We're going where the Sun Shines Brightly

Yesterday was a gentle introduction to holidays.

Today, was the polar opposite. 

Up early.  Cereal for  breakfast and then out and about. 

First stop - St Austell's Brewery.    It's very, very steep in Cornwall.  We parked in the visitors' car park, and Si had to literally pull me from the Drivers seat, such was the incline. 

St Austell's has a  lovely wee brewery, beautiful restaurant / pub / diner.  Amazingly clean and beautifully smelling toilets, and a lovely shop.   Sea Salt Candle, Coconut and Peanut Butter, Rum Liqueur and a case of 12 of their best, we were on our way again. 

Next Stop, Healey's Cyder Farm.  We visited here 20 years ago with the kids, maybe 3 times during our holiday - their cream teas were to die for.   Happily - despite it being probably 10 times the size it is still recognisable, and the cream teas are still as lush.  £8.50 for 2 massive scones, jam, clotted cream and a pot of tea.  We had to ask for a box to remove the scones we couldnt manage (which was like, 1 for each of us) 

Next Stop, Lands End.  We parked up and walked from the car park all the way to the very end.  Tooli was in awe of my walking today. There was no stopping me. Up hills, down slopes.  I was everywhere. 

We pottered around there for quite a while, and took in the visitors with a lush ice cream. 

From there we were on to Mousehole.   Was a gorgeous wee place.  On a hill, of course, but so cute you couldn't hold it against it.   We got fish suppers - handed to us through the front window of the chippie.  and headed off to the last stop of the day. 

We took the kids for a visit to the gardens and the theatre 20 years ago.  I've always wanted to watch a play at the Minack, and today was the day.  We considered the matinee, but i really wanted the sun set. 

"The Curious Incident of the Dog in the night time", was the play.  The car park was full  - we sat and ate our Fish Suppers in the car, (much to the anguish of fellow theatre goers)  and then gathered our towels (for seating), jumpers, and snacks. 

It was astonishing just what some people brought.  Soft cushions, Dry Robes, Pillows from their beds, pyjamas. Champagne, Glasses, Picnics.  That was a performance in itself. 

We had good seats we were about six rows from the front.  Grassy seats, made comfier with folded towels.  People were spaced well, One row for walking on , one row for sitting on.  So you wouldn't be kicking anyone in the back.   There are ninety steep stairs down into the theatre, My knee was killing me by the time we got our space - The lady measures your bum space on the wall with a stick, very generous spacing. 

I was almost in tears when she said "I see you struggling with your leg, perhaps when you leave the opposite side maybe easier, slightly less steep"  (I thought i had been hiding it so well). 

I wiggled back in my seat - back against the wall, and my knee elevated with one of my jumpers.  Two hours of elevation was perfect.   The play was splendid.  Cast all outstanding, as were the extras.  The little pod of Dolphins bouncing along in the background, followed by a little seal having a look at all the people. 

Exit was difficult.  Although I am better going up than down. it was quite exhausting. Getting back to the car was a relief.  And the organisation of the staff and volunteers meant that exit from the Theatre was simple, depsite the one track roads all around. 

The main road A38 was closed, so it was one track all the way.  Rather fantastically, the place we were staying, (despite being on a cliff) has allocated parking, so we were able to drive straight in park outside (at the back) and slip quietly in the back door at 1am. 

Exhausting!  but amazing.