I know I am old now.  Next week I will be 52.  That’s not old in itself.  But my baby (QT2) is applying for 6th form places.  QT1 is already in 6th form.  Older Daughter is in her 2nd year of Uni.  Where DID all those years go?!

On a more pleasant note we went to Cornwall in our half term (it didn’t seem to be anyone elses’!) minus Older Daughter who doesn’t get half term at Univ.Amongst other things we “did” the Lost Gardens of Heligan for the first time in many years.  That was just amazing,  it has been developed so much now and is still beautiful in the autumn,  there were loads of flowers,  autumn leaves on the trees etc.  We walked absolutely miles down the valleys and up hills.  We saw ostriches.  We crossed the ravine on the rope bridge.  We sampled the tea and cakes and I got some family Christmas presents from the gift shop.

Also on the agenda (chosen by the QTs) was the Eden Project (not possible to do it all in one day) where we managed to dissuade QT1 from partaking in the 50 foot zip wire ride (looking way too scary for comfort) but also walked round a good portion of the outside (again interesting colours and plants now it was autumn) and fully round both of the biomes.  Partner and the QTs went to the internal roof top vantage point so many feet up in the tropical biome but I wimped it on the flimsy staircase which was swaying and stayed at the bottom with the bags!

We went to Holywell Bay twice,  once for a walk after being at Holywell Bay Fun Park (there were about 4 families there,  no queues,  absolute bliss and actually surprisingly good fun and value for money even with older teenagers).  QT1 won the crazy golf including 3 holes in one.  Bah humbug.

The day we deliberately went to the beach was a gorgeous day.  The boys went body boarding and QT2 attempted wave boarding with little success!  It was so sunny and warm, it was hard to believe this was England in mid October.  The sea and the air temperature were almost identical so the sea felt really warm compared to other times of year.  Holywell Bay is surrounded by imposing cliffs and spooky caves and one walks over the dunes to get there.  The car park is run by the National Trust so suited us as we are members and got the parking for free!

Another day we went to Oasis Leisure Pool at the Hendra complex (near Newquay).  That was great fun,  the others all went on the various water slides;  there was a gigantic tap giving warm showers every so often and an amazing wave channel.  After that we played 18 holes of pitch and putt above Holywell Bay.  Great views but rather cold wind.  Again QT1 won the game.  I was just awful and got the wooden spoon.  I can’t drive the ball straight to save my life and my chipping was wayward as well.  I think my golfing days ended when I had the kids (I hasten to add I was never that good anyway) but as the whole of the rest of the family play I have to make an effort sometimes.

Basically we had 5 days of amazing fun.  We stayed in a holiday rental in St Austell which was modern and clean although with a few technical hitches.  And,  my favourite complaint about holiday homes,  no indoor clothes airer which is a bit crucial at this time of year as there was no dryer.

Oh and we recommend the Rashleigh Arms at Charlestown highly.  We had an amazing meal there mid week during the holiday for Partner’s birthday.  Good value for the money as well,  huge portions.  And of course consistently brilliant St Austell Ales,  brewed up the road.  They had HSD on tap!  as well as Tribute (obviously) and Proper Job.  And another one which I can’t remember the name of.  Ahhh bliss.

I can’t see the point in going abroad when so many beautiful places and excellent experiences are within reach in our own country.  And incidentally it was about 10 degrees warmer in Cornwall than it was back in the Midlands when we got back.  But I guess I am easily pleased.