Sunrise this morning
It is lovely sharing Cornwall with my California friends, whose names are Alex, Sam, Katie, Levi, and Jude. I had heard it would be a hilarious adventure. I had heard that wherever they go, there would be fun. There is!
They all piled into their car yesterday to visit St Michael's Mount, climbing all the way up to the Castle church where stands the magnificent statue of St Michael, subduing Satan. It is no joke climbing up those steep, rough hewn cobblestone lanes because it can be tough on the ankles. But if you ever do it and survive, you will be rewarded by the beauty of that church, its view, and its statue.
Because my friends are here in England to celebrate their grandmother's 100th birthday, the St Michael's Mount people gave them complimentary tickets to the Mount! That is no small savings. Also, because she had reached 100 years, their grandmother received a letter from King Charles himself, delivered to her by his own agent dressed in beautiful royal clothing! Which they witnessed. And which the other people in her care home witnessed. They were the party guests!
(A note about cars in Cornwall: if you use GoogleMaps you had better watch out, because you might find yourself guided smack dab onto a sidewalk-sized 'road' for miles and, if another car is coming your way? Somebody is going to have to drive all those miles BACKWARDS to the beginning!)
Alex has it figured, but - man!
The Californians having Thai at Talay
Have you ever gone surfing in absolutely freezing water in Cornwall in October? Well, guess who did this thing today? The Californians, of course! My photos of it haven't come through yet, but Levi and Jude were awesome.
How brave do you have to be to tumble into what feels like ice cubes in a tub, with SCARCELY A SHRIEK (at least, I didn't hear them shriek). Over and over they plunged, further and further to where the locals surfed as if the water was as warm as Hawaii. When their dad finally said, "Time to go, guys!" there was a hesitation. "But - just one more, dad! Please?"
When the surfing ended, the kids rested and we went on a loop hike that might have felt longer than it was (just think: BOULDERS). I did not know it yet, but we had set foot upon the South West Coastal Path! I recognized those boulders from the day Emmie and I vowed we would "never climb another boulder".
And yet, our small part of the Coastal Path is survivable. This was because:
1. a nice farmer came by on a piece of machinery and told us we were on the right path, and that we would recognize 'more than two' styles ahead.
2. my companions gave me their strong hands up and over the boulders, and then up and over the several unexpected styles.
3. my iPhone did not die.
4. Sam kept up a cheerful tone and made sure the SconeLady's feet were on the right hunk of granite (style).
5. Alex gave us helpful updates on the trail with his Trail App. Until his iphone died.
6. I don't like styles.
7. I like styles in about the same way David Copperfield liked Uriah Heep.
8. I like styles about like I like Marmite.
At last, as we spilled out onto Burthallen Lane and saw Godrevey Lighthouse in the distance, we knew we were home free. It was a great day! I can't wait to see what happens tomorrow. You never know with Californians.
See you along the way!
the SconeLady
My traveling companions
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