Padstow

The streets of Padstow were awash with flags. 

What was it all about?

Every street was draped with them.

Then we saw a poster in a window.

The old 'obby  oss was due to gallop through the streets for the May Day celebrations!

And we were a day too soon.

We had a wander around

looking at this lovely old house by the harbour

before setting off to stay overnight with friends.

We arrived just before sunset.

Perfect timing.

In the morning the view from their balcony tempted us onto the beach.

The remains of this old boat look rather like dinosaur bones.

Two young boys were swimming in the sea. So were their towels, shoes and clothes because they'd left them too close to the incoming tide. We ran to gather the soaking items and put them higher-up the beach. The youngsters were unconcerned. The cold wind and water had turned their skin to the colour of boiled lobsters but they were having a wonderful time!

We went for a warm-up to the Tai restaurant.

What's not to like!

We were hallooed  from a balcony by our friends' neighbour and invited up to see her flat

which was full of delightful things.

We had a lovely time. 

Cornwall

There is always something new to discover when you are just pootling about, taking your time. In Marazion this plaque on the wall told us a surprising bit of history. (Although I do note that it says, 'reputed'!)

The town has a mish-mash of architecture, from Victorian grand

to simple seaside cottage.

We left for Penzance where the sun was still shining, but, oh, what a biting wind! Lunch at the Honey Pot  sustained us - spinach lasagne for me but Himself was in need of meat!

The gardens are luxuriant in this part of the country.

A pooch came to check me out when I photographed his garden.

Rhododendron petals were covering the ground like confetti.

After lunch we crossed to the Atlantic coast to check into another hotel for a couple of nights.

It sits above a beautiful beach 

 but it was far too cold to contemplate even putting my toes in the water.

From Carbis Bay it's a pleasant walk into St Ives.

The tapas bar overlooking Porthmeor Beach is a great place to sit and watch the waves rolling in.

Especially so because the outside bays have wall heaters and blankets - and the tapas is delicious!

At Porthminster Beach Cafe I photographed this cupboard - everyone around this neck-of-the-woods is an artist - cafe owners,

farmers, you name it!

The whole area appears to have been renamed, 'Poldark Country' since the appearance of the dashing Mr Aidan Turner.

 Although he has strong competition for attention from the dramatic countryside.

The old houses and outbuildings are certainly built to withstand the elements.