Whitsands Bay - Port Isaac

The weather has changed!

Sadly it was time to move on my little hideaway Chalet this morning. But there were important things to do first!!! I had to watch the footy!

And it all worked well and I was able to communicate with my family at the ground as I usually do.

And the mighty Hawks won, which was another bonus.

So in between quarters I had to start the re-pack and do a little tidy up. I was not rushing though as I knew I could not book into my next hotel until after lunch and it was only a little over an hour to get there. 

So I packed the car in between the persistent showers and was already to go, when I had the first mini drama of the day.  What would be a day in the life of Wattle Wanderings without some form of drama!!! It was only a simple one, but when I arrived at the place they have a little Key Holder with a code that you enter and it allows you to get the key out..... I couldn't get it to close today so that it was secure again. Fortunately I had Debbie's number... but my next problem was my phone kept telling me I was out of credit (however the data still seems to be working!). Problem solving opportunity for the day. In previous trips I had learned that you can use Skype for ordinary phone calls, as long as you have wifi access, which of course i did have in the house. So I used Skype to ring Debbie and fortunately she was home, and we sorted out an alternative. Phew... first of the day.....

Anyway, I sadly drove away, because I had really enjoyed my stay at Whitsands Bay. It was just a bit like pushing pause on the journey and I came away feeling refreshed.

Well, my GMaps has caught Gaby Garmin's disease..... once again I think it chose every alternative route it could think of as I went via all these little back roads again.  I probably should look more carefully at the route before I start, but I'm still too trusting..  because at least it always gets me there.

Anyway, I think I've changed my attitude a bit and now just accept that's part of driving in the UK.

So, we successfully arrived at the car park in Port Isaac - which many of you will know as the town where Doc Martin is filmed. Because the streets are so narrow, all visitors are required to park at a car park at the top of the town and walk down - cases and all. Fortunately I did a little repack job on my smaller case and hopefully have included everything I need for 2 days, so I only had to bring down the small case. Up here's for thinking!!!! Maybe I won't be so smart later when I find I'm missing something vital!!!

View form Port Isaac Car park

So there was still time for one more mini drama in the day.... :)

In order to pay for your stay in the car park, you have to either use coins (it cost 10 GBP for 2 days) or use this app called Just Parking, which supposedly works for all car parks in Cornwall.  I had tried to get it set up even from home in Perth and had issues with it. Then it was asking for my phone number and I think I used my Australian number and I've changed the sim card to the UK one.... Eventually it said it would accept PayPal, so I was delighted because I trust PayPal. 

Anyway, I pulled up in the car park and went to the machine, as you do.... There were a few people milling around all trying to work it out. One guy ahead of me actually got it to work, so I asked him if he could help me get mine going....

First problem, this particular machine didn't accept paypal... :(

Second Problem - tried my card loaded with British Pounds.... didn't like that one either...

Third Problem.... the rain started to bucket down...

On the fourth try, with the help from this lovely man, we got it working... Yee Haa!!!

Surely life is not meant to be so complicated....

I have to admit I have found people to be exceptionally friendly and helpful over here.... Maybe I'm developing a poor little lady look, but people seem to really want to help you out.

Perhaps we need a few pics here after all that drama!!!

Port Isaac Harbour

The Pharmacy is actually a sweet shop in real life and they make it over each time.

The school

So after all that, I made it down to the town where I am staying at the Slipway Hotel which is right on the top of  the beach where the boats are. And it's lovely. I remember when I booked this that I decided to splurge and book the room with the sea view and I'm  so glad I did...

View of the sea from my window - don't mind the scaffolding

View from my window - looking up the hill to Doc Martin;s house.

So tomorrow I've booked in for the 11am walking tour of the village. It really is a lovely little town... even apart from the Doc Martin connections... I'm here for 2 nights too which is good. Another little pause in the journey.

So now I'm going down to dinner with a lovely view of Port Isaac.

Nearly forgot the map again...