Life's slow lane

These locks are in the Congleton area of Cheshire and I really would have liked to take a trip along these waterways on a narrow boat - alas my stay in the UK was already a busy one.  I'm told such holidays are very relaxing - apart from the regular need to flex muscles opening and closing the many, many lock gates! (If schedules weren't an issue, and I had supportive and fit travelling companions, I'd still love to undertake such a trip)

 

 



Joining in the fun at Our World Tuesday

with many thanks to Lady Fi and the team

 

This is Cornwall

Last April, during my visit to the UK, I spent a few days staying with friends in Truro, Cornwall & built on relationships formed over 40 years ago.  They were happy to show me the Cornwall they've come to know and love . . .

 

Here a fishing fleet around Cadgwick Cove

 

. . . and houses on the hillside

 

A mother and daughter enjoying nature's performance

 

and a "highly decorated" fishing boat ! 

 

A local chapel 

 

glorious panoramic coastal views 

 

Having "a thing" about contrasts, I just couldn't help but take this shot!

 

A rapeseed (or canola as we call it in Australia) crop adds a splash of colour to the landscape

 

Inside the pub where we enjoyed lunch and a wine

 

and here's the St Mawes' ferry coming in.

 

This is only a snippet of the beauty to be found in this gorgeous part of the UK.

 

Linking up with Our World Tuesday

Windemere properties

The following properties are located on the edge of Lake Windemere in Cumbria, north-west England and I imagine would fetch "a pretty penny" in today's real estate market.

This lawn definitely calls for a ride-on mower! 

To see images from other parts of the world, visit

Our World Tuesday

(with grateful thanks to the hostesses of that site)

The Eight Bells

"The Eight Bells" in the hamlet of Eaton some 10 minutes west of Oxford, England.

One of many charming little pubs throughout the UK that offer a warm, friendly welcome and appealing fare - it's well worth a visit!

(I was told by a previous landlord that the large Yew tree out front is more than 300 years old.)

 Inside the lounge bar with its copper hooded fireplace and low ceiling beams.

Cornish country

Taken near Lostwithiel in Cornwall, UK.

This ancient gatepost and mossy, bramble-covered fencing caught my eye as we meandered up and down country lanes near our fabulous accommodation in Lostwithiel. It was tempting to explore this rich green grassy land further, but the sign on the tree was a deterrent!

Joining up with Outdoor Wednesday at http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com.au/

Fowey in Cornwall, UK

 This fascinating Anglican Church is located in the seaside town of Fowey in Cornwall, England.  (It was not a Sunday when we visited, hence the lack of parishoners!)

Inside was the following plaque, listing all the Vicars who have served Fowey since 1260 AD!  It seems the longest-serving Vicar was one Robert de Landrac who dedicated 45 years to his calling in this region.

Joining in with Scenic Sunday

Do visit http://scenicsunday.blogspot.com.au/ for other images from around the world.

Laying down on the job!

We passed these cute sheep in a field in Sittingbourne, Kent during a lengthy walk within a few days of our arrival in the UK in 2009 (see previous posts relating to this trip)

Contributing to http://camera-critters.blogspot.com.au/

Memories of England

Three years ago this week, I was revisiting the UK (after a 40 year absence) with close friends. Following are just a handful of images which bring back a flood of happy memories . . .

. . . some of the wonderful rolling fields in Kent

. . . and here the River Stour winds through Canterbury past the fascinating Weaver's Inn on the left

. . . and these gorgeous Bluebells greeted us on our arrival in England

. . . (for some inexplicable reason I became somewhat "fixated" on bees during our visit !)

. . . and one of many glorious leadlight windows seen in various churches and cathedrals

. . . here's the quaint tram providing transport down to the fascinating Cornish seaside village of Polperro.

. . . a regal swan spotted on an estate in South Wales

. . . the famous White Cliffs of Dover

Reculver in Kent - the remains of the Abbey of St Augustine built in Saxon times.

(Just adore these ancient buildings, as Australia is such a young country in comparison)

Colourful memories

During my 6-week revisit of the UK in 2009, I caught up with some dear people I'd not seen in some 40 years. They were able to show us some pretty areas (aren't they all ?!) around Fowey in Cornwall. We sat opposite this scene above one warm Summer's Day and couldn't help notice the variety of water craft - from rowboats, dinghys, fibreglass runabouts, clinker-built fishing boats, small cabin cruisers to the quieter yachts. The colourful bunting completed the picture.

For other watery images, visit http://waterywednesday.blogspot.com.au/

Glimpses of Canterbury in England

Tranquil waters beside the majesty of . . .

Canterbury Cathedral

such beautiful architecture - inside and out

Towering above the norm (taken from the river)

and then onto some quirky construction !

These images represent my contributions to http://scenicsunday.blogspot.com.au/

In England once again . . .

Today's images are from Dover in Kent, England and show glimpses of Dover Castle and the famous White Cliffs of Dover.

Captivating Cornwall

 

Further to my previous posting - This was the accommodation we happily stayed in at Lostwithiel . . .

 . . . and some of the fabulous countryside we rambled through. . .

.... some background on Lostwithiel

  

The site of our accommodation also housed the local Golf & Country Club with a Pro Shop. A lovely large atrium off the dining area enabled one to enjoy a scrumptious breakfast while watching the more energetic either play golf or tennis!

Delicious food, very comfortable and cosy accommodation, welcoming hosts and picturesque surroundings - what more could one ask?  All in all a memorable stay!

Oh . . to be in England . . !

These images were taken in the region of a charming town in Cornwall, UK, going by the name of Lostwithiel.  In the course of looking rather distractingly for accommodation (having preferred the "adventure" of a spontaneous find, rather than the usual pre-booking), we "happened" upon this captivating site and ended up staying 5 days!  We were not disappointed in any respect.

Port Isaac.... continued

This is an example of the steep access laneway that I referred to in yesterday's posting.  As one drove through the village itself, in parts the wing mirrors of the car (and we had a standard 4-door sedan) were only inches away from the building walls!

Sadly, the tide was out at the time of our visit - it would have been much more picturesque at high tide. However, as you can see, cars (ours included) were parked on the sand in the harbour, and we were able to venture out onto the harbour walls and take in views of the village from that perspective.

The "little" house at bottom left of this scene is the one used as Doc Martin's surgery.  Up close it seems a fair sized building in its own right, but here it seems dwarfed by the adjacent homes!







This young lad informed us he was packing live lobsters for export to Spain.  There were many pots, each crammed full with this delectable seafood, so it seems his job had just begun!




Below is the view from the surgery area looking towards the harbour wall I stood on to take the 2nd photo above.
 

 .... and here is the school where Louisa (Doc Martin's "love interest") teaches.

..  finally, towards the top of the hill behind the school and church.