North Ronaldsay Wool

Did you know that North Ronaldsay sheep have a diet that is primarily seaweed? I learned that a few weeks ago, and so thought that a background of seaweed would be a nice way to photograph Blacker Yarns new North Ronaldsay wool. This is a lovely 100% pure wool. I am planning to buy some myself, for a new jumper for my husband, who is keen to have a Norweigan fisherman's jersey. I had better get a move on, as I can see orders flying in.

No trip to the Orkney Islands, but we set off to our nearest beach in Bude. I was down in the rockpools looking for a good seaweedy spot, when my husband pointed out that the frothy brown liquid that was all around us would not be a good look for the photos. Quite appalled that a beach in a town that relies on tourism and was teaming with people, it was half-term, could be in this state. Later that week I watched a tv programme Joe Lycett vs Sewage, and it seems this is problem everywhere.

So we hastily left, and decided to go to Duckpool Beach a little further north. We got to the turning, and there was a Flood Sign, "but that could have been there for ages", I said. A bit further down the lane we realised the road really was flooded, so we reversed back up the country lane.

Third attempt we went to Sandymouth Bay, and finally success. Beautiful clean beach, not many people, with lots of lovely seaweed on the rocks. Although a bit overexposed, I love this photo of the beach, as it gives the feel of the wind and the sun, and the space between the people.

 

Tamara Way - Stage Three - Part One

We have a bit of a gap since our last walk, but today my son and I walked another section of the Tamara Way. Our only excuse was we have been waiting for a day of nice weather. As you will see we didn't have it today, but it was only mizzling when we set off. We started at Bere Ferrers railway station, from which the route took us back to the Tamar River. At this point it is still wide estuary, with interesting reed beds and marshes, as will as historic mining works.

 

I was really hoping to see some of the avocets, that are sometimes seen here. These are the beautiful birds with the upcurving beak that are on the RSPB logo. No sign of them, but I was delighted, given where I work, to see some new born lambs.

We eventually arrived at Weir Quay, and were happy to find the cafe at the boatyard was open. I'm not really one for posting food photo, but the hot chocolate and warm cheese scone were very welcome, with a delightful view of a working boat yard. I really should have photographed that scone.

Shortly after our stop at the cafe my husband turned up. He had driven to the end of the walk, and we had planned this meet up. Pretty soon the River Tamar changes, from a wide estuary to a meandering river. What was nice was we were quite high above the river for much of this part of the walk with some lovely views.

 

Eventually, having passed Cotehele Quay on the Cornish side of the river, we arrived at Calstock, with its impressive railway bridge. From here it was a short but steep walk up the hill to Bere Alston station and the car. Having done about 8 miles, the bulk of this section, we are planning to not leave it quite so long before doing the next part.