Up at just after 7:00am to BBC 2 while I sipped java and tried to make some headway on my backlog of email. Joined by the slug-a-beds around 9:00am and Madame Coriandre set about making a scrumptious cooked breakfast; grated cheese with chives scrambled eggs and rashers of bacon. Jamie was in charge of toast and discharged his task, passably, while devouring his bowl of Wetabix. Breakfast over, I continued to scribe while Cora Lee and Spudnik did some gardening. Jamie made some work related phone calls and also chatted with his wife, Patrizia, back in Chesham, minding their Yorkshire Terrier, Mandy.
Around 11:30am they both left to walk, (about four miles round trip), to
Etherington Farm Shop for a joint of lamb for the night's feast. Left in peace and quiet, I worked away communicating with the known universe, until around 2:00pm. Decided I'd go for my ride even though The Terrible Twosome were not back. However, just as I was suiting up I heard them arrive and Jamie said he'd quite like to go for a ride if I didn't mind waiting for half an hour while he put his feet up. Ever the obliging, considerate friend I agreed to do so and returned to my keyboard to await his refreshed appearance.
Cora Lee spent the rest of the afternoon lounging outside on a chaise lounge, Spudnik keeping her company, sunning himself. When Sir James had had his short nap we set off. For not having cycled in a few years, he is doing quite well with the rides he's been on so far, although I felt he really wasn't up to some of the steeper slopes which abound. This being the case I decided we should leave Blackwater by turning left, just past the Red Lion Inn, onto N Hill. The grade here is nothing to sneer at and Jamie found the going too, too much for him, mainly due to the fact that he was having a great deal of difficulty shifting gears. Once he'd pushed his bike to the intersection of the long stretch of reasonably flat country road/lane which runs past the ATV Centre, Cornish Firewood and Primrose Farm, towards Skinners Bottom, the going was easier.
In spite of this he still could not seem to shift gears, either up or down and although I circled endlessly, trying to talk him through various sequences I thougth he should invoke, nothing seemed to work. At this point I actually stopped, Dear Reader, and physically moved the racing style levers thinking that perhaps he didn't comprehend how to manage the shifting process. I must say that I'm not overly familiar with this style of shifting mechanism, (sometimes referred to as brake/shift levers since they combine a trigger shifter into each brake lever), and know that I found them difficult to use when I was trying out a number of bikes utilizing such hardware.
Unfortunately, nothing I could say or do seemed to work and I could tell that this situation was quite frustrating for Jamie, not to mention my own Burning Ground catastrophe, Dear Reader! It had also occurred to me that perhaps something mechanical was at the root of this problem so I next suggested we might ride to Chacewater and beyond to Bike Chain Bissoe Bike Hire as I'd ridden past it a number of times already. Jamie knew it as well and was more than happy to go there as he'd ridden the route the day befoer and knew it wouldn't be overly taxing, particularly since he couldn't shift efficiently, or at all, at times.
Returned to Blackwater once this was decided and made for Chacewater and then Twelveheads. At Bissoe I told Jamie I'd meet him at the pertol station across from the turn-off to United Downs and when he made for BCBBH I cycled towards Frogpool but had no intention of riding up Cusgarne Hill. At the foot of CH I turned around and made my way back to Bissoe. When I didn't see Jamie in the parking lot of the bike hire complex i continued on Bissoe Road towards Carnon Downs but turning around before I reached that community, hoping Jamie would have the problem sorted by the time I was back.
Not quite, so I was forced to adopt my time-tested circling strategy which, in this case, necessitated me riding into BCBBH's large, hard gravel-packed lot, (Where, during one circumnavigation, I came upon a young woman and her boyfriend, cradling her after she had obviously fallen from her bike onto the unforgiving surface.), and then back across the road, Coombe Lane, to the petrol station and around the small lot in front of a number of other local businesses in a seeming Möbius strip. Finally Jamie was ready to ride and we set off to cycle back along the valley floor on the picturesque lane which parallels, more or less, the Carnon River. Just reached the petrol station when Jamie wanted to go back to BCBBH to ask chap who had adjusted the gear shift cables, (root of the problem), about the saddle height. Biting my tongue, ("Why didn't you do this before you left?), I waved him back and returned to the never-ending loop until he resurfaced, eight light years later!
In spite of the fact that the shifting mechanism had been fine tuned Jamie still couldn't seem to get the hang of changing gears quickly. Nonetheless, though I heard a few unprintable words, now and then, he enjoyed the ride back, as did I, taking in the enchanting early evening smell of blackberry brambles and other blooming roadside flowers, their perfume further heightened and intensified by the fine sprinkle of rain which had fallen earlier.
Ride all the way to Blackwater was more than pleasureable and we chatted amiably whenever we could ride abreast. Waved goodbye to Jamie just before we reached the main road through Blackwater and I set off for Wheal Rose. I had logged a little over 31 K, at a snail's pace, by this time and wanted to register at least 20 K more before the ride was over. I was curious to ride to Porthtowan from this direction as I'd only done it in reverse, to date. I knew it was going to be mostly a down-hill run until I reached Porthtowan so I enjoyed every moment of the whizzing descent.
Turned around shortly after I passed the sign announcing the village and retraced my steps. Not bad going slightly uphill but there is a good hill climb somewhere near Little Music Cottage, I think, that taxes one nicley. Once over this grind, pretty smooth ride into Wheal Rose and then I was back at the roundabout on the A3047 and making for the turnoff to Skinners Bottom. I only had 40 K on the clock by then so knew I'd need a few extended dispy doodles to rack up the necessary, self-imposed distance.
Having become pretty familiar, over the course of the last few rides, with the maze of lanes which criss-cross this particular part of the countryside I knew exactly where I wanted to go. This being the case I proceeded to work my way through the mental grid I'd mapped out in my noggin. No longer befuddled I quite enjoyed finding myself exactly where I thought I would be at each twist and turn, each winding and coiling of the erstwhile country tortuosity. From time to time I had encountered a few very light showers, more mist than drizzle, in fact. In spite of this precipitation the ride was exceedingly pleasant and I was even more pleased with the fact that I'd been able to log slightly over 52 K when it looked like, earlier on, that I was destined for a much shorter ride. Deliriously happ I returned to Sydney House about 7:15pm.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/355547800#.UgPkRJg4aN4.email
When I walked in the door Cora Lee had lamb roasting, spuds were ready to boil and zucchini was patiently waiting in the frying pan. Sir James was having a soak in the tub to ease his tired muscles and I put together anothe mixed salad, similar to one of night before, and then I went to perform my ablutions. Squeaky clean, with a subtle hint of Calvin Klein's ETERNITY For Men Aqua, making me even more irresistible than I already am, Dear Reader, I returned to the kitchen to help ready the table. Few nibbles of crackers and a very tasty Cornish cheese, infused with garlic, for appetizers. It was delicioso, almost bordering on phenomenal! Our house white, Languedoc, to smooth the way to dinner.
Lamb was terrific and Coriandre had very considerately bought some Mrs Bridges mint sauce, (all the way from Scotland, according to the bottle), so I was in gustatory and gastronomic heaven. Jamie seemed to agree as we almost had to strong-arm him to prevent him from having thirds of everything! Must admit, new potatoes and pan fried zucchini were so tasty I had to restrain myself as well. A Sainsbury's 2009 Priorat, 14.5%, lovely black fruit, vanilla and cocoa, subtly robust, went rather well with the food so we were happy campers indeed.
While I prepared the dessert, (Sainsbury's meringue nests topped with fresh raspberries, grapes and a dollop of Cornish clotted cream, just for the calorie conscious), Coriandre and Jamie repaired to the Lounge, to lounge about. Jaimie reclined on the recliner, my favourite seat but I disregarded the slight and served my concoction. After the first bite it had the TV viewers moaning with almost orgasmic delight. After we had polished off the simple but quite tasty creation Jamie offered me a chewy pastille. While I would have preferred a Rowntrees Fruit Gum, I decided to try the brand offered. Tasty enough but not a sweet I would search out. Had almost finished the first one when I felt something strange in my mouth. Fearing the worst, I made sure I didn't swallow and fished something hard out of mouth. Much to my dismay, if not horror, I realized that it was the gold cap from one of my upper right molars!
While I would have been pleased to have blamed Jamie for the DIY "extraction", (These "gummy" pastilles really do stick to one's teeth!), I must admit, Dear Reader, that ever since being in Wetherby I had experienced a vague sensation of tenderness there but didn't really think too much about it as it tended to come and go. Furthermore, I never ever experienced any pain or toothache-like discomfort so I assumed, (and hoped!), that it was nothing to worry about. Obviously, I was wrong!
My companions barely looked away from the drama they were watching, Afterlife, behaving rather nonchalantly, I felt. For my part I knew, then and there, that this needed quasi-immediate attention. The exposed surface felt like a mini-moon crater to my tongue and I could not keep myself from worrying it, over and over and over again. For a start, decided I'd better put the crown in a safe place so I found a small plastic bag in one of my knapsacks and bagged it for the morrow, hoping I'd be able to present it to the dentist I assumed I'd be able to book an emergency appointment with, if and when I was able to make contact speed dialing 1-800-911-TOOTH!
Returned to my callous, blue-screen addicts and watched the conclusion to this hour of "Afterlife (stylised as afterlife), a British television drama series, produced by independent production company Clerkenwell Films for the ITV network. [This detail for Ayn at Hallmark!] The series follows the activities of a psychic medium who appears to have the ability to communicate with the spirits of the dead." After it was over I went and brushed, very gingerly, I might add, but didn't really feel much of anything when I touched the jagged stumps. Said goodnight to Jamie who had decided to watch some late shows. Cora Lee was already in the Land of Nod by then but buzzed on my dental distress I even managed to read a chapter or two, spitting on the nightmare which had become DC Tamsin Leonard's life after she and her partner steal over £320,000 from a drug courier they stopped for a routine traffic check. What did she know about real pain and suffering, Dear Reader!
Cliff Hanger to be continued...
Hi Giggster, Boston Bicycle Man, and Sisterhood Support Team!
Great to know you are riding in a city and region we'd love to visit at some point.No mention of intemperate beer consumption, however! I assume some rather interesting micro-brews are to be found. Fondestos from Cora Lee! Off to ride the hills and dales shortly. Cheers, Patrizzio, Cornish Cyclist Extraordinaire!
Great to know you are riding in a city and region we'd love to visit at some point.No mention of intemperate beer consumption, however! I assume some rather interesting micro-brews are to be found. Fondestos from Cora Lee! Off to ride the hills and dales shortly. Cheers, Patrizzio, Cornish Cyclist Extraordinaire!
Hello Raymond!
I knew you were once a policeman in the Bahamas but I didn't realize that you had signed up with the Vocabulary Constabulary! Many chortles after reading about the Invasion of the Mutant Zuccinis but distressed to learn about your cardio troubles. Do hope, for your sake, obviously, that you have the problem sorted out as quickly as possible as will need you, selfishly, obviously, upon return, to lead the Peloton, off tether, in order to burn up all the excesses you have duly noted, during your close, critical reading of my text!
Did know about Point Grey Road. Funnily enough, reported to me by Derek, before they left. I had wondered at the speed displays there, ever since they had been put in place, having an inkling that they probably had to do with gathering data on traffic flow, etc., in relation to a potential dedicated cycle route. I assume local traffic will be allowed but how will it be policed? Speed bump after speed bump?
Cheers, Patrizzio, Cornish Cyclist Extraordinaire!
I knew you were once a policeman in the Bahamas but I didn't realize that you had signed up with the Vocabulary Constabulary! Many chortles after reading about the Invasion of the Mutant Zuccinis but distressed to learn about your cardio troubles. Do hope, for your sake, obviously, that you have the problem sorted out as quickly as possible as will need you, selfishly, obviously, upon return, to lead the Peloton, off tether, in order to burn up all the excesses you have duly noted, during your close, critical reading of my text!
Did know about Point Grey Road. Funnily enough, reported to me by Derek, before they left. I had wondered at the speed displays there, ever since they had been put in place, having an inkling that they probably had to do with gathering data on traffic flow, etc., in relation to a potential dedicated cycle route. I assume local traffic will be allowed but how will it be policed? Speed bump after speed bump?
Cheers, Patrizzio, Cornish Cyclist Extraordinaire!
Hello Stomper!
Thank you for your kind words about my "travelogue". While I certainly appreciate your generous comments I simply enjoy trying to keep a record of things and am not really interested in having to worry about editors or truth or fact or other such niggling details and constriants. But thanks, again, for enjoying things, such as presented.
Must say that I simply loved your rejoinder, your touchiness is rather endearing. Cameos Dear Boy, Cameos! Chortle galore! Not sure if I sent you an email around the time we were first in London, mid-July. We stayed with a close friend, Penny, and her boyfriend, Mike, lives in what was one of the mansions, now converted and expanded into apartments, which once belonged to J Arthur Rank! I visited Mike there and he took me for a stroll through the considerable and lovely grounds. My kick at the silver-screen can!
We have also been enjoying some very sunny weather recently, not a bulging rain cloud on the horizon, so there yourself! Same, or even better, yesterday, when we drove to Tintagel. Fondestos from Cora Lee to you and Anne, from one ever-courageous navigator to another! (Have seen plenty of cow patties on various walks/rides, not to mention horse manure as many people keep horses in the countryside, of course. Even ask directions, from time to time, of riders I chance upon, but have yet to end up in a cow pasture while driving. Always a first time, of course!) Off to cycle the hills and dales shortly. Cheers, Patrizzio, Cornish Cyclist, Bon Vivant, Raconteur, Huckster and Snake Oil Saleman Extraordinaire!
Thank you for your kind words about my "travelogue". While I certainly appreciate your generous comments I simply enjoy trying to keep a record of things and am not really interested in having to worry about editors or truth or fact or other such niggling details and constriants. But thanks, again, for enjoying things, such as presented.
Must say that I simply loved your rejoinder, your touchiness is rather endearing. Cameos Dear Boy, Cameos! Chortle galore! Not sure if I sent you an email around the time we were first in London, mid-July. We stayed with a close friend, Penny, and her boyfriend, Mike, lives in what was one of the mansions, now converted and expanded into apartments, which once belonged to J Arthur Rank! I visited Mike there and he took me for a stroll through the considerable and lovely grounds. My kick at the silver-screen can!
We have also been enjoying some very sunny weather recently, not a bulging rain cloud on the horizon, so there yourself! Same, or even better, yesterday, when we drove to Tintagel. Fondestos from Cora Lee to you and Anne, from one ever-courageous navigator to another! (Have seen plenty of cow patties on various walks/rides, not to mention horse manure as many people keep horses in the countryside, of course. Even ask directions, from time to time, of riders I chance upon, but have yet to end up in a cow pasture while driving. Always a first time, of course!) Off to cycle the hills and dales shortly. Cheers, Patrizzio, Cornish Cyclist, Bon Vivant, Raconteur, Huckster and Snake Oil Saleman Extraordinaire!
Hi Gudrun and Stefano!
Thanks for suggestions and lovely invitation for dinner on Sunday, as well as suggested Camel Valley Vineyard tour. Either time, for latter. You decide which is best for you. We're certainly delighted to come for dinner and are most interested in seeing the winery. Will get all the necessary details later.
We're keen on just about anything for Saturday, keeping in mind busy crowds. For my part, I'm interested in Lizard Peninsula and /or Lost Gardens but probably need a bit of advice from you two. I'd say whichever location(s) seem to fit with a day's outing that isn't too exhausting in terms of travel. I know distances are not all that great but I do know that yesterday's day trip to Tintagel was wonderful, in large part because we didn't do too, too much.
Thanks again for your kindness and thoughtfulness. Chat soon, one way or another. Cheers, Patrizzio!
Thanks for suggestions and lovely invitation for dinner on Sunday, as well as suggested Camel Valley Vineyard tour. Either time, for latter. You decide which is best for you. We're certainly delighted to come for dinner and are most interested in seeing the winery. Will get all the necessary details later.
We're keen on just about anything for Saturday, keeping in mind busy crowds. For my part, I'm interested in Lizard Peninsula and /or Lost Gardens but probably need a bit of advice from you two. I'd say whichever location(s) seem to fit with a day's outing that isn't too exhausting in terms of travel. I know distances are not all that great but I do know that yesterday's day trip to Tintagel was wonderful, in large part because we didn't do too, too much.
Thanks again for your kindness and thoughtfulness. Chat soon, one way or another. Cheers, Patrizzio!
Account of yesterday's outing, below, should you care to read about it!
I would like an Indian Prawn Curry when I arrive at Sydney House please!!!! Xoxo
Hi Tinsel Town and Washer Woman!
Ayn, you'll be lucky if you are met at the station let alone having your barked out orders, insisting upon Indian Prawn Curry the moment you walk through the front door to Sydney House, obeyed, on the double, Sir!
Hellos and Warm regards from Jamie to you both. Fondestos from Nana, lounging outside on a chaise lounge, Spudnik keeping her company, sunning himself, after returning from about a four mile walk, with Sir James, to Etherington Farm Shop for a joint of lamb for tonight's feast. Off to cycle the hills and dales shortly, as soon as Jamie has a short rest. For not having cycled in a few years, he is doing quite well with the rides he's been on so far. I will take him on another short ride to show him a different route which is fairly level and loops back close to home and then leave him while I go further afield. Love and Cheers, Dad!
Ayn, you'll be lucky if you are met at the station let alone having your barked out orders, insisting upon Indian Prawn Curry the moment you walk through the front door to Sydney House, obeyed, on the double, Sir!
Hellos and Warm regards from Jamie to you both. Fondestos from Nana, lounging outside on a chaise lounge, Spudnik keeping her company, sunning himself, after returning from about a four mile walk, with Sir James, to Etherington Farm Shop for a joint of lamb for tonight's feast. Off to cycle the hills and dales shortly, as soon as Jamie has a short rest. For not having cycled in a few years, he is doing quite well with the rides he's been on so far. I will take him on another short ride to show him a different route which is fairly level and loops back close to home and then leave him while I go further afield. Love and Cheers, Dad!
Hi Cactus and Floridian!
Trust all goes well at Pleasntville Retirement Villa! We have also been enjoying some very sunny California weather recently. Fondestos from Cora Lee. Cheers, Patrizzio!
Trust all goes well at Pleasntville Retirement Villa! We have also been enjoying some very sunny California weather recently. Fondestos from Cora Lee. Cheers, Patrizzio!
Chloe Alexis Dunn shared Matlock's photo.
Patrick James Dunn Happy Birthday, Chloë!
Chloe Alexis Dunn thanks D but i was born on the 18th, did you forget what day I was born??? you were there, you think you would remember and it was also I'm sure the happiest day of your life!!! xx- Patrick James Dunn I gather the contest, or whatever it is, mentioned above, starts on August 18th. Since you are such a devoted Matlock fan I thought this was an early birthday present from Ayn!
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