It’s busy at this time of year, which is great. It’s fantastic to see visitors around, and I’m looking forward to having dear friends stay. It’ll be wonderful spending time with them again after a break of a couple of years because of family upheaval, followed by the pandemic.
We will no doubt go to Looe, it has a mixture of indoor and outdoor activities, and there are plenty of independent shops and restaurants. Many have locally caught fish on the menu bought from Looe fish market. There are fishmongers nearby as well, so sometimes it’s pleasant to have a look at what’s on offer to prepare a special meal at home. Cornish crab – my mouth is watering just thinking about it.
Looe beach is popular, especially with families, as all amenities are close, but occasionally time away from the hustle and bustle revitalizes the soul. This is where Plaidy Beach comes in. It’s to the left, over rocky terrain which merges with the sand, alongside rockpools near the water’s edge. There is a wild element as you wander at low tide towards Millendreath with Looe Island behind you, and it’s as if you are miles away from the busy part of town.
Although a fairly small beach, a secluded part can usually be found where I sit and listen to waves shushing over shingle while watching sea birds gliding overhead. With a salty breeze on my face, it’s a treat to just sit and contemplate.
The author Eleanor Hibbert was so inspired by the place when she lived there in World War Two that she took it as one of her many pen names – Jean Plaidy. I remember reading her books, my introduction to historical fiction, and a genre I’ve been drawn to ever since. She is also known as Victoria Holt and Phillipa Carr.
Having lived in such an enchanting location must have been an advantage when writing romantic suspense and gothic novels under those two names, as several were set in Cornwall.
I find it gratifying when discovering a literary connection to the places I blog about, and I’m off to Somerset soon, so I’ll let you know what I find out when I come home.
Until next time,
Sue. X