2006 - Cornwall - St Michaels Mount

July: Jo and I were supposed to be moving out of the Happy Flat into the new place (cosey castle) but delays with lawyers resulted in the move being delayed by a week. So we jumped into the car, bought a tent, carry mats and sleeping bags and drove to Cornwall.

First time for me, and all I can say is "wow!"

We stopped off at Dawlish cove on the way, spent a few hours on the beach in delicious heat. Then the England V Portugal match began so we jumped back into the car and continued our plunge south west, hoping the roads would be clear with most people glued to the match. A remix of Jimmy Sommerville / Communards track became a theme tune of this trip, for me. 20 years since I last listened to it on the radio, driving through deep woodland with my dad up North...and getting a magical atmospheric vibe from it back then that still lingers with the remix today. Awesome.

I love Cornwall. Simple as that. Got to our target destination around 7.30pm, found a campsite (idyllic little place), pitched up then drove into a medieval town overlooked by St Michaels Mount. Had a couple drinks sitting on bench tables outside, the water lapping against the wall below.

2006 - Cornwall - St Michaels Mount - Djr

July: The air was humid and hazy so this photo does not do the view any justice. It's spectacular, seeing what looks half-castle half cathederal perched on the crest of these rugged and wooded cliffs.

We drove back to the campsite just before sunset, drank a large bottle of Lindisfarne Mead I'd brought along.

2006 - Cornwall - St Michaels Mount - Oj

July: Next morning woke up with bit of a thumping head but it didn't last long. Grabbed yummy bacon and egg rolls from the small shop at the campsite, then headed back to the medieval village... now baking in a roasting heat. The causeway was flooded so we grabbed a simple ferry across. You can see the causeway under the water, snaking its way back to shore. The island has a small man-made bay, a couple rows of houses and a very uneven cobblestone track that curves up and round the base of the cliffs.

2006 - Cornwall - St Michaels Mount

July: Storm clouds materialised out of thin air and it rained briefly. Coming up the final curl of the ascent you're suddenly struck by the appearance of the building ahead and above you. Clambering up a few large rock like steps you approach the steep entrance steps, then climb up inside a wonderful building that has multiple layers and atmospheres. Certainly a must-see visit. At one point you step outside onto a roof area and get the most incredible views of the surrounding ocean, the wind tugging at your whole body as you peer over the edge. Down below, on the cliff face are incredible gardens landscaped into the natural terraces of the cliffs. A frightening drop, however.

2006 - Cornwall - St Michaels Mount

One of the parapets you can stand upon and look out from.

2006 - Cornwall

July: Coming down from the cliffs again we found the causeway was still flooded. Another 90 minutes before it would be clear of water. However, we'd seen a couple of people wading across, the water up to thier waist. So I gave it a go. The water just nudging my nuts. It was really good fun and again, I'd recommend it to anybody whose made the effort to go to the island is time your return an hour or so before low tide, so you can wade back on your own steam.

2006 - Cornwall - St Michaels Mount

July: Another couple decided to approach the island.

2006 - Cornwall - St Michaels Mount - Oj

July: By time Jo decided to follow me across the water level had dropped sharply. And a lot more people were braving - and enjoying - the wade across.

2006 - Cornwall - Porcurno - Oj

July: We left St Michaels mount behind us and headed towards Lands End, stopping off at this amazing beach on the way. There is an ancient ampitheatre built into the cliffs here. Incredible. There was also a massive shark in the water, not far from all the people swimming. A basking shark. Non meat (human) eater.

2006 - Cornwall - Porcurno - Djr

2006 - Cornwall - Porcurno - Coastline

July: After this place we drove a couple more miles to Lands End, a huge dissapointment as you can't get there unless you pay them £3 just to park up. I thought no way and stuff the thieving beggars so we turned round and headed off to St Ives.

2006 - Cornwall - St Ives

July: A beautiful sunset. Nice beaches. Incredible narrow zig zag alley ways. Ancient. Fab creamy ice cream.

2006 - Cornwall - St Ives

July: Sitting in a bar after dinner, outside, bench tables, overlooking the coast and bruised and moody clouds rolling in. Then sitting watching lightening striking this lonely church on a hill again and again and again. Awesome.

2006 - Devon - Dawlish Cove

July: Another few hours in the sun and a lovely swim in the sea on the day we drove back.