OSGB GRID REF. SW364305. ST. JUST

COAST NEAR PORTHLEVEN

REMNANT OF CORNISH MINING INDUSTRY

CRASHING WAVES

ME AT ST. MICHAEL'S MOUNT

SASKIA, PHIL, ME & BECKY AT LETCHA VEAN

It rained for the third successive night, so the tent was wet again on Tuesday morning. This wasn't a problem, though, as by the time I'd used the campsite shower and composed my latest blog entry, things were starting to dry. 

Although I was due a rest day, I didn't actually feel the need for one and decided to keep walking instead. I took my time though, so it was early afternoon before I left Porthleven to continue west along the Coast Path. My initial plan had been to proceed using inland roads, so having the time to walk the Coast Path instead was a bonus. The route is wonderfully scenic, but the path constantly changes direction and elevation as it follows the profile of the coast, thus taking much longer to walk than the crow-flies distance might suggest. However, I'm sure the pictures will illustrate why I think this path is well worth the energy expenditure. 

When I reached Marazion I had been quite prepared to stay at another campsite, but found an excellent B&B instead. I had struck lucky. Chyanoweth is the home of Pete and Sue, and their guest room had all the features of a luxury flat. I was particularly taken with the gold-sequined bed cushions. That evening I found myself in a quiz team with my hosts and their friends at the Kings Arms. 

In the morning I had a telephone interview with Chris Broom of Hampshire paper 'The News' who is writing a two-page article about my venture. I am grateful for the publicity as I am still only half-way to meeting my charity target. It was raining quite heavily when I left Marazion to walk the 3 miles to Penzance. 

I am scheduled to have a further Radio Solent interview on the morning of my arrival in Land's End this Friday, but I wasn't sure if I would be able to get reception on my mobile phone. To check this out, I took a bus ride to Land's End and back as soon as I reached Penzance. I didn't actually step off the bus, but was able to confirm that communications would be OK. It also gave me an opportunity to shelter from the rain for a while. 

I had hoped that the rain might have ceased by the time the bus returned to Penzance, but it was as heavy as ever. I was feeling cold from sitting still and needed to decide what to do next quickly. 

I'd never been to St. Just before. Located near the coast about 8 miles west of Penzance and 5 miles north of Land's End, it has a Youth Hostel nearby. It was coming up to 4.00pm so I quick-marched there by the most direct route I could find. That soon warmed me up. Two and a half hours later I was at St. Just's Letcha Vean Youth Hostel, and an hour after that I was sharing supper with fellow guests Saskia, Becky and Phil. We got on well and chatted until quite late. 

Land's End is now just a short walk to the south. Indeed, I could see it from the hill overlooking the Youth Hostel. It would be nice if I could do something slightly unusual to end the walk. Naked has already been done and, anyway, it might be cold. I have another idea brewing, but I'm not telling yet!