Autumn has not stolen in on softly padded velvet paws this year. No, this year our autumn marched into our lives, laced with gales and fogs. This has been an autumn to send the temperatures spinning and the sea into a frenzy of rolling waves and spray.
This autumn in West Cornwall
This year the autumn has mischievously stolen the sun for days before relenting and coquettishly offering a heat wave instead. In fact its been a Helter-Skelter ride through the seasons!
The Golden sunny days have dawned too, just as the leaves have tumble down in soft terracotta drifts. One such day we stole down to the golden sands of Perranuthnoe beach for one of the last dips of the year.
Oooh the restless maelstrom of weather that has proved to be our autumn this year, each day has offered a new glimpse into the season that shape our lives.
Our changing autumn days.
Apples and orchards
Some mornings dawn cool and spangled with raindrops that cling to the leaves and branches from an overnight weather front.
On these days the Kindling waits on the stairs along with the Apples that are still being gathered from the orchard. The windfalls are shared amongst the foxes and badgers before some find their way to the horses’ mangers for a treat or taken indoors to be relished in apple crumbles for supper.
Perfect autumn mornings
Some mornings dawn bright and brittle – these are the sort of mornings that we associate with autumn. On these mornings when we can see our breath hanging in the air, as we turn the horses out to graze into fields, surrounded by the changing light of dawn. As we return to the courtyard where the fig leaves have started to turn golden sometimes I take a moment to look across the sea, to Penzance and Newlyn imbued with a pink glow across the stillness of Mount’s Bay. Read more about Penzance
Then on with our day and serving breakfast- escorted by Samuel Whiskers of course!
Misty autumn mornings
Other mornings sea fine mysterious mist spreading in from the sea shrouding our garden like of a conjurer’s cloak to conceal its purpose.
This summer our steady household of Spud-cat and horses Danni, Toffee, Magic and Lizzie were joined by Mr Gull (he later turned out out to be two Gulls working shifts but who’s counting!) And Samuel Whiskers: – a distinguished cat of the parish.
Let me introduce Mr Gull and Samuel Whiskers
Samuel Whiskers Esq.
Samuel is a cat so of course insist upon being first to introduce himself! For a couple of years he was only a grey shadowy shape that snoozed in our borders and haunted the barns. If we so much as glanced at him he would scurry away. Finally he discovered Spuds cat meat bowls in the feed house and crept closer before being awarded his own bowl. Over time, his lean sinuous shape has grown rounder and his expression plumped to nearer resemble Top Cat than the previous “haunted moggie”.
He finally made a decision when all the house doors were open for summer. He padded indoors and selected a sofa, before washing his paws and going soundly to sleep. I wouldn’t pride myself that we’re his only home of course – as one as of our guests exclaimed “Six Dinner Sid” Although these day he only ventures outside for meals and the occasion patrol of his territory – if it’s a nice day of course!
Mr Gull the face of the seaside
Mr Gull is a dignified gentleman of a certain age who politely disposes of any breakfast scraps and snoozed through the summer days on the terrace wall. With difficulty he learned to cling to one of the big pots near the front door to watch the stairs although he wasn’t above the odd sortie across the hall to empty an unsuspecting Spud’s bowl of biscuits.
I had a feeing he was telling his mate that he was working hard searching for food for the nest as he dozed safely away from the pressures of fatherhood. Finally the fateful day arrived when his newly fledged offspring followed him to shatter his peaceful bachelor existence!
By the autumn, the new chick had been banished and Mr Gull returned to the peace of his cove. Although he sometimes returns of nice days to see if breakfast is being served in breakfast rooms around the courtyard.
Autumn vibes at Ednovean Farm
Autumn breaks at Ednovean Farm!
If Cornwall is calling you for salty walks along the shore and exhilarating wanders along the cliffs, our special Three Day Autumn breaks are now available. Just look out for the discount button when reserving your room on line
Discover more from Ednovean Farm
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