animal update

Golly, the animals have been busy.  We have 4 chicks hatched.  I was promised they would hatch whilst I was on watch but they hatched a few days after Judith returned from her hols.  They are growing fast and in an ark at the moment so keep an eye out for them if you are visiting.  I have to confess I have a picture for you that Judith has sent me but I have a new phone after my last one went for a swim and I can't get the picture off it - so just imagine 4 little chicks if you can!

The sheep have had their summer hair cut.  They look so small and naked now!  But with this glorious weather we have had down here, which has even made the evenings warm now they needed to have a trim.

Poor Alice the donkey has a sore nose.  She has 'butter cup burn'. Judith was explaining to me that the pollen in the butter cups burns the donkeys noses if they get too much on them so each day Judith is busy rubbing ointment into her which is helping her lots.  She is particularly fond of a carrot at the moment to make her feel better so do indulge her if you see her (Alice that is, not Judith!).

If you like animals why not visit some of the lovely family places nearby.  Newquay Zoo has a lovely selection of animals, or my particular favourite is the Monkey Sanctuary.  We took our own picnic with us and found a lovely spot over looking the coast before admiring the monkeys.  Or you could always chance your luck and take a ride on the Fowey to Mevagissey Ferry.  At the moment you might be really lucky and get to see some dolphin, seals or basking sharks - check the ferry is running as it is very weather dependant.

Animal antics

Last week I told you I was house sitting for Judith.  Now I will be honest with you I actually texted Judith and asked her to stay away longer, not in a bad way, it was just so lovely staying at Tregongeeves!  Firstly it is very baby proof.  Other than terrorising Mitsy the Cat Jessica was fairly safe and absolutely loved feeding the animals each morning.

Luckily I have a sling to wear her in so each morning we have under taken the huge task of making sure everyone had their breakfast and as Judith put it were still on 'two/four feet'.  I was grateful to have the assistance of a very eager volunteer who helped me collect the eggs, feed the chickens, give the pigs a tickle and provide the donkeys and Alice the Shetland with a carrot each morning.  My biggest mistake was going into to see Rosie, Jim, Declan and Betty the sheep.  They are so very, very friendly, so much so that they want to lean against you which is lovely apart from when it has been damp over night - I got soaked!!  Jessica and I loved the animals.  The guinea pig and cat we have at our own house now seem rather lacking compared to the vast collection Judith has acquired.

After breakfast we then enjoyed a lovely play, sometimes in the games room, making the most of the toys and books.   With a little person almost walking the games room was a perfect practice area, safe, secure and fairly soft for when she nosed dived!

Following lunch we were then lucky enough to have a dip in the heated pool.  For some reason children love the pool as the roof is slightly reflective so they can see themselves splashing around.  The shrieks of laughter from splashing around were very loud from both of us - then a chill out on the side of the pool as it is lovely and toasty.

I felt like I was on holiday! Back to work now and the cleaning of my own home!  If you would like to book your own stay at Tregongeeves to meet the animals, relax in the pool, barbecue on the patio or explore Cornwall then please do contact us.

'Tis balmy

Now hopefully I will not curse the weather but  it is gorgeous at the moment.  Two days on the beach this week have resulted in a house full of sand but it is worth it to hear the crashing of the waves and see our little one exploring the sand.  Day one was spent on this coast at Porthpean - I have mentioned it before but it is such a lovely little spot and a little bit of a hidden gem.  The car park is £3 for the day and there is a small shop on the beach selling ice creams and bits & bobs.  There are also toilets.  As for the beach itself it is clean and sheltered and has a large selection of rock pools to explore.  If you fancy a change whilst there you could venture up onto the coastal path; Duporth and then Charlestown are only a short walk away.

Our second beach this week was Treyarnon Bay which is on the north coast.  The large sandy expanse was very quiet and sheltered but the waves were big.  The beach, which has lifeguards present is stunning and bigger enough to hold the crowds I am sure it would attract on a Saturday.  Again the car park was £3 for the whole day and there were toilets and food on offer - we took a picnic which was just lovely.  After the beach we strolled along the flat cliffs taken in a bit more of the coastal path - it is such a different coast to the south coast.

After a visit to the north coast why not pop into Kingsley Village - this shopping outlet stocks locks of local bits and bobs and has a fantastic food hall that does amazing cakes and meat for the BBQ.

Finally I must apolgise for the delay writing this blog.  My brother got married in Southampton last week so we have been away for a few days which with a little one means lots of packing and then lots of washing.  Any of you staying from this Saturday (8th June) will notice one big difference - no Judith & John! They are off for a few days away so Richard, Jessica and I will be moving in

 to man the ship whilst they are away.  I am in charge of the animals - which I am slightly nervous about so be prepared for lots of animal stories next week.  Apparently I just need to ensure they are all standing when Judith returns.... fingers crossed!