New Valley Hills

The campsite was next to their wedding barn. The DJ was average. At 2300 there was much zooming of cars, those sad souls remaining were really bad at karaoke until midnight.

I awoke around 0300 feeling hungry. The emergency nut supply was ransacked. Must remember to buy more. (I didn’t!)

Up at 0600, walking at 0730.

The Helford ferrymen are barbecuing their bacon and sausage breakfast. The smell is captivating. I ask if the cafe in Helford will be open, alas no they reply piloting me over the river before time to stop me drooling over their food.

Helford is tranquil and genteel.

The village store sells me an apple, orange and banana to ward off scurvy. The scotch egg is the best one I’ve ever eaten.

Bosahan Estate is a lovely woodland walk leading onto old permanent pasture.

Arriving at Gillan Creek three hours before low tide, and feeling dispirited about a three hour wait until it can be waded or the unadvised slippery stepping stones are used, I spot a ‘ferry today’ sign. No sign of the ferryman who the locals says provides an intermittent service. As I set out for the stones I hear a motor chugging.

The ferryman and I agree it’s sad times when the famous Sycamore at Hadrians Wall is felled.

Bit of dreary road inland route, spiced up by getting lost, I literally went round in a circle.

I’ve got to get further away from home even though I’m half way round. Within the week I’ll have turned a corner and be walking east. Until now it’s been west, west, west.

The exception to the rule of quiet male thruhikers was Joseph. Young and enthusiastic he had a happy go lucky attitude, quite different from my own where I get anxious if I don’t know where my next water refill, food stop or campsite is – he was ambling along without a guide book or a map. Oh to be young again!

Diverted on road a bit further to Roskillys for lunch. Cheese burger, chips and mint tea. The burger looked better than it tasted disappointingly.

Ice cream up to snuff.

Making contact with friends near Marazion and St. Ives, I’ve got a couple of nights indoors with them during the next week. Some familiar faces will be nice.