Europe 2023 12th August Day 9 - Lost gardens of Heligen

So this morning does not look good 😢 wet and windy. One of the truths with travelling is you just do it, can't change the weather and if not many days somewhere you just suck it and see. After another gorgeous breakfast it was off to the Lost gardens of Heligen via a couple of little Rundle family history towns of Polgooth and London's Apprentice . 

Arrived a bit before opening so grabbed a coffee and with weatherproofs on ventured in, just as the rain came down. Walked through the traditional garden and then sheltered in the Italian garden as the rain got heavier. We kept on popping in and out of shelter for the next while until a break in the rain and even the odd glimpse of sunshine, followed by more showers. Went right to the bottom of the gardens and then made our way up through The Jungle, before stopping at the cafe for a drink and warm Cornish Pasty, yummy. Walked around more of the gardens before calling time after 3 1/2 hours. Was good but not as much traditional English gardens as we were expecting. Still great to see though.

From here we headed to St Austell and the Wheal Martyn clay works museum. Had a good look around, once again in the rain 😂 at the history of china clay mining in Cornwall, was fascinating. Finished with a cream tea,  before heading off to look for a laundrette for the bag in the boot. Not much luck with google until a wrong turn took as straight past one. Stopped and went in but only took coins and we didn't have enough and no change machine so we decided to abort and just head back to Mevagissey to dry out.

leather over covers for the draught horse's hooves 

After a short Nanna nap it was time to head down into town for a pint and dinner. Decided on the Ship Inn tonight and chose scallops in a white wine sauce while Jane had the fish cakes, both perfect meals and digestion assisted by a couple of the local ales. Sat next to Ryan who worked at the pub but had concluded his shift and he told me that he cleans the lines. Each cleaning he drains 72 litres of beer which he used to do in the evening and save some in jugs for him and his mates but they then changed it to a morning job, I wonder why 🤔

We then wandered out and as it was a bit clearer finished the night with a Cornish vanilla icecream for Jane and a Mr whippy for me. Headed back up the hill to screaming calves ( Janes healing broken foot and my dodgy knee are not are amused) where we retired to the bed with a glass of red as it was too cold and windy to sit on the porch. Another lovely, though sodden day.

Part of the Cliff Street hill to climb back up each night