Cornwall Wildlife 2023 pt1 The Eden Project
For those who want a memory jogger of last year’s Cornwall wildlife, have a look at: Cornwall Holiday Wildlife, click HERE.
This is a long report, so you may need to bookmark it for later reading.
Cornwall, a much needed break for Mrs PR, and myself, after missing out on Bonnie Scotland back in May, plus Wales and various other days away from the rat race. Yes, even in retirement, we still get caught up in a rat race, albeit a different one, and a different pace, but it still seems just as hectic!
After such a successful and very enjoyable fortnight in Cornwall last year, we both agreed, we’re coming back in 2023, so promptly booked the same apartment, which for those who recall, has superb sea views, and for me, being on one level was perfect to get around without steep stairs. Although the car park is on an upper level, there is a lift so carting luggage, and I have extra luggage with medical stuff for my leg, was just perfect.
We also got nice and friendly with the local surgery last year, only because of the daily leg care that I require, and they were more than happy to look after me again this time.
All positives, and not one moment dampened the holiday, not even Agnes, who whisked here way through the UK halfway through the second week of our stay could dampen the holiday.
Strangely, St Agnes is a village a few miles to the west of where we stayed, plus, there is a St Agnes on the Scilly Isles.
Not only did we get friendly with the local surgery, but also some of the local birds, photos to follow.
That's the boring bit done, now the piccies....
The view from the patio on arrival day
You know how I love my sunrise and sunset photos, we were perfectly placed for those, except, unlike last year, the weather didn’t cooperate quite the same. Unlike last year, where we had the sunrises, this year we had the sunsets, and just as spectacular.
The first sunset of the holiday, on arrival day.
with the Star 6 filter
What has been high on the tick list of places to visit,
is The Eden Project, and being mainly an indoor attraction, we went on a dull wet day. The Eden Project is a series of tropical forests from around the world encapsulated in large polythene cultivation domes, called BIOMES.
The ground used for these biomes was a former China Clay quarry, that is why you have to go down to the biomes, etc
On the way down, we encountered some rather large bees!
Now a word of caution, it may be indoors, but getting from the car park to the biomes (the name given to the domes housing all the plants etc) involves quite a walk exposed to the elements. There are park and ride buses from the car parks to the main entrance, but there’s still a walk to the entrance, and then from the entrance down to the biomes, another walk, downhill. For me it was a struggle to get back up, but we were in no rush, it didn’t dampen the day, self catering meant no rush for meal times and we could always stop and enjoy a pub meal.
The rain had stopped so it was good to stop frequently and enjoy looking down to the biomes.
Once we got down, it was awesome. We first went into the Rainforest Biome, viewing the plants and aspects of tropical Asia, and around to the African continent. There are many interactive displays, like the type of huts lived in, and one part, an African home which enjoyed a continued rain storm.
Spot the ships bow.....
Trader Steam Navigation
Hibiscus
Southeast Asian hut, and Mrs PR
West Africa Rainforest Canopy
I hadn’t realised how high up we’d ascended, the paths were very wheelchair friendly considering the height, though I’m not so sure about the descent….
Costa Rica
Palm Oil Drums
Bamboo Hut
One interesting bird we saw was the Crested Partridge, also known as the Roul Roul bird, because of its call.
Then it was back into the main reception biome, and across over to the Mediterranean Biome. Now this was an interesting one, starting off in the Mediterranean as most of know it, terracotta tiles, white washed buildings etc.
Below, the Elephant's Foot Tree or Ponytail Tree
Aeonium, a succulent species of plant from Madera, and very commonplace in Cornwall.
Then, moving around to the Californian Desert,
For those curious about the inscription on the stone in the above photo, the one below reveals all
and finally around to the Australian Outback
and what better to start with than a kangaroo plant....
Eucalyptus
Grass Tree, South West Australia
No id required for this wee chappie, whether its Australisian or Eurasian, I'll leave you guessing, just as I am.
before arriving back at the Mediterranean Zone.
There's even references to Mediterranean Mythology.
that includes the Olive Tree!
and a A Borrie, a dry stone structure built as a shepherds hut.
and the end, a Mediterranean tapas bar
It was fascinating, but as with all good things, the day was drawing to a close and we needed to get back for dinner.
Last photo, a last look at the biomes, before going back to the apartment
The question to ask after a day anywhere, would we return?
You bet we will.
With many attractions, they often facilitate a free return within twelve months, so long as you keep proof of your admission. Yes, you guessed, that proof is firmly filed as an email, because we booked online with email confirmation and will most definitely be returning.
Thank you for staying the course, it was a long one, but a fantastic day, lots to see, too much to learn, but well worth it.
Mike
Flickr: Peak Rambler