Having loved reading the tales of King Arthur when I was a child, I was keen to visit some of the places associated with the Arthurian legends.
Tintagel is claimed to be the place of birth for King Arthur (also conception), nearby are caves said to be those used by Merlin and the castle also features in stories of Tristan and Isolde.
The weather was very windy and being out in strong winds can sometimes get me very irritable, but being in the presence of my beau I was trying to be on best behaviour and suppress the effects of the wind. I didn't do a great job of suppressing it - but he still likes me - warts and all. We debated going to see Tintagel in the strong winds and almost decided against it. I found my wool hat which meant the wind didn't blow my hair around so much and I was not so irritated.
To get to the castle site there is a walk down a very steep path - and watching the young people almost crawl back up I wondered how my damaged knees and my friend's injured back (isn't it terrible to feel age creep up on you and ailments increase?) would cope. Then I spotted the landrover which had a sign that it would take people to and from the castle for £1 or 2 each way. I decided we should walk down and ride back.
Down the bottom of the hill rather than pay just the site entry fee, we decide to join English Heritage on a years family membership and that we could use it again on subsequent visits. The castle ruins are split across two hill tops, visitors face two steep climbs up many unevenly spaced stairs if they are to see both sides. We picked the island side which had the majority of the ruins, both the Norman and those earlier ruins, some of which had only been detected after terrible peat fires on the island side.
The English Heritage ladies advised us that the strong winds had the site closed earlier in the day.
My knees protested strongly about the climb up the stairs -the uneven spacing and height made it difficult work. I was also questioning my sanity in taking my 70-200 lens - I'd hope I'd see bird/wildlife but the lens was heavy and not wide enough for some of the shots I wanted. My fisheye in my pocket distorted things a bit too much - but I quite like this shot looking over towards the hotel on the headland. We wandered around the island - wary of being blown around. I felt like I'd fly if I jumped up into the wind. The climb back down the stairs was almost was difficult on my poor old knees as the ascent had been.
In the end I was so pleased that we decided to make the climb to see Tintagel but also very happy to get the landrover lift back up the hill from the visitor centre.
Sounds like you had quite the adventure! I don't think I've ever been there when it hasn't been windy and drizzling! (We stayed in that castle in the background of your pic during our visit earlier this year - the real castle wasn't open on the day we were there, so we could only go in the open-access parts). Taking the landrover was a good idea too - it's quite a climb back up again! Your shot captures the weather perfectly :)
It does look rather cold and windy! I'm having enough trouble carrying my 24-70 around but there are times when I would have liked the 70-200 with me. It's nice to hear a little more of the story :)
Great shot, in my mind Cornwall looks just like that! We went on a hot and sunny day but it was still windy.. Love Tintagel, I think even without the stories it would feel a magical place. Sounds as if the magic was working for you too... :)
@filsie65 yes I know I have been a bit slack with posting photos at the moment - but looks like I am going to be traveling for work for about 10 weeks and hope to get some good photos from that and all being well head back to Bristol later in the year - he needs to talk to his son about us before I head over next
@lbmcshutter All sounds good ...! Where are you off to?
I was talking about you yesterday, my friend's son is going to do a diploma in Berlin and I mentioned seeing your shots and saying you were marvellous with just getting-up and going places. Puts me to shame :)
@filsie65 well after your photos from Barcelona you have made me want to visit there sometime.
I'm feeling superstitious about the work trip don't want to say where I am going until I am sure they won't cancel the trip. I was supposed to be away for 3 months starting back in Feb and that was cancelled - then again that meant I was able to take my UK trip - so it worked out ok
@lbmcshutter I'll keep my fingers and toes crossed for you!
I used to be really good at upping and taking the kids places, I think recently I've become too indecisive end end up doing nothing... probably because they are so fussy and I really want it to work. That said, being at home is hard work anyway!
Barcelona was wonderful, well worth a trip and I think I mentioned that they fly direct to Bristol..!
June 16th, 2013
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What sad memories you have of Werribee Mansions- I felt sad for the poor bride x
I was talking about you yesterday, my friend's son is going to do a diploma in Berlin and I mentioned seeing your shots and saying you were marvellous with just getting-up and going places. Puts me to shame :)
I'm feeling superstitious about the work trip don't want to say where I am going until I am sure they won't cancel the trip. I was supposed to be away for 3 months starting back in Feb and that was cancelled - then again that meant I was able to take my UK trip - so it worked out ok
I used to be really good at upping and taking the kids places, I think recently I've become too indecisive end end up doing nothing... probably because they are so fussy and I really want it to work. That said, being at home is hard work anyway!
Barcelona was wonderful, well worth a trip and I think I mentioned that they fly direct to Bristol..!