Trelissick Gardens

Third time lucky. Drove all the way to Penzance to St Michael's Mount only to find the Castle and Gardens closed owing to the ferry being unable to make the crossing because of high winds. Didn't seem too bad to us. Disappointed that they didn't say anything at the car park, they just let us park and pay. Couldn't cross via the causeway either until 4.30pm.

So we had a coffee, reassessed and decided to see Trengwainton Gardens only to find that was closed on Fridays. Bah! Further reassessment sent us to Trelissick Gardens in the banks of the River Fal. The day was rescued by a guided tour which brought to life the history of the house and gardens. On the day of the 70th anniversary of the D Day Landings we learned that the Fal Estuary was one of the key departure points for the Invasion troops. The guide brought to life the wonderful view from the house over the Fal towards Falmouth and Pendennis Castle. The whole estuary was crammed full of all sorts of vessels preparing for the invasion of Europe, 70 years ago today.

We enjoyed a walk around the estate, looking at the work of students from Falmouth College studying "contemporary crafts". They were working with the National Trust to create installations which reflected the environment of Trelissick. Some we couldn't understand, but this one attracted our attention, linking the fact that Trelissick Gardens was home to species from all over the world creating a very special environment. This student decided to interpret this with ants carrying maps of the continents in their feelers. Very good.

When we got back I went for a run down to the beach, round the island, along the beach and back ending with a very stiff hill at the head of the valley.

Evening meal was a pasty and salad followed by chocolate gateaux and cheesecake prior to enjoying our last evening - until this time next year.