Launceston ~ 1 October 2002

Having one more day off before we went back to work we decided to go to Launceston. Only to visit the castle, use the internet and because it has been mentioned a lot in my book I am reading "Jamaica Inn" by Daphne Du Maurier. It was a miserable day, over cast and misty.

Launceston Castle is a fine ruin overlooking the town. It was the chief seat of Robert of Mortain, brother of William I. The view over the town is nothing but impressive. Even on a cloudy misty day like we experienced today. A cylindrical keep and ruined curtain walls are all that remain but it was well worth the visit.

We have enjoyed the for days off very much. Not long now until we finish work and enjoy the rest of our time here.

St. Michael's Mount and Minack Theatre ~ 30 September 2002

I was looking forward in visiting St. Michael's Mount. Because of the high tide we had to take the ferry across to the island. Described as Cornwall's jewel in it's crown we were not disappointed. Filled with 'giant' myth and legend, it's history is fascinating and rich. The view from the mount was breathtaking. Ian experienced the old 'sweaty' palms and feet {he has a fear of heights}.

The armoury room contained an impressive display of sporting weapons and military trophies bought back by the family from various wars. My favorite being the beautiful collection of swords and cross bows.

The south terrace gave us splendid views of Mount's Bay and the fabulous terrace gardens way way way below. On the north terrace Mr St Aubyn was entertaining a guest, giving a long winded speech about his in family.

The weather changed very quickly and we had to change our plans slightly. Rain or snow I had to visit the Minack Theatre. Ian stayed in the car writing postcards with his thermos of coffee, I put on all the warm clothes on that I could find.

Minack in Cornish means 'A rocky place'. From 1931 until she died in 1983 the Minack Theatre was planned, built and financed by one amazing woman ~ Rowena Cade. Joseph Wright was Rownea Cade's great great grandfather. She appeared to be everything I wish I could be, artistic, imaginative, contented, self reliable, genteel and strong.

It didn't feel right to visit the "minack' when there wasn't a play being performed. It seemed so empty ~ unreal. The view was simply magnificent. My dream play would be to watch the "Tempest "being performed here. Watching the sight of the moon rising over the black cloth of ocean would be a never to be forgotten experience.

We carried on our journey to Land's End and up the west coast heading for St Ives. This drive was spectacular ~ the remote Cornish landscape dotted with relics of the tin mine industry, picturesque fishing villages and pre historic remains. I could understand how this beauty combined with the clarity of light has attracted artists since the late 19th century.

We decided to stop and visit the Geevor Tin Mine, since Ian's ancestors were from that background. We went on an underground tour into the Wheal Mexico. This was an abandoned mine concealed from the world until it was rediscovered in 1992.

Following the guide into a very narrow small claustrophobic 18th century tunnel, it was very exciting. The guide related to us stories of the hard life of the old tin miners. They were lucky to live to the age of 27, never got paid unless tin was produced, sometimes going days even weeks without a mineral lead. Stories of the traditional pasty and of the 'knockers' were fascinating.

Stopping afterwards for something to eat in the "Count House" cafe and enjoyed the magnificent view of Cornwall's' coastline ~what an amazing day!

Having a quick tour around St Ive's we decided to leave it for another day. We headed home.

Penzance ~ 29 September 2002

Last night we stayed in a lovely B.B in Penzance. We both feel very relaxed and happy. It was run by a very nice couple and we had a lovely full English breakfast to start the day.

Penzance is a lovely town with a typical English seaside resort feeling. We were intrigued with the pool/sea bath on the sea front. We could imagine men and women swimming in their bloomers and swimming caps ~ 1930s style.

Somehow we ended up in a church service at the parish of St Mary's with St Paul. An interesting but unusual experience of monk style chanting, burning of incense and repetitive prayers. We quickly made an exit stage left when they all started going up the front to take part in communion ~ but if was quite an experience.

Later that afternoon we drove out to Lizard Point. The best part of this trip so far has been the lack of tourists. Everywhere has a much more relaxed and laid back feel to it. We strolled though the village down to the Lizard, a beautiful afternoon and just like the rest of the Cornish coast absolutely beautiful!

On the way back to Penzance we made a detour to the Chysauster Ancient Village. This iron age village is made up of a series of eight stone houses, each containing a number of rooms, around an open court. Some rooms had stones where herbs or flour had been grounded. One room had a fire place. It was surrounded by a surviving stone wall, still in very good condition. The houses appeared to be laid out in a 'street' style.

That evening we went to Mousehole (pronounced 'Mouzel') It is a very pretty fishing village with clusters of cottages hugging the harbour. Very narrow streets ~ a nightmare during the holiday season I would imagine.

Tired but happy we retired to our lovely room at the B.B, bellies filled with a traditional Sunday carvery.

South Cornwall ~ 28 Septmeber 2002

We have four days off from work ~ what bliss! We work all week just to look forward to having some days off to explore this amazing country. Our plans this time is to stay local and head down south Cornwall. Our first stop being an investigation of Ian's family history.

Ian's great, great grandfather ~ Thomas Vincent was born in a small village called Illogan, just out of Redruth. He was a copper tin miner and married Ann Carthew in the local parish church. Our mission was to find their gravestones in the parish cemetery. We found the church without any problems, luckily there was a working bee in progress so the easiest way was to ask. The 'morning tea lady' couldn't do more to help us. While making coffee and offering us biscuits one of the men looked in the burial records for us. Unfortunately without success. The early records were kept in Truro, but he gave us a general area where they may be buried. Time was ticking ~ we had made arrangements to meet great uncle Peter at 12.00 and we had to leave it for another day. We carried onto Hayle to meet my relatives ~ Peter and Fran Searle.

Peter and Fran live in a lovely two storied bungalow with a beautiful garden. I was met by Fran, a very friendly relaxed lady. Peter was more of a reserved character. He didn't remind me much of Granddad Ted in anyway in looks or in sound. But he did have the famous 'Searle hands', big and strong. We had a beautiful lunch with the relatives. Steve and his wife Liz and two children. Theresa and her two children, all very well behaved and pleasant.

After lunch we went for a walk along the coast to Godrevy Island where there was a lighthouse. Across the bay we could see St Ives in the distance. Peter and Fran were interested in bird watching while Steve and the rest of the family enjoyed the walk. After a cup of tea we left them for Penzance. We enjoyed our visit very much, meeting family I never know I had.