Sojourn at Sandymouth

Sandymouth as the name suggests is very sandy!!  On a low tide, the beach is expansive, stretching from Warren Gutter all the way down to Bude and beyond.

Looking south from Sandymouth

I was on a mission to collect mussels for supper. I managed to time my walk to the far end of the beach perfectly as the low end of the tide receded past Mussel Rock allowing me to take the best of the mussels.  I had to keep one eye on the surf though, as there was quite a wind behind it which every so often sent great surges of water up the beach and around my legs.  More than once I could see the waves doubling up which sent me running up the beach to avoid being totally swamped. There was also an overwhelming feeling of vulnerability as I was totally alone; not one other person on the beach.  The sea was incredibly loud, as the sound reverberated off the towering cliffs behind me.

Sandymouth cliffs, more reminiscent of New Zealand

When I was about a third of my way back towards the mouth of the beach, I slowed my pace as I realised the tide was not going to catch me out. The sand stretched out before me, completely flat, a beautiful surface to walk on which felt completely effortless as I matched my pace to my breathing and closed my eyes.  If you ever get the chance to do it try it.  The visual experience is unsurpassed, but by closing your eyes and walking you give your senses up to the sounds and smells of the sea.  I arrived back at the stony ridge to leave the beach feeling elated, energised and not really wanted to step out of the moment.  But it was certainly a moment to remember and one I am keen to repeat as soon as possible

Sharing the moment with the gulls. The sun was coming through and the wind whipping the top of the surf. Click on any of the photos to get a bigger better image.

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Autumn and Winter brings beautiful light over the landscape

The sun of high summer gives clear blue skies and little shadow, but when the sun is lower in the sky and you are more aware of the break of the day and the setting of the sun, it provides endless variations in colour and light in the sky.  Those brighter autumn and winter days sparkle as light filters through the hedges and trees with a soft warmth.  I walked the breakwater at Bude early one morning last week as the sun was just rising. It rises over the back of the town and the sun shone down over the beach and this early warmth created a lovely distant mist.

Daybreak and mist from the breakwater, Bude

 

Picnic postponed for later

We have had the most beautiful March. Light winds and warm sunny days.  I had high hopes of it staying for the weekend and going to the beach, collecting mussels, cooking al fresco with a chilled white wine and enjoying the company of our eldest son and girlfriend who were coming back for the day… ( it will be  Mothers Day!!) Looks like I’ll be doing the cooking, but I love planning a day like this. Like most mums, I am in my element. Anyway. Plan B will have to go into action because it looks like typical March/April weather is returning.  How quickly we forget!! … woke to a mild, windy and blustery showery day. Picnic put off for another day . The thought was there anyway and am sure we will have a lovely day whatever. More soon…..

 

Fly the flag for Cornwall – St Pirans Day

Flag of Cornwall

St Pirans Day today.  This is the day that Cornish celebrate their patron saint St Piran.  Here in Bude there is a march/ walk organised by the local Surf Club across the clifftop and beach led by a Cornish piper.

The flag is so coloured because this saint is said to have discovered tin smelting.  He lit a fire on his blackened hearthstone and as it heated the tin ore within it melted and rose to the top in the shape of a white cross.

More information on St Piran can be found here. www.st-piran.co.uk