penwith

I had a lovely Bank Hol weekend walking, surfing and snorkelling around Penwith. I love the scenery, it's wild and almost as lovely as Crannog area. And it was bliss to live the simple quiet life for a few days like in Oz.

Surf was crap at Sennen, but so was my performance. But I went out last night in high tide noreasterly windswell at Fistral and had tons of waves including my best right for an age. Supposed to be flat until next week at least, but I think tonight will work again.

Blessings

Blessings, Anna Quindlen
I've heard some really great quotes of hers and had lots of creative types I admire say she's great, so I suppose it was hyped up too much — at first I couldn't see what the fuss was about, but in the end this sweet story and the way she explores the boundaries of love and different kinds of love…it was amazing and I'll be looking for more of her stuff. This isn't her most famous one either! 9/10

bacn

Because everyone is having a bacn butty.

I iz more bord than u.

south

Heading south for the bank hol weekend, can't wait! Just me, van, dog, boards and books. There should be a few waves and even some sun. I hope to spot Bilbo the lifeguarding dog as well!

A new fave!

corgi

Stephen King has a Corgi called Frodo. I am in good writerly company:

'You have to have a place, but it can be anywhere, really. You have to have some time, but it can be anytime. Early this summer, while my wife and son were doing a joint reading at the public library in Portland, Maine, I got stuck with dog-duty. Our dog is Frodo, a plump and cheerful Welsh Corgi. He makes no trouble. I took him to Deering Oaks Park, found a bench in the shade and wrote four good pages on my new novel in the notebook I carry around. Frodo kept an eye on the ducks. Those four pages weren't perfect -- far from it -- but they were words on paper, and they marched.

People walked past, and no one gasped, "Oh, look! That man is caught in the cosmic godhead fire of the writing life!"'

more

Utah! Get me 2!

Oh yes, Point Break 2! I knew he didn't die at Bells. Be sure to read the comments as well.

Blog Action Day

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cyflym

High tide session at windswelly lumpy small Wedge with Alex and Brett the Kiwis. Caught a couple but frustrating waves. Can't blame the tools though, the S4 feels fast and loose - as soon as I lean into a bottom turn it shoots forward; I just can't wait for some proper waves! Unfortunately I have to go inland for the weekend :-( so I will miss the swell. Anyway, I had one nice left and one right I cut back on, just feeling those fins work their magic but I want a proper long wally wave. Patience. Sigh.

the island

The Island by Victoria Hislop. A family saga set in Crete and Spinalonga leper colony. Family secrets and lives. A good beach read though I felt something was missing…just the dept of some of the more 'lit' books read recently. But still a moving read. 6/10.

Dragonslayer

Well, I did it…

I bought me a 6'1" S4 Simon Anderson quad from Down The Line.

Had a little surf with Laura on Monday as I got the afternoon off. Small crappy onshorey north Fistral. Paddling out was okay, but after a while my chest was so sore. Had to get out for a little rest halfway through. Still, I caught a few and did one little re-entry so I was happy. Fitness - oh dear.

Christened the Dragonslayer on Tuesday after work. High tide Fistral, usual rubbish and crowded as well. There was too much of a shorey for me to risk those four fins on! I only got one really, and couldn't do much before pulling off. Board feels nice under me though. Amazing to get back in the water, though I have to be careful! No big waves for a while. The board will have to wait for a proper test as I am inland for Ali's hen do…

leafy

Another personality test and a good one. I'm a leafy type - I like to research, read, understand, gain knowledge. Also: 'Leafies are the most creative people on the planet and they approach every aspect of life with originality. Sometimes Leafies have extremist and nonconformist ideas. They're very interesting to listen to as they can spout details about everything under the sun. Generally, Leafies can't handle aggression and confrontation aimed at them. They can become very vulnerable to criticism. When a Leafy gets really stressed out or down, they tend to deal with it by staying at home and unplugging the phone.'

gossip

Friend tells me a friend working in the Maldives (not sure I can say his name so won't!) in a 5-star resort has Kelly Slater and Cameron Diaz staying there. Nice.

I'm going to buy my board this weekend. Then I'm saving for a proper holiday, I have 7 days left so might go somewhere this year even! Not likely though.

hermit crab

http://www.virgintrains-survey.co.uk/payoff-hermitcrab.html

My Destination Hotspot is: A youth hostel - anywhere difficult to get to.
You see any journey as a challenge - the more difficult the better.
You're in charge of all travel arrangements. You check and re-check everything obsessively, before providing everyone concerned with a detailed travel itinerary and a minute-by-minute timing schedule.
If you can't carry it on your back, it's not coming with you.
You're on first name terms with all the staff at your local Milletts.
Any journey is planned with military precision - the army could learn a thing or two from you.
Likelihoods:
Having ready access to a bar of Kendal Mint Cake.
92%
Your tan starts just above your sockline
77%
Your rucksack is bigger than your car
58%

Your favourite travel snap: One of you conquering anything.
Favourite travel outfit: Anything waterproof. And thermal.
Favourite mode of transport: Your feet.
Ideal travel companion: Bear Grylls.

Harry Potter

Finished Harry Potter (took five days). I find her pacing odd sometimes, racing then crawling, trying to fit sooo much in it sometimes jars a little. But consummate storyteller no question, it's not often I am keen to get home just for a book (well, actually…) and remember the book I've got there with a little thrill! I'm glad she resolved it how she did, everything seemed to fit well and I'm glad there was no attempt to really shock with a diversion from the 'rules' of the much-loved world she has created.

Funnily enough, she recognises the fitting-it-in problem in this interview: JK Rowling tells more about the fate of Harry and co. Warning: spoilers galore!

9/10 (no, nothing gets 10 from me!)