Cornwall day 1: Penguins at the end of the world

Just back from a fantastic long weekend in Cornwall, sandwiched with a day on either side in  Bristol. The main reason was a trip to the Minack theatre with Will to see the Penguin Cafe play. We left Briz at around 2pm, Will having first had a morning pottery class, and sped off down the M5 and A30 in Will’s van, Duncan. The traffic was ghastly around Bristol and Exeter and there was a certain tension as to whether we'd make it in time! Four and a half hours later and no stops, we found ourselves in the minute flower strewn lanes leading to the Minack. If you don't know about this- it's a marvel. One rather eccentric woman’s vision - she literally hacked a theatre out of the granite rocks on a cliff edge with massive views out to sea. In fact we arrived with 40 minutes to spare, time for a pee and a quick feast of samosas brought in Easton - absolutely delicious.  The theatre was packed and the atmosphere jolly - people had come prepared some with picnic hampers and wine coolers. We too were sensible and had cushions (granite seats) and warm jerseys. The weather was stunning and the Penguins on time. What a marvellous gig - the acoustics were incredible and they blasted out their old favourites sporting some amazing musicianship and looking as though they were also having a ball. As the evening drew to a close, The darkness came in and the lighting became creative with dry ice rising from the cliffs. The final encore was a riotous rendition and we all leapt to our feet, somewhat mindfully as the seats were very vertiginous! We loved every minute and Will reckoned it was the second best gig he’d ever been to - the first, in case you are wondering, was the Pixies at Reading!
We then had to wend our way down more minute roads to Mousehole. We parked on the harbour and in the dark staggered to our airbnb - a former fisherman’s net loft. And collapse. 


We then packed as much as was humanly possible into the next few days, Cornwall looking absolutely stunning. I was knocked out by the hedgerows - bluebells still out, topped by red campion and buttercup, followed by cow parsley and then crowned with hawthorn. The weather was incredible. We swam, visited a million stone circles, marvelled at the massiveness of quoits, walked miles, ate well, ventured down many teeny lanes which were the same size as the van and yes- one or two holy wells were also encountered!


Goodness knows when I shall catch up as it’s now Schull Film festival and all kicking off but backblips will be following asap. Hope you're all well.
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