The home we booked for this holiday was larger than we needed, but the photos and reviews swayed our decision - we were not dissapointed! It was brilliant, possible one of the best we have stayed in.
A couple of images of Tidewood, our holiday home
A view from the balcony - just fancy looking at that all the time!
A slightly zoomed image showing the Old Smithy, the lovely thatched inn which was our nearest neighbour, with the sea behind it.
On the wall of the local, the Old Smithy, was this Victorian post box. Not too many of those about now.
So now that we are here, where shall we go today? - Bude!
Like most of these places, we had visited here before, but we hadn`t walked along the beach in the direction we did today.
It was interesting, as the rock formations on the beach and the cliffs behind, give another dimention to the normal Bude image of loads of sunbathers and surfers. There were however a lot of surfers today as there was a competion on, but fewer people sunbathing.
The beach swimming pool that I had not seen before.
A house facing the beach front. What a spot!
Some of the rock formations in the cliffs
Some rock formations across part of the beach. One of the things about this area is the glorious cliffs and rock structures - its not just bathing beaches!
Now it is Sunday. A local walk was on the cards, so mid morning off we went.
On the walk toward the coast, on a nearby lane toward Marsland, a couple of images of the incline to the coast and a house near the bottom. It had been so steep this far so we turned back at this point and went to the local for lunch!
Oak Eggar caterpillar on the road nearby
Boscastle is our destination on this monday morning. The picturesque fishing village of Boscastle with its medieval past and distinctive natural harbour, is one of Cornwall’s most romantic places. It is a village steeped in history, associated with authors and artists who have been inspired by its remoteness and rugged beauty. Boscastle was once a favourite haunt of author, Thomas Hardy, and the setting for one of his novels, A Pair of Blue Eyes. It was here that he met his wife, Emma. It does have a rather sad past, if you don`t know the history of the floods here - read on.
On 16 August 2004 an estimated 440 million gallons of water swept through the picturesque West Country town and led to the bursting of banks and the convergence of three rivers.
A total of 58 properties were flooded while four others were completely destroyed.
Around 100 people had to be plucked to safety by emergency teams, after mounting their roofs to escape the rising waters.
The town suffered millions of pounds worth of damage but as residents will also say of that day – it was astounding that nobody died.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-28523053 for more details of the devastation of 2004 when heavy localised rainfall – 89 mm of rain - fell in an hour.
Following the devastation, 4.5 million pounds was spent locally on flood defences.
Looking at it today, you would never know.
Walking away from the village toward the Harbour
The quaint harbour
And here we are at the entrance with the Atlantic beyond, with a tower on the top of the left hand side.
The little tower known as the Willapark Lookout was built in the early 1800’s. It has been described as a ‘summer house’ and ‘prospect house’ because the site affords stunning views and was an ideal place for bringing the family for a picnic.
The man who owned it then was Mr Avery, or the “Squire”, as described in detail by William Francis Allen Burnard, an elderly resident of Boscastle. He was told that Avery, in his time, was a remarkable business man who employed many local men. Avery was Lord of the Manor of Boscastle and owned practically all of the nearby Delabole slate quarry.
According to Burnard although Thomas Rickard Avery was an outstanding man of business, he was known as ‘a notorious wrecker of ships and a receiver of contraband goods’.
Ironically, given its past, the Willapark Lookout was later leased to the government. The Board of Trade used its excellent position to keep watch on the coast in a bid to prevent smuggling. Then it was used by the coastguard up until the 1970’s. It then fell into disrepair.
Oh to be young! Some lads jumping of the rocks into the sea in various places. We watched them for a while as they seemed to having a great time
Cruising around them, and also enjoying themselves, these five young ladies.
