Seagulls Screaming (Kiss Her, Kiss Her)

I've just got back from the land of Poldark, Piskies and Pasties. The County of Cornwall. I stayed 1 night in Padstow and then 3 nights in Newquay, using it as a base to explore the area.


Padstow is a charming fishing village whose income these days is predominantly from tourism. Last time I was there I thought it was in danger of being renamed as Rick Stein town, the Celebrity Chef having at least 3 Seafood restaurants and cafés in its tiny streets. Now though I think Musto Town might be more appropriate as the Outdoors Clothing brand jumps at you from every other shop. Despite all of the commercialism I really like the place. The highlight of my first day was, in the cool of the evening, listening to a free harbourside performance by the St Breward Silver Band.

On Friday morning it was a little overcast and, under the threat of rain, I thought I'd check out some contemporary art at the Tate St Ives. Yawn. The most interesting thing there for me was the Museum building itself (which I find is often the case with Museums). The purpose built Gallery overlooks Porthmeor beach. A nice setting.


As soon as I'd entered the Tate the sun came out, doh! When I emerged from the almost but not quite Rothko-like splodges I headed westwards along the coastal footpath, taking in marvelous views of the ocean running round the rugged rocks. In the late afternoon I visited nearby fishing port Porthleven and took another long cliff top walk to Loe Bar, a large shingle barrier that separates Cornwall's largest freshwater lake from the sea.

Saturday was beach day. There are so many great beaches around Newquay that I was spoilt for choice. In the end I plumped for Perranporth, bravely exposing my white bits to the blazing sun and the cold sea.


After burning up in Perranporth I decided to drive to West Pentire Head for a cool early evening pint at the Bowgie Inn. Sitting at an outside table I looked out over the sea, the high tide rolling into Crantock Bay. Earphones in place, I listened to The Alchemical Adventures Of Sailor Bill as a large white sailboat navigated its way along the bay and into the Gannel Estuary.


It was with a sad heart that I left Newquay today, knowing that once back in London there would be work to think about and bills to pay. I shall return.

After 5 days away from home, with my diet consisting almost entirely of Chips and Cornish Ice Cream, my waistline and appearance are starting to suffer (see photo, left).

Here's the scoop, I'm feeling a little flakey. It's time for me to employ mind over matter and to think myself thin again.