Doc Martin and Rick Stein

Two very different characters shaped today's adventures - Doc Martin and Rick Stein.

Not long after we commenced our journey today (past the Dartmoor Prison, although we could not see it due to the fact that visibility was down to about 100m on the moors) we crossed the Tamar river and entered Cornwall. Interestingly enough, we passed Launceston close to this ( pronounced Lawns-tunn) as well.

Now heading southwards , we wound our way towards the coast between the ever present hedgerows and found ourselves on the outskirts of Port Isaac in time for elevenses (as Pooh would say).

The drizzly weather kindly lifted a little, allowing us to enjoy the steep coastal walk into the seaside fishing town made famous by the grumpy and haemaphobic Doc Martin Ellingham who has visited our homes from the comfort of our TV screens. The narrow streets (just wide enough to allow a four wheel drive) wound through the stone and whitewashed buildings, , and we happily found the foot track leading up the hill on the other side of town in order to photograph the town, with it's sheltered harbour inside the sea walls.

Just as the TV suggests, there is only a tiny beach. We found the Doc's home and Mrs Tishel's chemist shop along with icecream and a few pieces of weathered sea glass on the grey , pebbly beach.

A bit windblown but with a great view

Martin's house is the small stone one in front of the large stone one

Mrs Tishel's shop sells icecream and fudge!!

Travelling on we had one of our special treats for the week with lunch at one of Rick Steins seafood restaurants at Padstow. We were treated to delicious three course meals and truly excellent service, along with the great company of our fellow group members. The cup of tea came with three tiny treats-a raspberry tart, a salted caramel and a tiny white chocolate and vanilla fudge square.

Padstow tide was out, and many boats were sitting on the sand (or mud) today.  There is certainly lots of sand here.

We will be staying in Falmouth for the next three nights. Apparently this is one of the three deepest natural harbours in the world, along with Sydney and Rio, and grew from that great natural asset.