An early start this morning as the more adventurous members of our intrepid little group were going to go and put their lives in danger by kayaking on the sea, which as we know is full of stinging or bitey monsters even before you worry about how deep and wet and cold it is. We’ve all seen Titanic.

But they seemed keen, and after a superbly co-ordinated breakfast and logistical operation, we were all a little disappointed when the owner of the kayaks rang to say that it was too choppy to go out today so we would have to postpone the “fun.”

Plan B it was then. Pub? No. At least, not yet. It was too rough to go out on the sea in a kayak, but as we all laugh in the face of danger, we decided to go to sea properly and took the ferry across from Rock to Padstow. Hurricane force gales! Waves thirty feet high! Pirates! Sea monsters! None of which occurred on the seven minute journey across the estuary, but the point is they could have done. So as soon as we got to Padstow, we congratulated ourselves by having a cream tea.

The Padstow – Rock Ferry arrives, having survived the journey.

The rain continued as we looked around the town. Hoods up, we found a few interesting little shops before settling in a dog-friendly cafe for scones with jam and cream. Annie and I resisted as we were after an authentic Cornish pasty instead, and that’s where we found ourselves later on, eating on the hoof as we walked around the now much busier harbour. The sun was thinking of making an appearance and so were a lot of people.

Along the harbour we found an art gallery/souvenir shop and I bagged a big jar of “home made” whisky marmalade. Support your local businesses I say, especially if they sell edibles. It’s a win-win.

Joseph, David and Daniel headed home while Annie, Rio, Rachel and I decided to go and have a look at the beach near Rock. It was Rio’s idea really, as she fancied a bit of a run out.

Rio, having persuaded Annie that the beach was a good idea

The beach was windy but it was a joy to be there. Summer sat on the horizon in the form of a patch of increasingly large blue sky, and after a while the sunshine arrived properly.

Rio looking triumphant after having decided the afternoon’s activity

By this time we were back at the house, and sitting in the garden – yes, it was that warm. Daniel introduced us to a game called “Qwirkle” and it was an immediate hit. It’s cross between Uno and Azul, and we’ll be playing it again soon.

Daniel totting up the final scores. I won by miles. Although that may be disputed by David who got more points than me. But he doesn’t read this blog so yah boo sucks.

After my victory, we hopped off to a local pub, the Wootton Inn, where we sat outside and took in the Summer’s evening while discussing plans for tomorrow. The BBC weather app predicts sunshine, and if Carol Kirkwood is behind that I’m perfectly prepared to believe it.

Sunshine at the Wootton Inn. Let’s hope for more of the same tomorrow