Coastal

Leaving home on one bit of coast to holiday on another is a true sign of loving the sea. We travelled from the Isle of Wight to the Isle of Purbeck for a long weekend of sunshine and skimming stones. I love how the sound of rocks changes underfoot close to the waters edge. Sit in one spot for an hour and you’ll find a hundred pebbly variations, just asking to be smoothed beneath thumbs, gathered in linty pockets, or released in to the deep blue beyond. When I was little my dad would point out the feldspar and fossils, while my mum would point out the rings in stones that granted wishes; a perfect childhood mix of fact and fiction. A week later and the salty sea has dried off my feet, but the pebbles are still in my pocket.

A Week Unplugged

We arrived at our clifftop barn in the late afternoon sunshine, took in the sweeping views, had a cup of tea and raced down to the beach (after all, in Cornwall in Spring, who knows when you’ll next see the sun?!)

We took a deep breath and enjoyed the last light. Perfectly peaceful, and we’d only been there two hours. Our open plan barn conversion had all one requires for a proper country retreat, including no phone reception. We took one look at the TV operating instructions and gladly decided we’d be better off without. So, without the usual time-traps, our days fell in to an easy pattern of lazy mornings, with coffee in bed looking out across the Atlantic, discussing how we should make the most of the great outdoors.

We had wind and rain, but it only added to the adventure. I could happily spend much more of my life unplugged from the everyday distractions that stop me doing my favourite thing: playing around in the fresh air.

To Return

There is something sweet about returning home from holiday, to familiar clutter, a favourite mug, and even the last petals on an old bouquet. We had the most wonderful Cornwall adventure; the fact that I’m happy to be home makes me feel I’m in the right place. Now, I suspect returning to work tomorrow won’t be quite such a sweet feeling..

Cornwall Countdown

Oh Cornwall! Land of moody seas, dramatic cliffs, tiny fishing villages, and plenty of white sand. I may live by the sea, but that doesn’t stop me getting excited at the thought of visiting another slice of coast. We’ve booked a tiny cottage on the remote west coast through the rather delightful Classic Cottages and I can’t wait.

Cornwall and I go way back: childhood holidays, complete with sandy sandwiches, damp canvas and proper fish & chips; a ‘first’ holiday with Tom, getting pissed in pubs and lost in fields (not at the same time); and a week walking the coast path, with sore knees, dried peaches for dinner (don’t ask) and plenty of welcome tea stops.

Cornwall holds many memories, and we keep adding to its store. We won’t be visiting until April, but already we’re talking coastal paths, new exhibitions, and what books to take. This one is top of my list; who doesn’t love a stormy story by the sea?

The Post-Christmas Blur

It’s been a week of windy walks, general lazing, and lots and lots of tea. Tom and I have spent time with our families, played the annual quota of board games and quizzes, and got very muddy boots several times over. We’ve had long lie-ins, read books, and completely finished off every last christmas candy, no matter the flavour.

Tomorrow is the new year, time for new plans etc. But until then, I plan to finish this old one in my favourite winter haze: lazing by the fire with a book and some bubbly, only stirring to truffle for candy.