Up from the deep...

Last Saturday afternoon I went down to Penzance and joined an excellent 2 hour boat trip run by Marine Discovery. Our RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) sped out across the sea following the coast westwards, past Porthcurno to Land's End. I was hoping that I might see a few Seals and Dolphins and, fingers crossed, maybe even a Basking Shark. The trip that ran earlier in the day had seen three of these big-mouthed plankton loving giants. The signs were good for a sighting...

We followed the shiny trails of plankton for as long as time would allow, but unfortunately the Sharks were nowhere to be seen. Maybe they had moved on, heading north with the gulf stream, or perhaps they were watching us pass from down below and having a good old laugh. We didn't see any Dolphins either, but every now and then curious Atlantic Grey Seals would stick their heads up out of the water to check us out.

As Gulls, Gannets and Shags flew and dived around us we did however encounter one amazing sea creature that I was chuffed to see; Here it is, close to the surface and next to the boat, turned on its side like a giant plate...

Off the South West Coast, Cornwall July 21st 2007

The picture isn't very clear I'm afraid and you might think it looks a bit like a Jellyfish, but it isn't. It's actually a Jellyfish eater. A true weird critter of the sea - an Ocean Sunfish.

This was an enjoyable and exciting ride, one I intend to repeat the next time I'm in the area. Just don't tell the Sharks I'm coming.

Way out west

Ok, I've finally finished scoffing my last remaining Saffron buns and Hevva cakes, now I can continue...

Land's End. It was a hot sunny day with calm seas. For 5 miles, round the rugged rocks, the ragged rascal er... walked. Slowly. Stopping halfway for a pint.

Sennen Cove

You're gonna need a bigger boat

Past the 'Irish Lady'

Land's End and the remaining wreckage of the RMS Mülheim.
The Mülheim was heading for Germany where its cargo of scrap plastic car parts was to be recycled...

However, at 4:30AM on March 22nd 2003 the ship hit the rocks.
Hundreds of tonnes of shredded plastic and 100,000 litres of diesel fuel were washed into the sea. Recycle, help save the environment!

The 'Enys Dodman' rock formation (center) with the 'Armed Knight' behind it and the Longships lighthouse in the distance

Anyone see a Basking Shark out there?
Cornwall July 20 2007

Go West Country

Sunday evening and it was time to visit The Eden Project for a concert by Dirty Pretty Things and the Pet Shop Boys; two acts that I'd normally not go out of my way to see, but having watched Brian Wilson play amongst the 'biomes' a couple of years ago I knew that it would be a fun night out.

Tellytubbyland
Not the Pet Shop Boys

WEEE Man
After a wander around the 'Humid Tropics' and 'Warm Temporate' environments, a quick drink and a pork and apple pasty, I went into the outdoor arena to catch Dirty Pretty Things in the support slot. Considering that the audience was primarily there for the main act, Carl Barât's band went down well and they finished with a crowd pleasing Bang Bang You're Dead.


This is a Pet Shop Boy
So what can I say about the Pet Shop Boys performance? It was a very enjoyable, camp and colourful trip through most of their 'greatest hits'. If I was to be a little picky, I'd say that the vocals could have done with being a bit clearer in the mix and the volume knob should have been turned up to 10 rather than 7 (mustn't wake up the nearby villages I guess). Oh, and the two dancers were a bit annoying, but then again I'm not a fan of guys leaping about on stage for no apparent reason other than to give you something else to look at - anyone remember that hideous bunch on Bowie's Glass Spider tour? Despite these slight distractions it was a well staged, entertaining and humourous show from Tennant and Lowe.

The following compilation of clips from my little camera is a nice memento of the night. For all you West Country Girls (and Boys)...

Pet Shop Boys - Eden Project, 22nd July 2007
Heart/Always on My Mind/Where the Streets Have No Name
Go West/The Sodom and Gomorrah Show

Hmmm, I might treat myself to their new live DVD 'Cubism in Concert'

Away with the Piskies

Last week, as most of the UK experienced monsoon like rains, I got lucky with some good weather in the county of Cornwall. On Thursday and Friday I was out walking along the spectacular coastline from Trevone Bay to Padstow and from Sennon Cove around Land's End to Nanjizal. Beautiful sunshine and fresh sea air all the way. Later this week I'll post some photos taken from the coast path looking out to the majestic rocks and ocean, but first let's look for some Piskies amongst the nearby flora. Can you see them?

Where did that footpath go?

The trouble with lichen

Beware of the flowers...

Is it real or is it Weetabix?
Cornwall July 19-22 2007

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.

Beware of The Blobs!!!

I'm heading off to Cornwall for a few days. I'll be checking to see if these guys have grown any bigger since I was last there. Just in case.