The penultimate Day 34: Tuesday 6th August, St Columb Major (Tregonetha Lake campsite) to 'Curlews' hotel (actually just a house with a few bedrooms let out to tourists very cheaply - no breakfast provided) in Point (Devoran). 30.51miles/1092.88 total.
I got up early - but tried to leave taking the tent down as long as possible because of the heavy rain in the night. Took Mabli for a stroll around the lake - and saw a Kingfisher fly over the water with a flash of turquoise - made my day!
It was a lovely morning. I had coffee and porridge made on the trusty trangia sat on a bench overlooking the lake. Mabli enjoyed the sun so much she turned turtle to make sure her tummy baked. The tent had dried, more or less, by the time I got on my way.
I thought I'd get to the 'Curlews' Hotel early because Google said it was only 24 miles or so. HA! I went through Indian Queens (fairly busy road) and paused at St Enoder Church to have a mosie. Crossed the busy A30 (a few times!). Then came the best part of the day - I saw lots of signs to ''The Tartan Fox' - a foody pub owned by Michelin starred chef Adam Handling (his monicker was on everything! The china! the serviettes!). I followed the signs - and arrived just as it was opening at midday. The waiters were all young and good looking - (Surfers, the lot of them!) and friendly. The surroundings were divine and dog friendly. I sat outside, but was encouraged to go inside if it started to rain. I didn't have to ask for the bottle of chilled water and glass (inscribed with 'Adam Handling'!). In fact, the sun came out. To drink, I ordered a low alcohol SW cider - mmm, lush and fresh and appley. And to eat, I ordered chips, beef burger, chef's sauce, lettuce, tomato. It was ready seasoned and tasty. Just the most delicious burger I've had in years. All a little pricy but SO worth it. To finish I asked for a black coffee and it came in a mug! Wonderful. And the sun came out, so a young woman came out and offered us few folk outside suncream! And all the while, there was music playing that was apparently a local radio but went perfectly with the atmosphere - singing and acoustic guitar mostly. The waiter said it was a woman from Melbourne who ran the station. That figured.
After reluctantly leaving the Tartan Fox. I rode on down hill and up dale until I came to Truro. Went into Waterstones, but failed to find anywhere to charge the battery. I hoped it would last, since I only had a smaller than usual mileage to get through. I bought more dog food for Mabs though. I must have ridden around Truro two or three times. Onwards, after coffee, to Carnon Downs. And there, google took me seriously astray once again. There are two bridges across the A39 from Carnon Downs, to take me down hill to Point where lay my destination. I should have taken Tregye Road. Instead google took me down a footpath from Carnon Crescent. The footpath was steep, muddy, stick-strewn and lined with nettles and brambles. It got narrower and muddier. I had got off and was determinedly pushing. Mabs was happy - she had plenty time to sniff around. Then I ran up against a small stile with barbed wire. I wouldn't have been able to get my bicycle over, let alone the trailer! No choice but to turn back. Much cursing and sweaty brow later am back where I started - whereupon Mabli (still off lead) spots a grey cat. Only THIS cat is obviously well accustomed to exitable dogs and stands its ground with arched back and hissy mouth. Mabli is now thoroughly confused and very excited and barky. I am hot, bothered and sweaty and shouty. Pause while equilibrium is restored and I have replaced lead on excitable dog's collar. Ignore google and set off to find Tregye Road, as I should have done in the first place.
It's then straightforward down to the bungalow - which had a for Sale sign outside! Turns out South African Owner is trying to sell his mother's house - and his wife, Penny, is Chinese and trying to get visa to stay in England. They also have house in South Africa. I got confused at this point. Room is huge, lovely view over Creek, ensuite bathroom and big double bed. Very comfy. No meals offered - but it's also very cheap (for hotel standards). I think it was his Mum's room as one had to go through the bathroom to to the bedroom. After settling in, I walked the half mile up to the Quay Inn for some light supper. Dog friendly pub and very pleasant. Walking back again, I strolled around a little bit of the river before going back to the road - where i met an elderly gentleman called Alan - and his new bicycle (which he pushed along so he could chat to me). Someone had asked me if I got lonely a few days before - not possible - so many people to chat to and get to know!
Enjoyed the location. Slept well, despite the room being very warm with a huge picture window that was impossible to open. (There was a smaller open window, but it was a bit like a greenhouse in there!). The owners wanted to get away early, I knew.
I got up early - but tried to leave taking the tent down as long as possible because of the heavy rain in the night. Took Mabli for a stroll around the lake - and saw a Kingfisher fly over the water with a flash of turquoise - made my day!
It was a lovely morning. I had coffee and porridge made on the trusty trangia sat on a bench overlooking the lake. Mabli enjoyed the sun so much she turned turtle to make sure her tummy baked. The tent had dried, more or less, by the time I got on my way.
I thought I'd get to the 'Curlews' Hotel early because Google said it was only 24 miles or so. HA! I went through Indian Queens (fairly busy road) and paused at St Enoder Church to have a mosie. Crossed the busy A30 (a few times!). Then came the best part of the day - I saw lots of signs to ''The Tartan Fox' - a foody pub owned by Michelin starred chef Adam Handling (his monicker was on everything! The china! the serviettes!). I followed the signs - and arrived just as it was opening at midday. The waiters were all young and good looking - (Surfers, the lot of them!) and friendly. The surroundings were divine and dog friendly. I sat outside, but was encouraged to go inside if it started to rain. I didn't have to ask for the bottle of chilled water and glass (inscribed with 'Adam Handling'!). In fact, the sun came out. To drink, I ordered a low alcohol SW cider - mmm, lush and fresh and appley. And to eat, I ordered chips, beef burger, chef's sauce, lettuce, tomato. It was ready seasoned and tasty. Just the most delicious burger I've had in years. All a little pricy but SO worth it. To finish I asked for a black coffee and it came in a mug! Wonderful. And the sun came out, so a young woman came out and offered us few folk outside suncream! And all the while, there was music playing that was apparently a local radio but went perfectly with the atmosphere - singing and acoustic guitar mostly. The waiter said it was a woman from Melbourne who ran the station. That figured.
After reluctantly leaving the Tartan Fox. I rode on down hill and up dale until I came to Truro. Went into Waterstones, but failed to find anywhere to charge the battery. I hoped it would last, since I only had a smaller than usual mileage to get through. I bought more dog food for Mabs though. I must have ridden around Truro two or three times. Onwards, after coffee, to Carnon Downs. And there, google took me seriously astray once again. There are two bridges across the A39 from Carnon Downs, to take me down hill to Point where lay my destination. I should have taken Tregye Road. Instead google took me down a footpath from Carnon Crescent. The footpath was steep, muddy, stick-strewn and lined with nettles and brambles. It got narrower and muddier. I had got off and was determinedly pushing. Mabs was happy - she had plenty time to sniff around. Then I ran up against a small stile with barbed wire. I wouldn't have been able to get my bicycle over, let alone the trailer! No choice but to turn back. Much cursing and sweaty brow later am back where I started - whereupon Mabli (still off lead) spots a grey cat. Only THIS cat is obviously well accustomed to exitable dogs and stands its ground with arched back and hissy mouth. Mabli is now thoroughly confused and very excited and barky. I am hot, bothered and sweaty and shouty. Pause while equilibrium is restored and I have replaced lead on excitable dog's collar. Ignore google and set off to find Tregye Road, as I should have done in the first place.
It's then straightforward down to the bungalow - which had a for Sale sign outside! Turns out South African Owner is trying to sell his mother's house - and his wife, Penny, is Chinese and trying to get visa to stay in England. They also have house in South Africa. I got confused at this point. Room is huge, lovely view over Creek, ensuite bathroom and big double bed. Very comfy. No meals offered - but it's also very cheap (for hotel standards). I think it was his Mum's room as one had to go through the bathroom to to the bedroom. After settling in, I walked the half mile up to the Quay Inn for some light supper. Dog friendly pub and very pleasant. Walking back again, I strolled around a little bit of the river before going back to the road - where i met an elderly gentleman called Alan - and his new bicycle (which he pushed along so he could chat to me). Someone had asked me if I got lonely a few days before - not possible - so many people to chat to and get to know!
Enjoyed the location. Slept well, despite the room being very warm with a huge picture window that was impossible to open. (There was a smaller open window, but it was a bit like a greenhouse in there!). The owners wanted to get away early, I knew.
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