Rocks and Walls sketchbook

Whilst down in the far South West I did find some time to sketch - as you know I love the walls - particularly the massive basal boulders ...I can feel a major piece of artwork coming on - just need the time!  

Zennor Head

With a showery forecast we drove to Zennor, hoping to see the 'Mermaid of Zennor' in the church - sadly it had been removed for restoration. A walk out onto the cliffs though provided lovely views and light...

More lovely walls...

Bloody-nosed  beetles.

..and views....

Marazion and Trenow Cove

With an 'iffy' foreast we decided to walk from Peranuthoe to Marazion marshes. This means we have walked from Flushing, on the Helford river, in the south, all the way round to Port Isaac in the north. We have done odds and ends north west of Port Isaac - but need to fill in a fair few bits! 

Our first stop was at Trenow Cove where there were lots of Whimbrel - what a gorgeous call they have!  Then, although the coastal path is diverted up into Marizion, it was a pleasant surprise to find that Marizion is actually quite nice - something that is no doubt related to the fact that it is one of the oldest chartered towns in Britain, the first charter being granted by Henry III in 1257. 

Obviously there were good views of St. Michael's Mount and people trying to be the last on the causeway on the incoming tide! 

As a final visit, before walking back, we went down onto the RSPB Marazion reserve where perhaps, the most memorable moment, was returning a wandering old Alsation to her home.

St Michael's Mount.

Whimbrel and Bar-tailed Godwits.

Whimbrel.

Whimbrel and Godwits.

A stranding of By-the-wind-sailors (Valella valella) - a colonial hydroid.

Colourful seaweed...

..and pebbles.

Tide out...

Marizion RSPB reserve...and below.

Spring! 

Colourful hedgerows.

Gorgeous gardens...

While on St Mary's we failed to spot any of the rare birds that had been reported, but whilst looking for an elusive Golden Oriole, we ended up in Carreg Dhu Gardens ...

Then moving on ...

Bulb field.

The damp interior...

Royal Fern.

..and then back in Hugh Town this spectacular front wall of a roadside property...

Old Town and Peninnis Head...

With realistically, only a three hour window between arrival and departure, it was indeed a flying visit and a quick walk around St Mary's to get a feel of the place. First off to Peninnis Head and some spectacular rocks.

The coast from the Scillonian.

Old Town, where I stayed on holiday, as a child.

Peninnis Headland.

Keeping an eye out for rare lichens....Roccella Phycopsis.

Looking back over Old Town.

More rocks ..and below.

What gorgeous forms!

There and Back: a Scillonian tale

With the forecast set fair we made a last minute decision to take a day trip to St Mary's on the Scillonian III.  Calm crossings with lots of Manx Shearwaters and good views....

Waiting onboard for the 9:15 sailing...

Mousehole.

Land's End.

Porthcurno and the Minnack Theatre.

Wolf Rock Lighthouse.

First views...

Closer...

Hugh Town ..and below.

Heading back...

Looking back as we passed Land's End.