Hello All
All thoughts of loneliness gone and another day begins.
I set the alarm for 6.00 and was up and dressed a long time before anybody else on the campsite - not that there are many people camping yet. To be honest it's too cold to be totally enjoyable. The evenings are short too. Last night I tried out a new sleeping arrangement in the van involving the removal of the luxury mattress which has now gone back to Crockernwell with Jennie. Taking it's place is a traditional camping bed. You know the sort - one of those oblongs of tough canvas with a pole going the length of both sides and 4 springy leg things that are difficult to put in place. I could take a photo of it but its already made up for tonight. Just nod and say "yes I know what you mean".
Anyway it was a success. I was lovely and warm and slept like a well seasoned log.
By 7.30 I had eaten my porridge and was heading down the wobbly path to Newquay. This was a walk which I have done before and there were no surprises except one (more later).
The reason that I left so early was because I wanted to get to Newquay before 1.00 as there was a bus back to Porthcothan at 1.39pm. Actually I got to the "surfing capital of the South West" with an hour and a half to spare. So I could explore the town. First stop was a camping and adventure shop to treat myself to some new socks. They didn't have what I wanted but just as I was about to leave, who should walk through the door but Ian. He had come in to buy a hat.
This was brilliant because I discovered from Ian that we are now back on level terms in our walking schedule as he had taken a rest day. He also told me about a good campsite. So I was dead chuffed and walked on into centre of Newquay. I found some socks, but also I found some stag parties which I did my best to avoid. Imitation rubber, all in one, body hugging outfits seem to be the thing to wear this Spring. I felt rather off trend in my sensible walking gear.
Having used up all my time in Newquay, I caught the bus back to Porthcothan then drove back to Newquay again and settled myself in this very comfortable and friendly site. It's called Trencreek Holiday Park.
Thoughts on Erosion
Over the last three days of walking, I have taken three photographs of what is know as footfall erosion.
I have heard many opinions about the erosion that is caused by walkers, which mainly takes the form of - "there are too many people walking these popular paths and it is making a serious impact which is bad for the countryside". I have agreed with this view because I hadn't a different idea in place.
One thing about the hours and hours of walking is that I have plenty of time to think.
I would like to put forward a different view from the one that seems prevalent.
With all the pressures that human beings put on the planet through our very existence, it is clear that we need to modify our own personal impact on the world. We need to have a greater love for the environment in which we live. If we have this greater love, then maybe we will change the things that we do and chip away at our harmful practices.
My desire to be a more environmentally responsible citizen is enhanced by my love of the countryside I have witnessed over the years of walking along the paths of the coastline and across Dartmoor.
If more people walked the coastline, the moors, the pathways and all the available countryside then more people may, just may, also feel that it is something worth protecting.
So I say - More people walking the paths please. Resulting in more footfall erosion.
Anyway - the sea takes back the footpaths in the end................
All thoughts of loneliness gone and another day begins.
I set the alarm for 6.00 and was up and dressed a long time before anybody else on the campsite - not that there are many people camping yet. To be honest it's too cold to be totally enjoyable. The evenings are short too. Last night I tried out a new sleeping arrangement in the van involving the removal of the luxury mattress which has now gone back to Crockernwell with Jennie. Taking it's place is a traditional camping bed. You know the sort - one of those oblongs of tough canvas with a pole going the length of both sides and 4 springy leg things that are difficult to put in place. I could take a photo of it but its already made up for tonight. Just nod and say "yes I know what you mean".
Anyway it was a success. I was lovely and warm and slept like a well seasoned log.
By 7.30 I had eaten my porridge and was heading down the wobbly path to Newquay. This was a walk which I have done before and there were no surprises except one (more later).
The reason that I left so early was because I wanted to get to Newquay before 1.00 as there was a bus back to Porthcothan at 1.39pm. Actually I got to the "surfing capital of the South West" with an hour and a half to spare. So I could explore the town. First stop was a camping and adventure shop to treat myself to some new socks. They didn't have what I wanted but just as I was about to leave, who should walk through the door but Ian. He had come in to buy a hat.
This was brilliant because I discovered from Ian that we are now back on level terms in our walking schedule as he had taken a rest day. He also told me about a good campsite. So I was dead chuffed and walked on into centre of Newquay. I found some socks, but also I found some stag parties which I did my best to avoid. Imitation rubber, all in one, body hugging outfits seem to be the thing to wear this Spring. I felt rather off trend in my sensible walking gear.
Having used up all my time in Newquay, I caught the bus back to Porthcothan then drove back to Newquay again and settled myself in this very comfortable and friendly site. It's called Trencreek Holiday Park.
Thoughts on Erosion
Over the last three days of walking, I have taken three photographs of what is know as footfall erosion.
 |
| Paths zig-zagging up the hillside |
 |
| Many deeply worn footpath routes |
One thing about the hours and hours of walking is that I have plenty of time to think.
I would like to put forward a different view from the one that seems prevalent.
With all the pressures that human beings put on the planet through our very existence, it is clear that we need to modify our own personal impact on the world. We need to have a greater love for the environment in which we live. If we have this greater love, then maybe we will change the things that we do and chip away at our harmful practices.
My desire to be a more environmentally responsible citizen is enhanced by my love of the countryside I have witnessed over the years of walking along the paths of the coastline and across Dartmoor.
If more people walked the coastline, the moors, the pathways and all the available countryside then more people may, just may, also feel that it is something worth protecting.
So I say - More people walking the paths please. Resulting in more footfall erosion.
Anyway - the sea takes back the footpaths in the end................
 |
| I walked along this path just last August - gone for good. |
__________________________
The other day I came across one of the many signs that show me the way to go. It's not easy to see from this picture, but the direction the sign is pointing is clear.
And so is the drop.
About 60 feet straight down!
Take it easy
Rob
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