2017 and another holiday!

In looking back through my photographs for 2017 it would appear that I have spent most of the year on holiday in one place or another - it doesn't actually feel like it but I have been very lucky :)

The first trip of the year (just to confuse you if you read yesterdays post!) was to Gran Canaria with my friend JB.

The view from the balcony and the mountain we almost climbed on the far left of the picture.

Same view at night! Obviously you can't see the mountain in the dark!

 I've never been here before but am always up for an adventure - especially when she mentioned there would be lizards...

Lizards!!!

And cactuses - or is that cactii?

And palm trees

So, we ended up in her lush apartment, spending most of the days lazing by the pool, her soaking up the sun, me huddling under layers and avoiding any chance of sunshine actually touching me. I even brought a book to read. Note to self, next time go for something frothy and light, not 'Testament of Youth' which just made me cry (thank goodness no one could see me under the layers!). We ate our own bodyweight in ice cream, watched the pool fitness classes and did a great deal of laughing...

We took a boat trip to somewhere I can't recall the name of and the driver/pilot/steering bloke took a detour to spot dolphins.

In the aforementioned town. How do you water those window boxes?

We were so not party animals - in bed by 9pm most nights - but it did mean we got to be up and on the balcony to see the sun rise every morning! We could also view the large mountain across from the town which sported a large cross at the summit. People were clearly climbing up to see it each day and so we idly discussed doing so. However, our plans were abruptly halted when the lady in reception cast her eye at our shoes and shook her head - 'you will die if you try in those shoes'. Dire warning heeded we took our flip flops back to the poolside where they belonged!

Which boat shall we have?

A beautiful and relaxing week with a beautiful friend :)

Thank you gorgeous lady :)

Pasties and Prisons - Adventures in Cornwall.

Back to reality today - The washing is almost up to date and we are about to eat the first 'proper' meal in a week (not that the kids are happy about that!!)

So - Cornwall. I do love the place. There is some amazing scenery, lots of history and places to see and the seafood is fabulous. BUT it's bloody heaving at this time of year. Now, we did work out that as long as you arrive at a place before lunch time then you were pretty much tourist free. After 1pm then forget it! It made things a little stressful, especially for someone who doesn't really like crowds. But then I guessed that's what we were in for.
The holiday park was just how I expected it to be. They had mascots. I could go with Freddy the Fox but Kenny the Badger???? Really?? Luckily the park was simply a base and so we didn't get too involved with the bingo, quiz nights and rather dubious 'entertainment'! To give credit where credit is due however, 'Stripey Sammy' sang his little heart out and was super enthusiastic in the face of 9 million kids dosed up on sweets and cola.

We had some amazing visits. My personal favourite was Bodmin Jail. I had been here some years before, when it was still Bodmin Gaol. Not sure why it's been rebranded. Maybe Gaol was too difficult to pronounce? They have done some sterling work in doing the place up. They had taxidermy....

Part rabbit, part deer. All friendly!

And some awesome mannikins. Check them out!

Possibly a horse?? Melted?

Face, wig, monkey... you decide what's the strangest aspect of this!

Derek Acorah apparently 'did time' at Bodmin.

I say Abraham Lincoln, my brother says Alan Rickman.

We ate our own body weight in fudge, pasties and chips. I also ate an entire lobster myself (with chips). The lady at Padstow kindly split it for me so I didn't have to raid the car tool box and use a hammer and pliers like last time (it SO doesn't go with the image!).

I am Lompster Bob and I have a splitting headache!

We saw some very photogenic harbours. Inspired by my talented friend Louise Mamet, I did try to take some pictures but sadly I still have lots to learn! I took my Polaroid camera too and got some very '70's looking pictures with that. They will have to wait until I fight my way into the cupboard to access the scanner though!

Boscastle

 

Boscastle again

Port Isaac - the water was so blue!

Back to work tomorrow - starting with a trip to Bury St Edmunds to check out an Anglo-Saxon village. I am very excited about this as it could be the satrt of a new project at work.... watch this space!