Deja vu

Strange day.

We'd been warned by the media about inclement weather - 40cms of snow. I awoke to maybe a 10th of that on the path. Judging that it would probably get worse, I set off for work, a combined bus/tube journey of some 8 miles or so.

Two hours later(!) I emerged from the tube station to clear roads and a light snow shower. Three seperate signal failures, and the poor weather (underground?) had caused a massive delay.

Despite being one of the closest to the office, I was surprised to find I was the last to arrive of those that actually made  it in. An email arrived advising that due to the conditions, we should consider leaving early, and working from home tomorrrow.

The snow continued all day, and by mid afternoon was settling even on the main roads, so I headed home.

On the way though, I'm encountering further delays on the tube, the journey home will take over an hour as opposed to the more normal 40 minutes or so. I'm currently typing this stuck in the tunnel, somewhere near Wood Green. At least the TfL Customer Charter means I'll get a refund for today's journeys. Must remember to pick up some blank claim forms when I get off the train!

...and finally home

So here we are, back home in London. The journey was mostly uneventful, apart from blizzard conditions on Bodmin Moor. We left Penzance at 4:45am in icy conditions and by the time we reached Bodmin, the outside temperature had dropped to -6!

The snow then started and was falling quite thickly - we had to slow to 30mph to make our way safely along the dual carriageway, which by now was reduced to a single lane's width as the cars in front were straddling the central white line rather than sticking to one or the other lane. I had no choice but to follow suit. The side lanes that we'd gone down to Cardinham on just a day or two ago were now completely unrecognizable and impassable. Luckily, the conditions did not last long, and once we reached Bolventor the roads were clear again, and stayed that way for the remainder of the journey. If it hadn't been for a needed coffee stop at Taunton Dene, I suspect we could have made the M4 before sunrise, but even so, we arrived home safely just after 11am, and after unpacking the car, I caught up on some rest - much needed after the early start!

...and a happy new year

Our last day in Cornwall this time round, though we'll be back in March. We decided on an early (8am) start to look at some churches in the Falmouth area, and on our out we spotted some revellers in fancy dress making their way home.

The first stop was local; the sun was rising over St Michael's Mount so I attempted a couple of photos, somewhat unsuccessfully. We continued on through Helston to Mabe - where the churchyard includes not only an old cross but also a standing stone. The church was locked - I have yet to visit this church when open.

Across the reservoir to the east is Budock Water, and the parish church. I suspect this is usually open, as there is an administration office attached to the church, but being a Bank Holiday I was out of luck here too. Just a couple of round cross heads in the grounds to pique my interest for a return visit later in the year.

We then drove across to Mylor Harbour and St Mylor church. The churchyard here has several interesting features, including a large cross, a holy well and a headstone or two with an interesting story behind it. The church here is usually left open, and thankfully today was no exception.

Perranworthal church was next, a short way up the A39. The church was open, with parishoners preparing for a service. They were happy enough to let me look around, but when I asked take a photo of the church banner, the reception turned quite frosty, and I was accompanied along the aisle like I suddenly wasn't trusted. I left without buying a church guide, and doubt I'll be back.

The last planned stop was in Devoran, and what seemed like a very modern or newly refurbished building. Nothing of interest for me here.

Heading back we passed through Truro so I took the opportunity to look at the cathedral. This wonderful building deserves a return visit on another day!

We stopped for a bite to eat then as the weather was so bright and sunny, we drove across to Boscawen-Un. No visit to Cornwall is complete without seeing this stone circle and I always try to slot in at least one visit. I left it late this time!

So now we're watching TV and putting off the inevitable - the trip home tomorrow...