‘Welcome to Mevagissey’. The words greet passersby in an exquisite way on the road leading to the Cornish village and fishing port. Signs are attached to a crocheted-covered bike. With woollen hearts, flowers and pom-poms, the handcrafted vehicle is enchanting. Mr Word Loft and I hadn’t been to the place for a while and remember it fondly after spending our first wedding anniversary there many years ago.
Winding streets of cottages, a memorial Celtic cross and individual shops selling a variety of wares – modern, traditional and quirky. I bought silver and turquoise enamelled earrings at Mackerel Sky and will take a trip back there for presents in the future – very inspirational!
The walk along the harbour was even better in the rain with bouts of sunshine. The hues, shadows and water reflections changing in the alternating conditions added a touch of drama.
Gulls swooped and their chicks nestling on a rocky outcrop whistled for food. A few minutes after, we reached the Marine Aquarium just as there was a heavy downpour. Perfect timing; we dashed inside, and were pleasantly surprised. It’s quite small, but it is enthralling to see species of fish, crustaceans, and an eel native to the coastline close-up.
Next, the twenty-nine-foot lighthouse across the outer harbour enticed us to the end of Lighthouse Quay. Erected in 1896 after the Great Blizzard wrecked several ships along the coast in 1891. Throughout my life, these seafarer warning towers have intrigued me and this hexagonal one was no different. I’ve taken a few photographs and think it will make a good subject for a watercolour. Although from experience, I don’t find them easy to depict in art, so will see.
On the opposite hillside, the sun shone and the medley of colourful buildings gleamed. We realised we had only seen half of Mevagissey, so took an upper road around before having lunch at the 15th-century Fountain Inn, thought to be constructed on the site of the first settlement.
Happy and full, some exercise was necessary to burn off a few calories and there was still plenty to see.
A wooded pathway edged with hydrangeas and other shrubs leads to the cliff tops. From there, the views over rocks streaked green, yellow and grey to the sea are divine.
Back at the inner harbour, we were disappointed to discover, we had left it too late for a mosey around the museum, so found a bench where we watched the boat’s movements and life drifting by. The stylish Sharksfin pub-restaurant on the quay looked inviting, so we dropped in for drinks. And as evening approached, the thoroughfares became busier with people milling around in various types of holiday attire. Dresses, shorts, raincoats and carrying umbrellas, thanks to the great British summertime weather.
Until next time,
Sue. X