To a Long Steep Hill

 There was supposed to be a parade of ships yesterday, but there was quite a big storm and it was correctly cancelled.  Instead, the five square-rigged vessels sneak out one by one this morning with bare poles.  We get glimpses using the binoculars from Cliff Road, which is handily close to the B & B. Chris is developing a nasty cough and cold, but we take the ferry to St Mawes, get sandwiches and proceed on by a second ferry across the creek to Place.  The idea is to put all this water behind us in case our next visit comes in winter when ferries aren't running.  Onwards to Portscatho and Fowey! 

 Yesterday we checked that the Helford ferry runs to 20.30, and not 17.00 as stated on the website.  So we have booked a taxi (old friends Telstar) to take us back to Porthallow.  It's the halfway point where we finished last March. It's the 35 bus again to Helford Passage.  Ferry is prompt, £9.00 pp return and Telstar is waiting for us in the car park across in Helford.  We notice a nice looking cafe in the car park.  Forecast was for another hot day, but this is Cornwall and local conditions prevail.  There's a bit of a sea fret with low cloud and it's distinctly chilly on Porthallow Beach.  Ever-helpful chap from Telstar warns us that there is a broken bridge with huge inland detours.  He says it's possible to just walk round the bridge on the beach and to ignore the detours.  We thank him and pay £25.00 for the trip.  We get take-away coffees from the quirky beach cafe and set out up the cliff.  I regret wearing shorts. He'...

 We are in Falmouth.  As well as doing a little bit of the Path, we are here to see the Tall Ships and hang out with daughter Kathy and family. WE are booked into a splendid B & B called The Red House on Melvill Road near Falmouth Town Station.  Although here for a week, I am only writing the days we actually progressed on the Path. So, today we catch the 35 bus from the Moor to Helford Passage and walk back to Falmouth.  It's a beautiful day and this is quite a gentle stretch, although a bit longer than we thought.  There's no phone signal on the path (a common problem) and we manage to lose each other while I am stopped as I try to listen to the women's football world cup.  Later discovered they beat Australia 3 - 1. Ho! We have a late sandwich lunch at Maenporth.  Beach is packed but looks nice.  We get to the Red House at 17.00, both knackered after walking 10.5 miles.