theatre itself was amazing – built into the mountain in a lifetime’s work by a lady, who continued to build well into her 80s. Ang was inspired! It was such a beautiful setting with the blue sea and sky set against the cliffs and vegetation. Joel enjoyed playing hide and seek in amongst the stage settings.

We finished the day off by eating in the lovely cafe at Minack which again provided dramatic views across the sea.

Holiday in St Ives - Part II

This morning we woke up to dull, damp and windy weather. We started the day by walking down to the beach and then along the coast in the opposite direction to the first day. This took us away from St Ives and gave us some good views back to the town.

It was a rather wet and windy day so we all had to wrap up well to keep us nice and warm.

Joel didn’t seem to mind the rain – in fact he quite enjoyed it – singing to himself as we walked the cliffs.

After a while Ang and Joel turned back to St Ives leaving me to enjoy the peace and quiet of the waves crashing and the wind blowing!

This afternoon we went to the local leisure centre and I went swimming with Joel for the first time! He has been having lessons for the past few months and I finally was able to see all the skills he had learnt. He showed me how he could kick and chase after toys as well as go under water for a few seconds – what a talented little man!

The rest of the day we spent lazing around the house before heading into St Ives for some traditional fish and chips. Walking back to the house we had to be aware of the seagulls as yesterday we saw them snatch food out of people’s hands ... we made it home safe and sound.

Holiday in St Ives - Part I

This is the first post from our holiday in St Ives, Cornwall – and so far we have had a fantastic time. Arriving mid-afternoon on Saturday we got lost driving through the narrow streets, parked the car and then headed off to find the keys for our cottage.

First impressions of St Ives were very positive with all the lovely shops selling paintings, surf clothes gifts and pasties wetting our appetite for the week ahead. Heading to the harbour for the first we introduced Joel to the sea – he shed a tear – but I think that was because it was so windy!

After picking up the keys to the cottage we climbed the narrow streets to find our home for the week, a terraced house on a hill with views over the harbour and the beach on both sides of the headland. The views from the top room are amazing and we were treated to the moon rise last night as we went to bed.

Today we woke up with a fried breakfast before heading down to the beach where Joel walked on the sand for the first time and managed not to get went when chasing the waves.

Walking around the headland before heading into St Ives we slowly made our way up to the house to feed Joel. He is definitely enjoying solid food now and ate his chicken, grape and sweet potato casserole in record time before trying apple juice for the first time – it was a little bit too sour for him as the picture shows!

In the afternoon we explored the shops in St Ives more fully and managed not to buy anything. Ang was especially taken by the paintings on offer and is on a mission to twist my arm into buying her one before the end of the week – so watch this space! We finished the day by walking up to the headland on the other side of St Ives before taking Joel back for more food, a bounce on his swing and a big boy bath. This evening we ate too much Chinese takeaway while chilling out in front of the BAFTAS.

New Year's Celebrations

This year we spent New Years Eve at my parents house in Watford with Ang, Joel, my sis and her husband, my bro and his fiance, my grandmother and my nan! Big family time!

New Year 2008

Joel With Fuzzy Wuzzy Bear

Joel is growing! Have a look at these pics showing how Joel has grown since he was born.