So there we were; wood burner lit, old lady blankets placed on our laps, nibbles consumed and prosecco flowing... New Year Eve 2020 was well underway and spirits were high ready to celebrate the end of a pretty 'unusual' year.
As the countdown approached more and more vehicles started to arrive, full of local revelers ready to ring in the New Year on the beach. We were full swing in the planning of our midnight swim in our birthday suits and debating the fact whether wet shoes were allowed... it was agreed bobble hats only!
The clock neared midnight as four crazy (including two middle-aged - who should know better!) women started to de-robe and psych themselves up for the impending chilly dip... 'Ready, Steady, Go' shouted Kerry, as we started the 400m dash to the water's edge; it being low tide was not helpful, and halfway there, there was mutual agreement that shoes may have been a good idea, as the little pebbles were super sharp on our frozen toes. As we hit the freezing water, there were screams, giggles and a few choice swear words; but there we were splashing and floating around, stark naked, in the middle of the night, in the bloody cold Cornish sea; just our bobble hats visible above the waves!
After the water had caused tingling in places you don't expect, we decided we'd better make the long dash back up the beach to the warmth of the vans... however, just as we set off the sky was awash with coloured lights, as the locals set off a series of spectacular fireworks; in turn highlighting our womanly curves and features on what seemed a VERY long run back to the vans!! To be honest, it felt pretty awesome and we couldn't help but laugh at the sight the poor locals were being subjected to during this period of celebration. We arrived back to the vans to a round of applause and a wolf whistle or two, whilst the beautiful fireworks carried on flashing above our heads as we flashed on the sand... HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
The next day, I woke to the most stunning sunrise and frozen sand (frozen sand - hysterical!), and after a delicious breakfast bap and coffee from the yummy cafe on the beach, we hit the water for the first surf of 2021. It was super chilly, but the waves were looking awesome and we once again made the dash to the sea, but in wetsuits this time and without the audience!
The rest of the day was a joyous affair with lots of eating, lounging, naughty video watching (read my last blog!) and a second surf in the afternoon... Again I woke to the most beautiful sunrise and it seemed rude not to indulge in another bap to support the local businesses!! The surf was looking pretty big, so we decided to go for a gentle mooch around the coast and explore some rock pools, whilst dreaming of a fish and chip supper that evening... nom nom nom. Just as we got back to the van the heavens opened and it was back inside to relax for a bit before an early evening surf by the girls, as I turned my van in to 'Buttercup's Sandy Doggy Daycare' and stayed inside keeping warm with all the dogs.
Bad news... there are NO, I repeat NO, fish and chip shops open within a 15mile radius this week. I thought Kerry may start a riot, but I dashed to the Spar shop and got a bag of frozen chips and some sausages; and 'Emma's Plaice' was born! Tah Dah!
It's the last morning of our Road Trip, the sky is once again an array of pinks and blues and the rainbow points the way to our very own pots of gold. 'Emma's Big Baps' is open for business this morning, after a final swim in the sea, offering delicious sausage and egg baps and mugs of coffee. It's amazing the number of businesses I could run from my van! Loving the title of this one the best... I was even seen rocking my Hugh Hefner look in my dressing gown after our swim!
After some debate on what 'skins' constitutes - we decide cossies, bobble hat and a rash vest is ok, as are gloves and shoes, as it's still pretty Baltic (may well have worn wetsuits!); we skip and giggle down to the sea for our final swim. The waves hit us hard as we run in to the water and the emotions start to surface as we realise our little adventure is coming to an end for now. Covid restrictions are back in force and we need to return to our normal stomping grounds.
As we run out of the water, jumping the waves, Kerry and George decide once last surf is in order, and in they head to ride one final glorious wave all the way to the shore, before we pack up and say goodbye to this wonderful slice of paradise...
Until the next adventure...
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