Day 11 - Crackington Haven to Bude

It had been a very wet and windy night, but a bright morning and Bernie was up early and raring to go! The forecast was for bright spells and rain this afternoon, so I was unconcerned when I passed him on the road 15 minutes later putting on his raincoat as a heavy shower started. I arrived in Bude and had a problem with the car park machine; I'd paid for 5 hours but the ticket only said 3! Had to leave a note explaining as I had no more change.

By this time dark clouds had come over again and rain was threatening. I had promised to meet Bernie about 2 and a half miles away and I set out still thinking that the bad weather would blow over. However, 10 minutes later the heavens opened and there was thunder, lightning and hailstones which lasted all the way to Salthouse. Checked the forecast again and they had updated it at about 9 am saying that there would be heavy, thundery showers all day! I arrived at the pub soaked to the skin with squelching puddles in my boots - even my knickers were drenched.

Storm approaching!

Bernie had been there about 15 mins before and was standing in a pool of water by the bar! I had a fantastic hot chocolate and the weather had brightened up for the walk back but I was pleased when we got back to the van and I could pour the water out of my boots!

Forgot to mention the dog called Pippa who was with Wendy and Richard yesterday. She sat as good as gold while we talked for an hour, waiting to go on her walk. Apparently they have her on loan for walks - what a good idea. Anyone need their dog walking in the next few months?

From Bernie:

Today's walk 9.4 miles : Cumulative 140.7 miles

Bit lazy today, really. Had intended to press on to Coombe, or even Morwenstow, but after sheltering in 'The Bay View Inn' at Widemouth Bay it was hard to get going again! I was on the cliff-top at Millook when the rain started & if I'd had a surfboard I'd have been in Bude in no time! After two shorter days we're back on the original schedule.

Millook - I was on this cliff when the thunder & lightning started!

Highlight: It was great to be back in Bude, a place of fond memories. We were last here as a family for New Year 2002 & walked the last bit of today's trek, along the picturesque canal, with my Mum & Dad. It was also the occasion we met our future, and very recent, son-in-law for the first time (see earlier pages!). Hi, Andy!

Today the town was full of school groups on adventure outings, happily splashing about in canoes & trying to tip each other into the canal despite the weather!

Bude Canal

Beer of the Day: 'Sennen', a pale Skinner's bitter; I much preferred this to their award-winning 'Betty Stoggs' - similar flavour but lighter & much more refreshing

Bude Beach

Nathan: I'd been a bit reluctant to go back to Boscastle & wasn't really sure what to expect but I agree with you; if it wasn't for the fascinating displays in the Info Centre a first-time visitor would never suspect what happened here.