The Camel Trail: only one “sticky patch”

Thanks for the update Nigel..

I have to say I am enjoying this unseasonably calm and warm weather. Of course it is pitch black on the way down and some of the inane conversations I have with LED flashlights before I realise I am talking to one of the early morning regulars are quite funny. The only other friendly light is from the street lamps of Padstow as I approach the Quarry.

The Camel River by the Trail early morning.

The Trail surface, given all the strong winds and torrential rain recently, is in good shape with only one “sticky patch” between the Quarry and the Iron Bridge which really is no problem.

As the days draw out I really appreciate the bonus of daylight when travelling back to Wadebridge.

Old town cove and stunning gorse bush

With the birds singing away, the yellow of the Gorse , snowdrops and even the occasional Daffodil in evidence we could be in March but, like an old fella up at the Quarrymans Pub on Sunday was saying, in 1947 we had the mildest winter on record. That was up until the 21st of January when over a foot of snow fell and temperatures dropped well below freezing!

That still cannot take away the fact that we are just 12 weeks away from Easter though.

Snowdrops aplenty.

So for the next few weeks I shall have a paint brush permanently in my hand – new industrial floor and sails along the front of the Hire Shop are also planned – so busy times ahead although I will still have time for early morning rides – one cannot paint in the dark can one?

Safe cycling

Nige..

View the Bridge Bike Hire webcam to check the weather at Wadebridge.

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Mummer’s Day – Padstow

As promised Nigel has looked into the background for the New Year’s Day celebration in Padstow, known locally as:

Darkie Day – as was – more politically correct now known as Mummer’s Days held on Boxing Day and New Years Day.

Celebrating New Year's Day at Padstow

It’s a tradition for some Padstow residents to black face and parade through the town to the sound of drums and accordions singing minstrel songs. Seen as part of a British custom of blacking up for Mumming and Morris dancing. All funds on the day are given over to charities.

Cheers Nigel

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