tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19533598198189476612024-03-13T03:30:09.242-07:00Julia's KnitWits BlogJulia's Knit Wits BlogJuliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05996681881200099081noreply@blogger.comBlogger493125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953359819818947661.post-55432779773771496382014-12-04T11:10:00.002-08:002014-12-04T11:10:47.996-08:00CLOSING DOWN SALE!Knitwits Yarns <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/">knitwitspenzance.co.uk</a><br />
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Following on from my last post, the shop has now - officially - closed - although we are still in there painting and sorting and customers are still coming in and buying wool!!<br />
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We are pretty low on stock now so we've now reduced all wool by 50% (except for Guernsey 5ply and Cornish Organic Wool) and all patterns are down to just £1.00.<br />
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Buy now to avoid disappointment - when it's gone, it's gone! <br />
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Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05996681881200099081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953359819818947661.post-21775703672014876432014-10-06T10:14:00.002-07:002014-10-06T10:14:41.916-07:00Casting OffKnitwits Yarns <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/">knitwitspenzance.co.uk</a><br />
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It is with great sadness that I have to announce that, after over 30 years of trading - 9 on my watch - Knit Wits in Penzance is closing.<br />
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As many of you will know, the shop has been on the market for 2 years but the lack of a buyer, both of our boys now having moved onto University and our desire to do something different has brought us to this difficult decision.<br />
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Should anyone out there have a longing to live in Penzance and own a wool shop then now's your chance to come forward!<br />
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In the meantime, there are further reductions in the shop and online so snap them up now!!<br />
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Thank you for your support over the years and a very big thank you to our staff, Marie and Tracey, for their wonderful support over the years.Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05996681881200099081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953359819818947661.post-65798697922829054282014-09-14T11:12:00.000-07:002014-09-14T11:12:14.791-07:00It Always Happens When You're Away ...!Knitwits Yarns <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/">knitwitspenzance.co.uk</a><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">It always happens when you're away ..... We are in Scotland having safely delivered youngest son to Uni and poor Marie has broken her wrist (badly). So, I'm sorry to say that - for this week only (15th- 20th September) - the shop will only be open on Tuesday (16th) and Thursday (18th) (10am - 4pm) and Saturday (20th) from 1.30pm. We asked eldest son (who is manning the fort at home) if he fancied a turn in the shop but he said he wouldn't know how to turn the till on!! Apologies for any inconvenience but I'm sure everyone will join me in wishing Marie a speedy recovery and, in the meantime, you can continue to order online as usual. Thanks! </span>Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05996681881200099081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953359819818947661.post-38623473178551190342014-09-03T11:48:00.000-07:002014-09-03T11:51:29.475-07:00Finished - At Last!Knitwits Yarns <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/">knitwitspenzance.co.uk</a><br />
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Over the last few days (and weeks) I have sewn in a lot of ends:<br />
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This pile is just a small number of the total.<br />
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The blanket is BIG!<br />
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and colourful:<br />
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and should cheer up his room and keep him warm during those cold Scottish nights:<br />
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It's been a really great project and a labour of love:<br />
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and, yes, I'm really pleased it's over!!<br />
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Normal life can now resume! <br />
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<br />Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05996681881200099081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953359819818947661.post-182017700608211402014-08-09T07:56:00.002-07:002014-08-09T07:56:25.901-07:00Knitting PsychologyKnitwits Yarns <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/">knitwitspenzance.co.uk</a><br />
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Can't believe it's been almost a month since my last entry but, as ever, I haven't been sitting around twiddling my thumbs!<br />
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I am still doing battle with <a href="http://juliaknitwits.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/i-have-been-knitting-toms-blanket.html">Tom's University Blanket</a> but am pleased to say that the end is definitely in sight - just 9 more squares a ton of ends to weave in and an applied i-cord edge and I'll be done!! - which has got me to thinking about the psychology of knitting:<br />
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We decide we want a new project so we trundle off to our local yarn shop (if we're lucky enough to have one) and we trawl through their collection of hundreds of patterns and, in time, we find the perfect pattern and the perfect yarn. We are excited - this project is going to be GREAT - we can't wait to get home and get started.<br />
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We cast on and get cracking and it's great - all is well - we've made the perfect choice - the yarn is great, the pattern is great - we show it to our partners (repeatedly) - they grunt and feign interest and we rave about the wonders of our latest project.<br />
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For a few days (or possibly weeks) we continue to enthuse about this project.<br />
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And then something happens. At some indeterminate point our enthusiasm begins to wane - if we're knitting socks it may be half way through the second one, for a garment it could be the second sleeve - but, whatever it is we're knitting, we (almost) always reach this point. <br />
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If - at this point - we re-visit our yarn shop then it's entirely likely that our previous, much loved project is doomed. Doomed forever to be that wip (work in progress), doomed to be shoved in a bag whilst the next, best, most exciting project in the world is cast on. Doomed to be shoved in the back of a cupboard and forgotten about for a very long time.<br />
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If we're good and don't stray our project becomes a labour of love and loyalty. We stick with it because we really do want to wear it at some point. We do still really like the picture on the pattern but, oh boy, the knitting part is becoming tedious and boring and, really, we JUST WANT IT DONE!!<br />
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And, then, when the knitting's all finished we realise that - really - there's still a long way to go - the edgings, the sewing up, the finishing touches - they seem to go on ... and on ... and on......<br />
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But, then, we finish! Hoorah!! All done! We try it on. We show our partner (who feigns interest again). We wear it out. People comment. We say (proudly) "oh, yeah, I made it".<br />
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And, then, we forget the days when we really found it a drag and we go back to the yarn shop and we do it all over again ...... and we find the next, best, most amazing pattern and yarn and it's going to be the best bit of knitting ever and we're going to finish it in record time and it's never going to get boring. Yup, this next project is going to be GREAT!<br />
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If I EVER mention knitting another blanket would someone please remind me about the point where it becomes a boring and tedious labour of love. I won't listen to you (obviously) but at least you can say "I told you so" when I get there!Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05996681881200099081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953359819818947661.post-53582405249243968542014-07-14T08:50:00.001-07:002014-07-14T08:53:53.332-07:00Summer Sale at Knit Wits!Knitwits Yarns <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/">knitwitspenzance.co.uk</a><br />
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Well ... it's that time of year when we need to clear some room on our shelves so - yes - it's Summer Sale Time!<br />
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We have 4 Debbie Bliss yarns with 25% off. <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/series_this_brand.php?brand=3&series=188">Angel</a>:<br />
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<a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/series_this_brand.php?brand=3&series=249">Angel Prints</a>:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qBsViSqBybU/U8P0V1kBwvI/AAAAAAAAFTg/fTZFFHbcwic/s1600/15805+Angel+Prints.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qBsViSqBybU/U8P0V1kBwvI/AAAAAAAAFTg/fTZFFHbcwic/s1600/15805+Angel+Prints.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/series_this_brand.php?brand=3&series=221">Rialto Lace</a>:<br />
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and <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/series_this_brand.php?brand=3&series=285">Juliet</a>:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s0wyQR3rVgA/U8P03yFdAAI/AAAAAAAAFTw/dGc9GRXVWf4/s1600/Debbie+Bliss+Juliet+shade+05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s0wyQR3rVgA/U8P03yFdAAI/AAAAAAAAFTw/dGc9GRXVWf4/s1600/Debbie+Bliss+Juliet+shade+05.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Three Adriafil yarns with 25% off. <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/series_this_brand.php?brand=21&series=253">Margarita</a>:<br />
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<a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/series_this_brand.php?brand=21&series=260">Alchimia</a>:<br />
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which means that our <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/series_this_brand.php?brand=21&series=280">Alchimia Cowl Kits</a> are also reduced by 25%:<br />
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and <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/series_this_brand.php?brand=21&series=284">Energia</a>:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K2Qqf-IK03o/U8P1-9ggtjI/AAAAAAAAFUM/ftdcIMdoQrY/s1600/66+Adriafil+Energia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K2Qqf-IK03o/U8P1-9ggtjI/AAAAAAAAFUM/ftdcIMdoQrY/s1600/66+Adriafil+Energia.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Adriafil's "<a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/series_this_brand.php?brand=21&series=239">Bloom</a>" at just £1.99 - which is 44% off:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yGqnqj-zWgk/U8P2Wg6C5fI/AAAAAAAAFUU/Nj7BQ4U12R8/s1600/Adriafil+Bloom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yGqnqj-zWgk/U8P2Wg6C5fI/AAAAAAAAFUU/Nj7BQ4U12R8/s1600/Adriafil+Bloom.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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and 3 Adriafil yarns at 50% off. <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/series_this_brand.php?brand=21&series=237">Dakota</a>:<br />
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<a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/series_this_brand.php?brand=21&series=240">Furetto</a>:<br />
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and<a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/series_this_brand.php?brand=21&series=261"> Vesuvio</a>:<br />
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We are also selling off ALL Katia<a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/series_this_brand.php?brand=8&series=149"> Triana,</a> <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/series_this_brand.php?brand=8&series=196">Triana Lux</a> and <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/series_this_brand.php?brand=8&series=152">Rizos</a> scarf yarn at just £1.99 per ball!!! (Triana Lux was originally £7.95!).<br />
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Our last remaining balls of <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/series_this_brand.php?brand=26&series=139">Can Can Scarf Yarn</a> are now £4.50 (originally £9.99) !!<br />
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We also have <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/series_this_brand.php?brand=31&series=205">Icelandic Lopi</a> pure wool reduced by 25% to just £3.90 per 100g ball:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p3imIJ0hUk8/U8P3rPda14I/AAAAAAAAFU4/-W2R_-8ouZI/s1600/Lopi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p3imIJ0hUk8/U8P3rPda14I/AAAAAAAAFU4/-W2R_-8ouZI/s1600/Lopi.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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And Rico's "<a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/series_this_brand.php?brand=26&series=255">Summer Print</a>" tape yarn reduced by 25% to just £2.89:<br />
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We also have bags of 10 x 50g balls of Cornish Organic Wool DK reduced from £49.99 to £39.99 which is, effectively, Buy 8 Get 2 Free! I can't make our website show this reduction so <i><u>EITHER</u></i> give us a ring in the shop on (01736) 367069 <u><i><b>OR</b></i></u> order 8 balls and then send us an email saying that you'd like the free 2 as well! - We'll probably have worked it out anyway but an email never hurts!<br />
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That's it for now - ENJOY our fantastic savings!!!!!!!!!!<br />
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All prices showing on our site are the sale prices.Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05996681881200099081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953359819818947661.post-76579084089985844952014-06-26T11:13:00.002-07:002014-06-26T11:16:09.370-07:0025% off All Aran Weight Yarns For One Week - and a new Aran hat!Knitwits Yarns <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/">knitwitspenzance.co.uk</a><br />
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For those of you who haven't found out by other means (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Knit-Wits-Wool-Shop-Penzance/361850327197037">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/index.php">Newspage</a> or Window Display), we have 25% off all our Aran Weight Yarns for the next week!<br />
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25% is a saving worth making the most of so check out our Aran weight yarns and pick up a bargain!<br />
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In honour of the sale I quickly designed my "<a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/this_pattern.php?item=6403">Crazy Stupid Hat</a>", using Adriafil's <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/series_this_brand.php?brand=21&series=270">Stella Jacq</a> self-patterning Aran weight yarn. In essence, the front and back are two different colour and with just the single tassel you can wear the hat a myriad of ways:<br />
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Colour 1: <br />
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Colour 2:<br />
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Colour 1:<br />
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Colour 2:<br />
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Half and half:<br />
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Just silly (useful if you need to dash to the shops and can't be bothered to put make-up on and don't really mind that you can't see where you're going):<br />
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Happy Sale Knitting everyone!!Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05996681881200099081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953359819818947661.post-49783399076174884522014-06-23T09:01:00.001-07:002014-06-23T09:06:28.337-07:00Porthcurno to Land's End (and back!)Knitwits Yarns <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/">knitwitspenzance.co.uk</a><br />
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We're almost at the point of taking this fantastic hot weather for granted but I hear it could be on the change so we couldn't waste a moment of it.<br />
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You may remember that, way back in March, we did "<a href="http://juliaknitwits.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/wills-walk.html">Will's Walk</a>" but, at the end of <a href="http://juliaknitwits.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/wills-walk-day-two.html">Day 2</a>, we'd taken the sensible precaution of leaving the coast path at Porthcurno and finishing the walk by road. So, yesterday, in glorious sunshine, we decided to complete the final leg from Porthcurno to Land's End. The last time we'd been at Porthcurno it was getting dark, it was cold and we'd been walking for 2 days so were feeling a little jaded. Yesterday couldn't have been more different:<br />
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That is not a postcard (although it could be). That is Porthcurno beach yesterday morning - does it ever get more perfect? - I think not. We walked on and caught another perfect shot looking back down to the beach:<br />
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From there it's not too far to Porth Chapel beach (again, perfect but a bit more of a scramble to get to):<br />
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And thence on to Porthgwarra and its distinctive path through the rock:<br />
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There was a film crew at Porthgwarra and I believe they're filming a new Poldark series - can the re-make possibly be as good as the original?!<br />
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Again, the sea at Porthgwarra was glorious and stupendously clear:<br />
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and, from there, the coastal views were spectacular all the way to Land's End (where we enjoyed a well deserved Cornish ice cream!):<br />
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On the way we just missed this cow giving birth to her tiny, stumbling little calf - Mum was eating the afterbirth as we watched her baby miraculously finding her udder:<br />
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This arch and Longships Lighthouse always mean that Land's End is close!<br />
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We walked back across the fields and were delighted to walk<strike> through</strike> around this field with its edge border of wild flowers - daisies, poppies and the occasional cornflower - presumably for insects and birds - really beautiful:<br />
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We rarely visit this but of coastline, preferring to walk straight from our door, but we are planning more expeditions to other parts of the coast we've never visited so we can "fill in the gaps"!<br />
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<br />Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05996681881200099081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953359819818947661.post-38196316051119997822014-06-21T09:05:00.000-07:002014-06-21T09:06:14.719-07:00The Crocheted ThingKnitwits Yarns <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/">knitwitspenzance.co.uk</a><br />
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I've blogged about my bedspread before, which I started about 2 years ago having sorted my stash and realised that the situation was getting out of control:<br />
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It was (and pretty much remains) my only crochet project - nothing like starting with something small. Here it is in the early days with the now {sadly} deceased Deidre:<br />
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Each row is crocheted back and forth and it takes me an evening to do one row. It also takes quite a lot of yarn to crochet one row (it reaches from floor to floor over our king sized bed) so can only be worked with almost full balls from the stash - clearly I had quite a few of these. Here it is in situ in October last year:<br />
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Since then it has grown some more:<br />
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and requires just a few more rows to reach right up to the top of the bed.<br />
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Yesterday, the builder finishing our bathroom floor decided to use our bed as a work bench (despite the obvious application of a dust sheet and the fact that it was a glorious day and any normal, sensible person would have considered doing all their sawing outside). In the process of cutting up hardboard to cover the floor prior to the laying of the vinyl on Monday he managed to slice through a small piece of my blanket (and the dust sheet) - going through 2 colours, of course - and covering our entire bedroom in a layer of cloying dust. <br />
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I found the hole this morning.<br />
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I nearly wept. I shouted a lot. I may have, inadvertently, cursed the entire male species in my fury. I definitely accused all men of being careless, thoughtless and disrespectful. I think I might have lost it (whatever "it" is) for a while.<br />
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I have now found some (almost) matching wool to repair the hole tonight.<br />
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On the plus side, FB is spending the whole of this afternoon (whilst I'm in the shop) dusting, washing down and hoovering our bedroom; thereby proving that not all men are thoughtless.<br />
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Thanks FB, for restoring my faith and (some) of my sanity.Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05996681881200099081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953359819818947661.post-67097612971995981742014-06-16T07:19:00.000-07:002014-06-16T07:19:00.035-07:00Cornwall at its Absolute Best!Knitwits Yarns <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/">knitwitspenzance.co.uk</a><br />
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When Cornwall looks this good why would anyone want to go anywhere else?!<br />
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Yesterday was a glorious day so we set off, with friends, to make the most of it - over to the north coast:<br />
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Look at this wonderful old field system:<br />
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and down to the coast:<br />
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From here we walked back, sat in the garden drinking Pimm's and ate a wonderful barbecue (and Tracy's astonishing chocolate cheesecake). <br />
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The perfect Sunday! <br />
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Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05996681881200099081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953359819818947661.post-63851315490211311922014-06-09T07:33:00.000-07:002014-06-09T07:36:05.794-07:00Another Beautiful Walk (and another blanket)Knitwits Yarns <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/">knitwitspenzance.co.uk</a><br />
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After a manically busy couple of weeks during which Tom returned from his gap year - early, so he could surprise Guy on his 21st birthday at Uni - we drove a big circuit to collect and deliver presents {Cornwall, Oxfordshire [for lunch], Buckinghamshire [overnight], Shropshire [overnight], Somerset [overnight], Cornwall [collapse in a heap]} things are now returning to some kind of normality (if, by normality you understand that this means clothes all over the landing, lights left on in every room and no food in the fridge {or cupboards}) and our priority was a good yomp on Sunday.<br />
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Tom joined us, which was really good, and his presence seemed to have the effect of upping the pace! FB denies this but I'm convinced that two lots of testosterone inevitably leads to competition and, thus, the pace increases! So, we yomped up to Chun Quoit (quite possibly my favourite Quoit):<br />
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and then down to the coast:<br />
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the path is looking glorious with all the spring flowers:<br />
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and then back up over Watchcroft to home:<br />
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bluebells and foxgloves in the foreground, St Michael's Mount just visible in the background.<br />
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For those of you who've missed it, I've just finished a new <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/this_pattern.php?item=6392">baby blanket:</a><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-myA6kFZWgGY/U5XDc-9zHhI/AAAAAAAAFOw/olbx9tOZiOs/s1600/Jazzy+Baby+Blanket+2+LR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-myA6kFZWgGY/U5XDc-9zHhI/AAAAAAAAFOw/olbx9tOZiOs/s1600/Jazzy+Baby+Blanket+2+LR.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
in Adriafil's "<a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/series_this_brand.php?series=284&brand=21">Energia</a>" - just 4 balls (one ball for each square) and the border is knitted in integrally so no edgings to add on - Simples! (And the pattern is FREE when you buy 4 balls!)<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OuLrvbMWw8g/U5XDvjkbmjI/AAAAAAAAFO4/Sp31PDGT6ro/s1600/Jazzy+Baby+Blanket+3+LR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OuLrvbMWw8g/U5XDvjkbmjI/AAAAAAAAFO4/Sp31PDGT6ro/s1600/Jazzy+Baby+Blanket+3+LR.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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In case you haven't noticed, we are also now on Facebook so please do go and "<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Knit-Wits-Wool-Shop-Penzance/361850327197037">Like</a>" our page!<br />
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I'm slowly lurching into the 21st century!<br />
<br />Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05996681881200099081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953359819818947661.post-84918603920678507412014-05-28T04:45:00.002-07:002014-05-28T04:46:52.177-07:00ADRIAFIL YARN SALE!!Knitwits Yarns <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/">knitwitspenzance.co.uk</a><br />
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Yes - it's true! For one week (and one week only) we are offering <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/brand_this.php?brand=21">20% off ALL Adriafil yarns in stock</a>. Our sale started this morning and ends at 5pm next Wednesday, 4th June.<br />
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From the glorious pure alpaca, 4ply <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/series_this_brand.php?brand=21&series=142">Sierra Andina</a>:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UUukUscl8_g/U4XJ-b8wHWI/AAAAAAAAFM0/iegZ8d37bm0/s1600/Sierra+Andina+shade+21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UUukUscl8_g/U4XJ-b8wHWI/AAAAAAAAFM0/iegZ8d37bm0/s1600/Sierra+Andina+shade+21.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
to the incredibly popular pure wool, self-patterning, DK, <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/series_this_brand.php?brand=21&series=109">Knitcol</a>:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bchTHVrAoEk/U4XKMBeTYMI/AAAAAAAAFM8/Kk1X4QVVTI0/s1600/New+Knitcol+Feb+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bchTHVrAoEk/U4XKMBeTYMI/AAAAAAAAFM8/Kk1X4QVVTI0/s1600/New+Knitcol+Feb+2014.jpg" height="233" width="320" /></a></div>
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and its Aran weight partner, <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/series_this_brand.php?brand=21&series=270">Stella Jacq</a>:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_GfTOCmoEgQ/U4XKU1k4_ZI/AAAAAAAAFNE/AWL5_HHQ0Eo/s1600/Adriafil+Stella+Jacq+shade+81.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_GfTOCmoEgQ/U4XKU1k4_ZI/AAAAAAAAFNE/AWL5_HHQ0Eo/s1600/Adriafil+Stella+Jacq+shade+81.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
to the gorgeous <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/series_this_brand.php?brand=21&series=253">Margarita</a>:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b_9anzQHM4A/U4XKfI3roiI/AAAAAAAAFNM/dhkXoSUZlts/s1600/Margarita+65.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b_9anzQHM4A/U4XKfI3roiI/AAAAAAAAFNM/dhkXoSUZlts/s1600/Margarita+65.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
pure cotton, DK, <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/series_this_brand.php?brand=21&series=191">Memphis</a>:<br />
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and totally, gorgeous, crazy yarns like <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/series_this_brand.php?brand=21&series=237">Dakota</a>:<br />
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and <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/series_this_brand.php?brand=21&series=240">Furetto</a>:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1vXztdUQfuA/U4XK53eshrI/AAAAAAAAFNk/yLE1Hu4sx2M/s1600/Adriafil+Furetto+75.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1vXztdUQfuA/U4XK53eshrI/AAAAAAAAFNk/yLE1Hu4sx2M/s1600/Adriafil+Furetto+75.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
they are ALL (plus others not shown here) 20% off.<br />
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Grab these bargains whilst you can - one they're gone, they're gone!<br />
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<br />Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05996681881200099081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953359819818947661.post-72896053313825113282014-05-22T08:33:00.000-07:002014-05-22T08:33:04.820-07:00Curly Wurly Jester ScarfKnitwits Yarns <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/">knitwitspenzance.co.uk</a><br />
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OK - so I lied slightly when I said I wasn't knitting anything else other than Tom's blanket - in fact somehow I managed to rattle up this quick <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/this_pattern.php?item=6391">Curly Wurly Scarf</a>:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cU8SddbWsnc/U34UoM3EbJI/AAAAAAAAFLw/aUCfIpNtOeY/s1600/Curly+Wurly+Jester+Scarf+web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cU8SddbWsnc/U34UoM3EbJI/AAAAAAAAFLw/aUCfIpNtOeY/s1600/Curly+Wurly+Jester+Scarf+web.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/series_this_brand.php?series=250&brand=36">Jester</a> is the crazy yarn with pompoms which everyone is bemused by and then loves and then can't decide what to knit with it! We've knitted a <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/this_pattern.php?item=5553">baby blanket</a> so far:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rXcnBYCAYYM/U34U631BaXI/AAAAAAAAFL4/7tPI5-lNT-k/s1600/Jester+Pram+Blanket+web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rXcnBYCAYYM/U34U631BaXI/AAAAAAAAFL4/7tPI5-lNT-k/s1600/Jester+Pram+Blanket+web.jpg" height="265" width="320" /></a></div>
and now the scarf - which, at just 2 balls at £2.95 per ball is jolly good value in anyone's book.<br />
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Lots of lovely colours to choose from too:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JCD6Q7N-cG4/U34VO71ZHKI/AAAAAAAAFMA/y2vidygzUyY/s1600/Jester+14+cerise+pink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JCD6Q7N-cG4/U34VO71ZHKI/AAAAAAAAFMA/y2vidygzUyY/s1600/Jester+14+cerise+pink.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Perfect for little girls' Christmas/birthday presents!<br />
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<br />Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05996681881200099081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953359819818947661.post-63442140761622147832014-05-17T09:02:00.000-07:002014-05-17T09:02:56.583-07:00I Have Been Knitting ..... Tom's BlanketKnitwits Yarns <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/">knitwitspenzance.co.uk</a><br />
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There is precious little knitting news at the moment as I am concentrating on one project and one project along - Tom's University Blanket. <br />
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Whilst we were away we heard that he'd been offered a place at his first choice University - St Andrew's, in Scotland. We are, obviously, delighted - for both our boys to get into their first choice University and, for Tom, under particularly difficult circumstances to make it into his first choice is wonderful news. <br />
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However ... Scotland will be cold compared to the relative balm of south-west Cornwall ... so the blanket is even more urgent than before! On top of which, he starts in early September so I've got just over 3 months to go! (In an ideal world I'd like to knit him a lovely, warm sweater before he goes as well but that might have to be for Christmas!).<br />
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So, I am Domino Knitting like a wild thing and the blanket, which looked like this before the Olympics:<br />
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now looks like this:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ww-x26mGWY4/U3eGjqfBUYI/AAAAAAAAFLg/f6i7Y7w1OXg/s1600/Blanket+May.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ww-x26mGWY4/U3eGjqfBUYI/AAAAAAAAFLg/f6i7Y7w1OXg/s1600/Blanket+May.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
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with Eric-the-three-legged-cat kindly posing to give an idea of scale.<br />
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I reckon that's doubled in size and I'm about two-thirds of the way there (with a massive i-cord edge to factor in as well {the edge stitches are currently being held on waste yarn so the edge is NOT an optional addition}).<br />
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The good news is that I've still got plenty of stash yarn so I'm definitely NOT going to run out of wool!<br />
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The bad news? I only have 3 months!<br />
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Onward .... onward .... and onward ....................<br />
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<br />Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05996681881200099081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953359819818947661.post-56203601638594826632014-05-07T05:42:00.000-07:002014-05-07T05:49:01.469-07:00... And So To Oman ....Knitwits Yarns <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/">knitwitspenzance.co.uk</a><br />
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After a frantic night in Dubai packing all our gear, for a week +, into two 4x4's we set off to the beautiful country of Oman. It's an extraordinary thing but as soon as you cross the border the scenery changes completely, the houses change (the Omanis generally build their houses in enclosed compounds) and the whole "feel" is completely different - added to which the Omanis are quite possibly the friendliest people in the world (not saying that the Emirate's aren't (!)) but the Omanis are just delightful and incredibly helpful.<br />
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On our first day we drove up to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jebel_Shams">Jebel Shams</a> - the self-styled Grand Canyon of the Middle East and highest mountain in Oman:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HJQTAL3BhDM/U2oZ8NKreoI/AAAAAAAAFGo/4ctWocB_MqQ/s1600/1.+Jebel+Shams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HJQTAL3BhDM/U2oZ8NKreoI/AAAAAAAAFGo/4ctWocB_MqQ/s1600/1.+Jebel+Shams.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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We camped near the edge of the crater (although not <u>too</u> close!):<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZAHP5WsjFMM/U2oaN4MmrBI/AAAAAAAAFG4/Bot2krN0cIw/s1600/3.+Camping+at+Jebel+Shams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZAHP5WsjFMM/U2oaN4MmrBI/AAAAAAAAFG4/Bot2krN0cIw/s1600/3.+Camping+at+Jebel+Shams.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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As ever in these kind of places, people appeared to we were able to buy wood for a bonfire (we were about 2,000m up so it was chilly!):<br />
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The next day we descended right down to the coast and crossed over to the island of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masirah_Island">Masirah</a> - famous for its turtle laying beaches. We had to reverse onto the ferry, which was fun (I was driving and all the men were looking on critically - I'm glad to say I did it perfectly!):<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zwz-tJm9QxI/U2obIXmbhkI/AAAAAAAAFHE/PYqFmVSj874/s1600/6.+Ferry+to+Masirah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zwz-tJm9QxI/U2obIXmbhkI/AAAAAAAAFHE/PYqFmVSj874/s1600/6.+Ferry+to+Masirah.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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We arrived in the dark (which is never to be recommended) so camped "blind" and in the morning found that we were here:<br />
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I love the way that Mel's bright orange sun shade marks the spot! Around the corner was a perfect little bay with, to our great joy, turtle tracks on the sand - at least one mother had come and laid her eggs that night:<br />
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Did you know that, for every 1,000 turtle eggs laid, only 1 hatchling will survive. Many don't even make it to the water - picked off by crabs and birds.<br />
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It was so hot we strung up a tarpaulin between the cars:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jhKBjzyKgiQ/U2ocOCpaPsI/AAAAAAAAFHk/h-0IJ6Nej14/s1600/9.+Shade+at+Masirah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jhKBjzyKgiQ/U2ocOCpaPsI/AAAAAAAAFHk/h-0IJ6Nej14/s1600/9.+Shade+at+Masirah.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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As well as turtles there were also camels on Masirah:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vTLmfsanDJ4/U2oc3ByiDTI/AAAAAAAAFH0/lHOia4SSZg4/s1600/10.+Camels+at+Masirah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vTLmfsanDJ4/U2oc3ByiDTI/AAAAAAAAFH0/lHOia4SSZg4/s1600/10.+Camels+at+Masirah.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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and after a couple of relaxing (but hot) nights we moved back to the mainland. Back on the ferry a kindly dhow passed close by for photographers (!):<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3BdHOoM7nC0/U2odJf5YafI/AAAAAAAAFH8/uCEj27-Kcf4/s1600/13.+Dhow+at+Masirah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3BdHOoM7nC0/U2odJf5YafI/AAAAAAAAFH8/uCEj27-Kcf4/s1600/13.+Dhow+at+Masirah.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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and, back on the mainland, we headed across another bleak desert (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wahiba_Sands">The Wahiba Sands)</a> - I love the warning signs for Sand Dunes - just in case you hadn't noticed:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eFW5pTUO35k/U2odd1V4iUI/AAAAAAAAFIE/Ou7lf_BQUuI/s1600/14.+Sand+Dunes+Sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eFW5pTUO35k/U2odd1V4iUI/AAAAAAAAFIE/Ou7lf_BQUuI/s1600/14.+Sand+Dunes+Sign.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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and camels:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2y5FZ5DAfHI/U2odn_Mc12I/AAAAAAAAFIM/OLBRxo6EG_U/s1600/16.+Camel+Sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2y5FZ5DAfHI/U2odn_Mc12I/AAAAAAAAFIM/OLBRxo6EG_U/s1600/16.+Camel+Sign.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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and (no signs) but extraordinary Bedouin villages (complete with satellite dishes!):<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o1xswPC3yVI/U2odzH3-NoI/AAAAAAAAFIU/X4B32nnAjLc/s1600/15.+Beddu+Village.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o1xswPC3yVI/U2odzH3-NoI/AAAAAAAAFIU/X4B32nnAjLc/s1600/15.+Beddu+Village.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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That night we treated ourselves to a hotel on the turtle beach (showers - yay!) but, obviously, we couldn't take any photos of the turtle laying her eggs.<br />
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Next day we headed up the famous <a href="http://www.omantripper.com/wadi-shab/">Wadi Shab</a>:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-16V1Viyg7rc/U2oeMlZvf7I/AAAAAAAAFIc/sNcUQDWHlVc/s1600/38.+Wadi+Shab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-16V1Viyg7rc/U2oeMlZvf7I/AAAAAAAAFIc/sNcUQDWHlVc/s1600/38.+Wadi+Shab.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QzNGHP15UOU/U2oeSgnF3tI/AAAAAAAAFIk/sfbHE6kcmFU/s1600/39.+Wadi+Shab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QzNGHP15UOU/U2oeSgnF3tI/AAAAAAAAFIk/sfbHE6kcmFU/s1600/39.+Wadi+Shab.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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which was incredibly beautiful but there's swimming involved if you want to get to the very top so we'd left our camera behind. Fortunately our friends' son had brought his waterproof one! At the very top of the Wadi you can swim through a tiny opening into the top pool fed by a waterfall. Depending on the height of the water depends on whether you have to swim underwater or not. Fortunately, a kindly Frenchman told me that I could sneak through without having to go right under so off I went - here I am coming through the other side - still not quite sure where I'm going!:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qpc2LZAsHTk/U2oe1myGR5I/AAAAAAAAFIs/1UMkjvDqUj4/s1600/40.+Wadi+Shab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qpc2LZAsHTk/U2oe1myGR5I/AAAAAAAAFIs/1UMkjvDqUj4/s1600/40.+Wadi+Shab.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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You can see the tiny gap that I'd just come through! On the way out, the sunlight turned the water the most incredibly iridescent blue.<br />
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That night we camped on the beach overlooking the Indian Ocean:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6JZkhsu2bek/U2ofGTG_evI/AAAAAAAAFI0/Sc0RS63xMt8/s1600/18.++Sunset+over+the+Indian+Ocean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6JZkhsu2bek/U2ofGTG_evI/AAAAAAAAFI0/Sc0RS63xMt8/s1600/18.++Sunset+over+the+Indian+Ocean.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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and planned to spend half the day there - but, once the sun was up so were the flies so we had to beat a hasty retreat (although not before we'd had a morning dip in the warm sea). From there we headed seriously off road:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uH8Ed8sXcwI/U2ofYXDImfI/AAAAAAAAFI8/oMSfCZoMTtg/s1600/19.+Off+road.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uH8Ed8sXcwI/U2ofYXDImfI/AAAAAAAAFI8/oMSfCZoMTtg/s1600/19.+Off+road.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ucG-1cMQfTg/U2ofecnYpuI/AAAAAAAAFJE/L0ur-8Munik/s1600/20.+Off+Road.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ucG-1cMQfTg/U2ofecnYpuI/AAAAAAAAFJE/L0ur-8Munik/s1600/20.+Off+Road.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2drf-rA5bZc/U2ofrzYrCnI/AAAAAAAAFJM/FGWg_t1W9Bg/s1600/21.++Off+Road.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2drf-rA5bZc/U2ofrzYrCnI/AAAAAAAAFJM/FGWg_t1W9Bg/s1600/21.++Off+Road.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUfKrRTEDzw/U2ofyOJLEdI/AAAAAAAAFJU/BhSV0OlHp0U/s1600/23.+The+Road.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUfKrRTEDzw/U2ofyOJLEdI/AAAAAAAAFJU/BhSV0OlHp0U/s1600/23.+The+Road.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here we are the top of a monumental series of switchbacks - that beach by my right elbow is where we spent the night. For those of you who are interested, my pink top if a Rip curl SPF50 top. I have recently been treated for a number of minor skin cancers so was taking no risks - the top worked - I can thoroughly recommend them:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KwPZG-Q1_K0/U2of7yUO_JI/AAAAAAAAFJc/FzxqhdhycTc/s1600/24.+Looking+Down.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KwPZG-Q1_K0/U2of7yUO_JI/AAAAAAAAFJc/FzxqhdhycTc/s1600/24.+Looking+Down.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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At the top of the massive climb we then traversed the plateau:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xm3c2LHMpC4/U2ogfF8WLSI/AAAAAAAAFJk/_MfR3S470Jw/s1600/27.+Road+over+the+plateau.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xm3c2LHMpC4/U2ogfF8WLSI/AAAAAAAAFJk/_MfR3S470Jw/s1600/27.+Road+over+the+plateau.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Even here there are people - who, presumably, traverse that road on a regular basis. This is the village school:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-huCh90T1fDY/U2ogse5-q3I/AAAAAAAAFJs/iDHaYVQEKqk/s1600/26.+School+on+the+plateau.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-huCh90T1fDY/U2ogse5-q3I/AAAAAAAAFJs/iDHaYVQEKqk/s1600/26.+School+on+the+plateau.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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and this is what children still do when they don't have phones, ipads and televisions to entertain them - they build miniature mud houses:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BOwq_J3OA2Q/U2og5lz4toI/AAAAAAAAFJ0/oTsOLwi1RN8/s1600/25.+Childrens+Mud+Village.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BOwq_J3OA2Q/U2og5lz4toI/AAAAAAAAFJ0/oTsOLwi1RN8/s1600/25.+Childrens+Mud+Village.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The plan had been to traverse the wadi at the top and then go back down the next road along. However, when we got to the wadi we discovered that it was only traversible if "you don't mind getting your car bashed a bit"!!!:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k_NUcDBdb_8/U2ohXa8sQII/AAAAAAAAFJ8/Avic6Z8Vbcs/s1600/29.+Wadi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k_NUcDBdb_8/U2ohXa8sQII/AAAAAAAAFJ8/Avic6Z8Vbcs/s1600/29.+Wadi.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Yeah - that's the "road". As ours was a hire car and Sev and Mel's was their own, neither of us was in the mood for "getting our cars bashed a bit" so, sadly, we turned round and went down the way we'd come up:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lDJ8ZQ4IG44/U2orqxZPxuI/AAAAAAAAFLI/nCoEYbJ_tfk/s1600/30.+Down+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lDJ8ZQ4IG44/U2orqxZPxuI/AAAAAAAAFLI/nCoEYbJ_tfk/s1600/30.+Down+3.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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... and headed for Muscat via <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qalhat">Bibi Miriam's Tomb</a> (which was closed for renovation but we walked up and photographed it and no-one seemed to mind):<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bm7c8GadBxg/U2oiZmedkoI/AAAAAAAAFKI/-BK0yZQm7j0/s1600/17.+Bibi+Miriams+Tomb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bm7c8GadBxg/U2oiZmedkoI/AAAAAAAAFKI/-BK0yZQm7j0/s1600/17.+Bibi+Miriams+Tomb.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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and the extraordinary <a href="http://www.amazingplacesonearth.com/bimmah-sinkhole-oman/">Bimmah sink hole</a> (which the children swam in):<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ycm2AwW-XW4/U2oihC1cFQI/AAAAAAAAFKQ/nGxFSNEEl1s/s1600/32.+Sinkhole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ycm2AwW-XW4/U2oihC1cFQI/AAAAAAAAFKQ/nGxFSNEEl1s/s1600/32.+Sinkhole.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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And so to Muscat - a delightful city, with a fantastic souk (yes, we went shopping!) and the Sultan had kindly left his yacht in the harbour for us to see:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8yy6MvvOfR0/U2oi4hPOmGI/AAAAAAAAFKY/M2ozaHngklY/s1600/33.+The+Corniche,+Muscat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8yy6MvvOfR0/U2oi4hPOmGI/AAAAAAAAFKY/M2ozaHngklY/s1600/33.+The+Corniche,+Muscat.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CgHRMRnMUVU/U2ojBNk-5VI/AAAAAAAAFKg/u5LWo_tflAQ/s1600/34.+The+Sultan%27s+Boat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CgHRMRnMUVU/U2ojBNk-5VI/AAAAAAAAFKg/u5LWo_tflAQ/s1600/34.+The+Sultan's+Boat.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Corniche was beautiful:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BsYyBxDXdx4/U2ojMBAY9dI/AAAAAAAAFKo/W0Hh202fiak/s1600/35.+Corniche,+Muscat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BsYyBxDXdx4/U2ojMBAY9dI/AAAAAAAAFKo/W0Hh202fiak/s1600/35.+Corniche,+Muscat.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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as were the forts:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Oc-AsxARL_o/U2ojT223n1I/AAAAAAAAFKw/GzBNsiBaRp8/s1600/36.+Fort,+Muscat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Oc-AsxARL_o/U2ojT223n1I/AAAAAAAAFKw/GzBNsiBaRp8/s1600/36.+Fort,+Muscat.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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and the Sultan's Palace:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fctPhOx0txc/U2ojcHFMt7I/AAAAAAAAFK4/te039T-uZyI/s1600/37.+The+Sultan%27s+Palace,+Muscat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fctPhOx0txc/U2ojcHFMt7I/AAAAAAAAFK4/te039T-uZyI/s1600/37.+The+Sultan's+Palace,+Muscat.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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We were sad to leave Oman - a beautiful country with everything from glorious mountains to turtle beaches, endless deserts, extraordinary wadis and lovely, friendly people. We plan to go back!<br />
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Tom is now finishing his gap year in Jordan, Guy is back at Uni and we ..... well, we're back at work!!!Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05996681881200099081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953359819818947661.post-889749096611106052014-05-03T08:37:00.000-07:002014-05-03T08:43:05.296-07:00New Yarns and Holiday Snaps!Knitwits Yarns <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/">knitwitspenzance.co.uk</a><br />
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Sorry for radio silence - I've been away - of which, more later in this post. Whilst I was away life chez Knit Wits carried on its normal course and no less than two new yarns arrived. I've been back for 2 weeks now (which really doesn't seem possible) so both yarns and patterns have now been uploaded onto our site.<br />
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The first is Stylecraft's first outing into the Lace market with their lovely mohair blend yarn, "<a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/series_this_brand.php?brand=13&series=286">Senses</a>":<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gBvlfQkSYKk/U2T8ssm0rnI/AAAAAAAAFCU/1qTaIFtXRtQ/s1600/Stylecraft+Senses+April+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gBvlfQkSYKk/U2T8ssm0rnI/AAAAAAAAFCU/1qTaIFtXRtQ/s1600/Stylecraft+Senses+April+2014.jpg" height="272" width="320" /></a></div>
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There are loads of patterns to go with Senses - everything from lacey <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/this_pattern.php?item=6371">shawls</a> and <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/this_pattern.php?item=6373">wraps</a>:<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mArMjLdYjM4/U2T87XOfmnI/AAAAAAAAFCg/vNVLNC7iaSo/s1600/8861+Stylecraft+Senses+Lace+Shawl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mArMjLdYjM4/U2T87XOfmnI/AAAAAAAAFCg/vNVLNC7iaSo/s1600/8861+Stylecraft+Senses+Lace+Shawl.jpg" height="320" width="227" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GtpmMSNiNUM/U2T9G4hhSEI/AAAAAAAAFCo/9xnqWZVjFTg/s1600/8859+Stylecraft+Senses+Lace+Shawl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GtpmMSNiNUM/U2T9G4hhSEI/AAAAAAAAFCo/9xnqWZVjFTg/s1600/8859+Stylecraft+Senses+Lace+Shawl.jpg" height="320" width="227" /></a></div>
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to<a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/this_pattern.php?item=6350"> cardigans</a>:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0NGMHCQ6SsU/U2T9XNkgS-I/AAAAAAAAFCs/eHBPE4K0CbU/s1600/8829+Stylecraft+Senses+Long+Sleeved+Cardigan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0NGMHCQ6SsU/U2T9XNkgS-I/AAAAAAAAFCs/eHBPE4K0CbU/s1600/8829+Stylecraft+Senses+Long+Sleeved+Cardigan.jpg" height="320" width="226" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/this_pattern.php?item=6362">sweaters</a>:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9lEn3stkufM/U2T9flRxc8I/AAAAAAAAFC0/Bi3EP5lpq4k/s1600/8834+Stylecraft+Senses+Short+Sleeved+Sweater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9lEn3stkufM/U2T9flRxc8I/AAAAAAAAFC0/Bi3EP5lpq4k/s1600/8834+Stylecraft+Senses+Short+Sleeved+Sweater.jpg" height="320" width="227" /></a></div>
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and <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/this_pattern.php?item=6369">accessories</a>:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5v7GRNFxuBE/U2T9ri4BEJI/AAAAAAAAFC8/F1BH3s4kaoY/s1600/8836+Stylecraft+Senses+Accessories.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5v7GRNFxuBE/U2T9ri4BEJI/AAAAAAAAFC8/F1BH3s4kaoY/s1600/8836+Stylecraft+Senses+Accessories.jpg" height="320" width="227" /></a></div>
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Some really lovely projects for summer cover-ups - who can resist?!</div>
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Stylecraft's second new yarn is "<a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/series_this_brand.php?brand=13&series=287">Stars</a>" - a sparkly blend of both sparkle and sequins in muted, summery colours - I strongly suspect that darker "winter" colours will be joining this range in the autumn months:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DbJfcbhIbCA/U2T-JwgUo8I/AAAAAAAAFDE/SYvQdOvhFec/s1600/Stylecraft+Stars+New+April+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DbJfcbhIbCA/U2T-JwgUo8I/AAAAAAAAFDE/SYvQdOvhFec/s1600/Stylecraft+Stars+New+April+2014.jpg" height="125" width="320" /></a></div>
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Again, a wide range of patterns, including <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/this_pattern.php?item=6377">sweaters</a>:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OTTMjZFlFZo/U2T-alECkhI/AAAAAAAAFDM/hEf46lDQ3kM/s1600/8944+Stylecraft+Stars+pattern+short+sleeved+sweater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OTTMjZFlFZo/U2T-alECkhI/AAAAAAAAFDM/hEf46lDQ3kM/s1600/8944+Stylecraft+Stars+pattern+short+sleeved+sweater.jpg" height="320" width="233" /></a></div>
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and <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/this_pattern.php?item=6378">cardigans</a>:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h3ehBVIrU9k/U2T-kEc-9mI/AAAAAAAAFDU/BwFH7NrJPfk/s1600/8945+Stylecraft+Stars+pattern+cabled+cardigan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h3ehBVIrU9k/U2T-kEc-9mI/AAAAAAAAFDU/BwFH7NrJPfk/s1600/8945+Stylecraft+Stars+pattern+cabled+cardigan.jpg" height="320" width="226" /></a></div>
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and some very pretty <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/this_pattern.php?item=6383">sweaters</a> and <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/this_pattern.php?item=6386">cardigans</a> for little girls:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3U_TP8xodQk/U2T-ufoll3I/AAAAAAAAFDc/lPPUIA7-ynU/s1600/8950+Stylecraft+Stars+pattern+heart+and+star+sweater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3U_TP8xodQk/U2T-ufoll3I/AAAAAAAAFDc/lPPUIA7-ynU/s1600/8950+Stylecraft+Stars+pattern+heart+and+star+sweater.jpg" height="320" width="227" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0P7dQ6BiteE/U2T-1KpE6TI/AAAAAAAAFDk/KgE1yR_b9TA/s1600/8951+Stylecraft+Stars+pattern+short+sleeved+cardigan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0P7dQ6BiteE/U2T-1KpE6TI/AAAAAAAAFDk/KgE1yR_b9TA/s1600/8951+Stylecraft+Stars+pattern+short+sleeved+cardigan.jpg" height="320" width="227" /></a></div>
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And, so, for those of you who are interested - to my holiday! As you may remember, youngest son (Tom) has been away on his gap year since June last year when we saw him off in Phnom Penh, <a href="http://juliaknitwits.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/we-are-back.html">Cambodia</a> (with many tears from his mother {I tried, unsuccessfully, to hide them!}). Since then he's travelled through Vietnam and Thailand with his brother, spent 7 months in New Zealand working on building sites helping to re-build Christchurch after the catastrophic earthquakes, travelled through Australia where he visited a tribe he'd studied for 2 years for Anthropology IB and, finally, made it to Dubai as he is hoping to study Arabic alongside Anthropology at University. </div>
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So - as per a long-term plan - we flew out and met him in Dubai, where we have friends who have been urging us to visit for many years! Dubai is a fascinating place - the first gulf state to run out of oil, it's success is built on the vision of their very enigmatic sheik - and what a vision he had (and has). We visited the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burj_Al_Arab">Burj Al Arab</a> (although didn't go in for a drink - possibly the most expensive place to have a drink in the world!) {<a href="http://www.jumeirah.com/en/hotels-resorts/dubai/burj-al-arab/offers/burj-al-arab-afternoon-tea/">Afternoon tea starts from £60 per person</a>}:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W4LzuSuJme0/U2UBy87FKqI/AAAAAAAAFDw/zWDKJVdWLaM/s1600/1.+Burj+Al+Arab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W4LzuSuJme0/U2UBy87FKqI/AAAAAAAAFDw/zWDKJVdWLaM/s1600/1.+Burj+Al+Arab.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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We walked along the old Dubai Creek and its "historic" area:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iU2UHmhl71Q/U2UB8lWyIzI/AAAAAAAAFD4/P7eN49gvXYU/s1600/2.+Dubai+Creek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iU2UHmhl71Q/U2UB8lWyIzI/AAAAAAAAFD4/P7eN49gvXYU/s1600/2.+Dubai+Creek.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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we shopped in the souks:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3eNRBUfVqU/U2UCDxvBzJI/AAAAAAAAFEA/MCguziTOaWw/s1600/3.+Dubai+Souq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3eNRBUfVqU/U2UCDxvBzJI/AAAAAAAAFEA/MCguziTOaWw/s1600/3.+Dubai+Souq.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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and, of course, we went up the tallest building in the world - The <a href="http://www.burjkhalifa.ae/en/">Burj Khalifa</a> (£20 per person if you book in advance online, £80 if you turn up on the day {which I wouldn't recommend as it was fully booked on the day we went up}):</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CzETrutuTbE/U2UCX38VBqI/AAAAAAAAFEI/ig9cEdbx7Ko/s1600/4.+Burj+Khalifa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CzETrutuTbE/U2UCX38VBqI/AAAAAAAAFEI/ig9cEdbx7Ko/s1600/4.+Burj+Khalifa.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bTFsQC1K2qU/U2UCdn81StI/AAAAAAAAFEQ/ajEubae6cWw/s1600/4a.+Burj+Khalifa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bTFsQC1K2qU/U2UCdn81StI/AAAAAAAAFEQ/ajEubae6cWw/s1600/4a.+Burj+Khalifa.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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The lift up to the viewing platform travels at 10m per second and, yes, our ears popped several times on the way up! It was windy on the (outside) viewing platform!:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u5b7fDIHVcc/U2UCvVg2ZTI/AAAAAAAAFEY/e1wH_wAdm5k/s1600/5.+Up+the+Burj+Khalifa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u5b7fDIHVcc/U2UCvVg2ZTI/AAAAAAAAFEY/e1wH_wAdm5k/s1600/5.+Up+the+Burj+Khalifa.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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And it's a long way up:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P3oXexA6cNk/U2UC5jJeEkI/AAAAAAAAFEg/6SGAEO3Ir4c/s1600/6.+View+from+the+Burj+Khalifa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P3oXexA6cNk/U2UC5jJeEkI/AAAAAAAAFEg/6SGAEO3Ir4c/s1600/6.+View+from+the+Burj+Khalifa.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h4M8LfWJPWY/U2UDAGhmKXI/AAAAAAAAFEo/J32Bdtv2C60/s1600/7.+View+from+the+Burj+Khalifa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h4M8LfWJPWY/U2UDAGhmKXI/AAAAAAAAFEo/J32Bdtv2C60/s1600/7.+View+from+the+Burj+Khalifa.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The boys have a collection of shot glasses from around the world and, amazingly (for a "dry" country), there was a Burj Khalifa shot glass for sale at the (inevitable) shop at the top - we had to buy one!:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4IBBVqrpUnE/U2UDVu6SSQI/AAAAAAAAFEw/Gql-hiwcGPI/s1600/8.++At+The+Top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4IBBVqrpUnE/U2UDVu6SSQI/AAAAAAAAFEw/Gql-hiwcGPI/s1600/8.++At+The+Top.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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From Dubai we hired a car and went to Abu Dhabi (about 2 hours along the coast). The driving in Dubai is insane, the signposting is a nightmare/non-existent and they change the roads and road layout so frequently that neither maps or sat-nav can keep up - we had a few "interesting" detours! In Abu Dhabi we met up with an old school friend of FB's, who took us to the <a href="http://www.masdar.ac.ae/about-us">Masdar Institute</a> - the world's first graduate-level university dedicated to providing real-world solutions to sustainability. We travelled in driver-less cars - which was extremely bizarre!:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8If1qIBH_oo/U2UEaRWu2zI/AAAAAAAAFE8/HEj5hpLOLf4/s1600/9.+Masdar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8If1qIBH_oo/U2UEaRWu2zI/AAAAAAAAFE8/HEj5hpLOLf4/s1600/9.+Masdar.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Our second port of call was Abu Dhabi's quite extraordinary <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheikh_Zayed_Mosque">Shaikh Zayed Grand Mosque</a>. It's an incredible building, very reminiscent of the Taj Mahal, and one of the very few mosques which <strike>allows</strike> encourages visitors of any nation, religion and sex. As a woman I borrowed an <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abaya">abaya</a>, which was far too big for me (!) but was, in itself, an experience.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8KDiKsnmjE/U2UFmi7vFeI/AAAAAAAAFFI/qiP3vaajNzo/s1600/11.+Abu+Dhabi+Mosque.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8KDiKsnmjE/U2UFmi7vFeI/AAAAAAAAFFI/qiP3vaajNzo/s1600/11.+Abu+Dhabi+Mosque.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w3fvyCJ1Hxc/U2UFxBZ046I/AAAAAAAAFFY/hPoIBuKfPa0/s1600/12.+Abu+Dhabi+Mosque.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w3fvyCJ1Hxc/U2UFxBZ046I/AAAAAAAAFFY/hPoIBuKfPa0/s1600/12.+Abu+Dhabi+Mosque.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x4uon9fMlbA/U2UF2rprsEI/AAAAAAAAFFg/M9dYdwEaxuE/s1600/13.+Abu+Dhabi+Mosque.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x4uon9fMlbA/U2UF2rprsEI/AAAAAAAAFFg/M9dYdwEaxuE/s1600/13.+Abu+Dhabi+Mosque.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Mosque is big enough to take 40,000 worshippers at one time and contains the biggest carpet in the world - stunningly beautiful:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D358XUk2fOg/U2UGEXFPavI/AAAAAAAAFFo/VInsuwlJSwc/s1600/14.+Abu+Dhabi+Mosque.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D358XUk2fOg/U2UGEXFPavI/AAAAAAAAFFo/VInsuwlJSwc/s1600/14.+Abu+Dhabi+Mosque.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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From Abu Dhabi we drove down into the desert for 3 unforgettable days in a <a href="http://www.almarfapearlhotels.com/liwa/">hotel surrounded by sand dunes</a>:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7HGM6XgzpFY/U2UGPt6PerI/AAAAAAAAFFw/MKn_3Bhb-_I/s1600/15.+Boys+on+Sand+Dune.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7HGM6XgzpFY/U2UGPt6PerI/AAAAAAAAFFw/MKn_3Bhb-_I/s1600/15.+Boys+on+Sand+Dune.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hUSLQwzKSX0/U2UGVVI-okI/AAAAAAAAFF4/cOmll04xeXo/s1600/16.+Sunset+at+Liwa+Oasis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hUSLQwzKSX0/U2UGVVI-okI/AAAAAAAAFF4/cOmll04xeXo/s1600/16.+Sunset+at+Liwa+Oasis.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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We posed on the sand!:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e1iWbkUEWdw/U2UGdGwCJKI/AAAAAAAAFGA/bvbrg1yOpxc/s1600/17.+Me+on+Sand+Dune.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e1iWbkUEWdw/U2UGdGwCJKI/AAAAAAAAFGA/bvbrg1yOpxc/s1600/17.+Me+on+Sand+Dune.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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We struggled to comprehend how people live out there (it was HOT!):<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y0AsGtwU9Sc/U2UGnZ4KPUI/AAAAAAAAFGI/YoaA04iO5tU/s1600/18.+Bedu+Camp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y0AsGtwU9Sc/U2UGnZ4KPUI/AAAAAAAAFGI/YoaA04iO5tU/s1600/18.+Bedu+Camp.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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and we went sand-boarding (which was a disaster - apparently the boards needed to be polished to a shine with furniture polish - ours weren't - and the climb back up the dune after the hilariously slow descent was exhausting!):<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xt3m_euGEUY/U2UG5nSEcfI/AAAAAAAAFGQ/qrq6V3tkCMs/s1600/19.+Sand+Surfing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xt3m_euGEUY/U2UG5nSEcfI/AAAAAAAAFGQ/qrq6V3tkCMs/s1600/19.+Sand+Surfing.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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On the way back to Dubai we visited the crazy<a href="http://www.enam.ae/"> Rainbow Sheik's car museum</a> - here is his "camper van" (spot the boys standing by the back wheel!):<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bxyBJjtTrnU/U2UHIBPU6MI/AAAAAAAAFGY/gitO5ikSooY/s1600/20.+Car+Museum+Campervan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bxyBJjtTrnU/U2UHIBPU6MI/AAAAAAAAFGY/gitO5ikSooY/s1600/20.+Car+Museum+Campervan.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I would LOVE to have gone inside but, sadly, we couldn't.<br />
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Coming next: our week's camping in Oman - incredible scenery, amazing experiences and, above all, the friendliest people in the world ..........<br />
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<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-mArMjLdYjM4%2FU2T87XOfmnI%2FAAAAAAAAFCg%2FvNVLNC7iaSo%2Fs1600%2F8861%2BStylecraft%2BSenses%2BLace%2BShawl.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mArMjLdYjM4/U2T87XOfmnI/AAAAAAAAFCg/vNVLNC7iaSo/s1600/8861+Stylecraft+Senses+Lace+Shawl.jpg" -->Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05996681881200099081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953359819818947661.post-59571238810075063122014-03-26T06:00:00.000-07:002014-03-26T06:03:31.798-07:00Will's Walk - Day TwoKnitwits Yarns <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/">knitwitspenzance.co.uk</a><br />
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Well, Saturday dawned bright and sunny and, fortunately, the wind had died down a bit too. Thanks to the wonder of modern anti-inflammatory medication Matt's knees and hips were recovered and we were able to crack on after a great breakfast <a href="http://www.marazionhotel.co.uk/">here</a>:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xck7BRJAry4/UzKuoh7c3UI/AAAAAAAAE-U/QRqsKHlyu9k/s1600/The+Marazion+Hotel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xck7BRJAry4/UzKuoh7c3UI/AAAAAAAAE-U/QRqsKHlyu9k/s1600/The+Marazion+Hotel.jpg" height="190" width="320" /></a></div>
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We were joined by Will's aunt Mary, who had walked the first leg last year and now wanted to complete the whole thing a year later:<br />
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We set off at a goodly pace to Penzance, Newlyn and Mousehole (almost entirely flat for a pleasant change) with a minor pause to put on waterproofs when the heavens' opened. The poor old Jubilee Pool in Penzance is looking very battered after the recent dreadful storms. <a href="http://www.jubileepool.co.uk/joinus/">Here is their page</a> giving information about how you can help save this iconic lido:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dbhL5GVI6Fs/UzKvveI7XBI/AAAAAAAAE-o/tipJVwiJe_w/s1600/34.+Damaged+Jubilee+Pool+and+Newlyn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dbhL5GVI6Fs/UzKvveI7XBI/AAAAAAAAE-o/tipJVwiJe_w/s1600/34.+Damaged+Jubilee+Pool+and+Newlyn.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ktzrA8GXzlo/UzKv1ol5NfI/AAAAAAAAE-w/Xd5FFHf3EqE/s1600/33.+Damage+to+Jubilee+Pool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ktzrA8GXzlo/UzKv1ol5NfI/AAAAAAAAE-w/Xd5FFHf3EqE/s1600/33.+Damage+to+Jubilee+Pool.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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but it's always nice to be able to look back and see how far you've come:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bnv-KTGS588/UzKv_V0dixI/AAAAAAAAE-4/PNoJNlHY5Tw/s1600/35.+Looking+Back+to+Marazion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bnv-KTGS588/UzKv_V0dixI/AAAAAAAAE-4/PNoJNlHY5Tw/s1600/35.+Looking+Back+to+Marazion.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The fishing boats in Newlyn harbour were looking wonderfully colourful:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DQK55VdJA2E/UzKwrLj8jRI/AAAAAAAAE_A/So2jJXaYNuk/s1600/36.+Newlyn+and+St+Michaels+Mount.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DQK55VdJA2E/UzKwrLj8jRI/AAAAAAAAE_A/So2jJXaYNuk/s1600/36.+Newlyn+and+St+Michaels+Mount.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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and the sun came out so we could enjoy a pasty lunch in Mousehole:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0-dIqavOYbE/UzKw_K1YtuI/AAAAAAAAE_Q/2CTK_2jYebY/s1600/38.+Sunny+Mousehole.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0-dIqavOYbE/UzKw_K1YtuI/AAAAAAAAE_Q/2CTK_2jYebY/s1600/38.+Sunny+Mousehole.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The first strenuous part of the day was up Raginnis Hill out of Mousehole:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-npC7v-8PBH8/UzKxacBL3LI/AAAAAAAAE_g/arVDcmjqUZM/s1600/40.+Up+Raginnis+Hill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-npC7v-8PBH8/UzKxacBL3LI/AAAAAAAAE_g/arVDcmjqUZM/s1600/40.+Up+Raginnis+Hill.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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and thence on to the path to Lamorna Cove:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DYergCqefz0/UzKxjff6hMI/AAAAAAAAE_o/nzVe-UV-_Dk/s1600/41.+Mary+en+route+to+Lamorna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DYergCqefz0/UzKxjff6hMI/AAAAAAAAE_o/nzVe-UV-_Dk/s1600/41.+Mary+en+route+to+Lamorna.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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We made it to Lamorna in an hour, which we were pretty chuffed with:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vGT-Hx2WaGs/UzKxuBc73JI/AAAAAAAAE_w/ClnS4YTDYPM/s1600/42.+Lamorna+Cove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vGT-Hx2WaGs/UzKxuBc73JI/AAAAAAAAE_w/ClnS4YTDYPM/s1600/42.+Lamorna+Cove.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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and, again, the poor harbour wall has been badly storm damaged (although the<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g186234-d558744-Reviews-Lamorna_Cove-Cornwall_England.html#REVIEWS"> controversial owners</a> are receiving little sympathy in their bid for funding to repair it):<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Up_iPRzS1do/UzKyC65fuII/AAAAAAAAE_4/OtH4NdlECsI/s1600/43.+Damage+to+Lamorna+Cove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Up_iPRzS1do/UzKyC65fuII/AAAAAAAAE_4/OtH4NdlECsI/s1600/43.+Damage+to+Lamorna+Cove.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UYbN-51kXAU/UzKyIhNPHVI/AAAAAAAAFAA/kmx7o30AOQw/s1600/44.+Storm+Damage,+Lamorna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UYbN-51kXAU/UzKyIhNPHVI/AAAAAAAAFAA/kmx7o30AOQw/s1600/44.+Storm+Damage,+Lamorna.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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From there it was on to St Loy:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aw4dSnAeHQQ/UzLItwZ4vCI/AAAAAAAAFAQ/KGiRCixVL7U/s1600/45.+Lamorna+to+St+Loy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aw4dSnAeHQQ/UzLItwZ4vCI/AAAAAAAAFAQ/KGiRCixVL7U/s1600/45.+Lamorna+to+St+Loy.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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through beautiful grazed daffodil fields:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OZa_mh4l4ao/UzLI2uLhdXI/AAAAAAAAFAY/3YcLSEAiV-I/s1600/46.+Lamorna+to+St+Loy+Ponies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OZa_mh4l4ao/UzLI2uLhdXI/AAAAAAAAFAY/3YcLSEAiV-I/s1600/46.+Lamorna+to+St+Loy+Ponies.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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past Tater Du Lighthouse:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2rswytDxXK0/UzLI-spqhrI/AAAAAAAAFAg/jEJp8hryDPk/s1600/47.+Tater+Du+Lighthouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2rswytDxXK0/UzLI-spqhrI/AAAAAAAAFAg/jEJp8hryDPk/s1600/47.+Tater+Du+Lighthouse.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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After St Loy we saw possibly the craziest allotment in the world - why? - how?:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GsaFOMnU8iQ/UzLJN5cv-NI/AAAAAAAAFAo/12vGBVCgPWU/s1600/48.+Crazy+Allotment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GsaFOMnU8iQ/UzLJN5cv-NI/AAAAAAAAFAo/12vGBVCgPWU/s1600/48.+Crazy+Allotment.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wqwJ6NmtYRw/UzLJUit7flI/AAAAAAAAFAw/DcusEKOCdYg/s1600/49.+Allotment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wqwJ6NmtYRw/UzLJUit7flI/AAAAAAAAFAw/DcusEKOCdYg/s1600/49.+Allotment.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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and then the path became very up and down and we were walking right into the setting sun, which didn't help. Down to Penberth, across this lovely little bridge:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pr-DcNC26_U/UzLJkhDEkcI/AAAAAAAAFA4/mSbnlNeTHu8/s1600/50.+Penberth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pr-DcNC26_U/UzLJkhDEkcI/AAAAAAAAFA4/mSbnlNeTHu8/s1600/50.+Penberth.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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and then right back up the other side! From there to <a href="http://www.porthcurno.org.uk/">Porthcurno</a>:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u-j7Wf1t-QE/UzLJxiBaQ8I/AAAAAAAAFBA/LIZWrRzW1ao/s1600/51.+Porthcurno+Telegraph+Museum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u-j7Wf1t-QE/UzLJxiBaQ8I/AAAAAAAAFBA/LIZWrRzW1ao/s1600/51.+Porthcurno+Telegraph+Museum.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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where we made the (sensible) decision to abandon the coast path and head inland on the road. It was getting dark and we were <strike>getting</strike> knackered. At the top of the Porthcurno road is this sign:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G0yCsh2848w/UzLKaSgN41I/AAAAAAAAFBI/Zj7lNW2XH3Q/s1600/52.+The+Signpost+Lied!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G0yCsh2848w/UzLKaSgN41I/AAAAAAAAFBI/Zj7lNW2XH3Q/s1600/52.+The+Signpost+Lied!.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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which depressed us no end. a) because we'd taken all day and walked about 16 miles and, in fact, Penzance is just 9 miles away and b) because, it transpired, that the sign lied - Land's End was way, way more than 2.5 miles away - in fact we passed at least 2 more signs which also declared they were 2.5 miles from Land's End!<br />
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En route we passed this amazing post box in Polgigga:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jeyWzWpCUYY/UzLK7l72kQI/AAAAAAAAFBQ/C6SUqulVJ-4/s1600/53.+VR+Postbox+Polgigga.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jeyWzWpCUYY/UzLK7l72kQI/AAAAAAAAFBQ/C6SUqulVJ-4/s1600/53.+VR+Postbox+Polgigga.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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which the observant amongst you will see says "VR" - <a href="http://cvphm.org.uk/VictoriaREgina1852-1.html">Victoria Regina</a> - which makes it pretty rare and well over 100 years old.<br />
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From there we flogged along for another 2 miles (at least) until we saw this very welcome sign:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIEWhiaCghQ/UzLL6MO1TYI/AAAAAAAAFBc/kY6-8O3fqvk/s1600/54.+Welcome+to+Lands+End.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIEWhiaCghQ/UzLL6MO1TYI/AAAAAAAAFBc/kY6-8O3fqvk/s1600/54.+Welcome+to+Lands+End.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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As you can see, it was dark. What you can't see is that it was also a bit damp and very cold! Far, far away to our left we could see Lizard lighthouse flashing every now and then - quite incredible to think that we'd walked from there.<br />
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About 3 hours later (after we'd enjoyed a <a href="http://www.landsendhotel.co.uk/">hot meal and a few drinkies</a>):<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_a9YNwxzmzk/UzLM28fbptI/AAAAAAAAFBo/j_5qORz_t6o/s1600/Lands+End+Hotel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_a9YNwxzmzk/UzLM28fbptI/AAAAAAAAFBo/j_5qORz_t6o/s1600/Lands+End+Hotel.jpg" height="103" width="320" /></a></div>
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the incredible, intrepid Truro College students arrived, supported by <a href="http://www.cornwallsar.org.uk/">Cornwall Search and Rescue Team</a>:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ttPilIVJpcY/UzLND3avYrI/AAAAAAAAFBw/SE54I86ahoQ/s1600/55.+Truro+Students+Coming+In.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ttPilIVJpcY/UzLND3avYrI/AAAAAAAAFBw/SE54I86ahoQ/s1600/55.+Truro+Students+Coming+In.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Aq3LHG3Abc/UzLNbU4fH-I/AAAAAAAAFB4/lLU26A9oAHE/s1600/56.+Truro+Finishers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Aq3LHG3Abc/UzLNbU4fH-I/AAAAAAAAFB4/lLU26A9oAHE/s1600/56.+Truro+Finishers.jpg" height="189" width="320" /></a></div>
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They were given a tiny lift from the coast path to near Land's End - not because they wouldn't have walked the whole way (they would) but just because they would have arrived at about 1am and their team leader (rightly) assumed we'd all want to be in bed by then!!<br />
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Their achievement was extraordinary and they should be justifiably proud of themselves - <a href="http://tentors.exeter.ac.uk/">Ten Tors</a> will be a doddle after this!<br />
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Next year we're thinking of doing it over three days (or leaving really, really early in the morning!).<br />
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RIP Will.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RqxlgUMVWlo/UzLOuYrekVI/AAAAAAAAFCE/yq2kcf-08c0/s1600/heartbeaticon.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RqxlgUMVWlo/UzLOuYrekVI/AAAAAAAAFCE/yq2kcf-08c0/s1600/heartbeaticon.gif" /></a></div>
<br />Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05996681881200099081noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953359819818947661.post-89243603526381037532014-03-24T11:16:00.001-07:002014-03-24T11:41:49.431-07:00Will's WalkKnitwits Yarns <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/">knitwitspenzance.co.uk</a><br />
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Just over 13 months ago our boys' dearest friend, Will, was tragically killed in an avalanche. At the time it was too shocking and too painful to write about and, although the shock is waning his loss is still keenly felt by us all. The boys had always wondered if it was possible to walk from the Lizard (England's southernmost point) to Land's End (it's most south-westerly point) on the coastal path, in a day and had planned to find out!<br />
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In his memory the first "Will Walk" was completed on March 23rd last year when 5 friends of Will's (including our boys) proved that it could, indeed, be done (albeit with some traversing on roads towards the end when it was dark and just too dangerous to continue on the coastal path). This was an extraordinary feat - on the map it's about 44 miles but in reality it's considerably more as you battle up and down the various coves and harbours en route.<br />
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Today would have been Will's 20th birthday so the second "Will's Walk" was held on Saturday and, with both our boys away, Matt and I decided to uphold the family tradition (and give ourselves a massive challenge) and attempt to walk it over two days. We may be stupid but we certainly aren't stupid enough to think we could even begin to complete it in a day! The Truro College students set off on Saturday morning. We, however, set off on Friday morning on a fine but blustery day:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wLX_3Rsf1Ts/UzBvBj8UGmI/AAAAAAAAE6s/MPohvpM_GCE/s1600/1.+Ponies+on+The+Lizard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wLX_3Rsf1Ts/UzBvBj8UGmI/AAAAAAAAE6s/MPohvpM_GCE/s1600/1.+Ponies+on+The+Lizard.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here we are with Will's parents contemplating the enormous distance we are about to attempt (Land's End isn't even visible!):<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wtykF74JpPM/UzBvMVIpbiI/AAAAAAAAE60/tz9GPQSH88g/s1600/2.+Setting+Off+From+Lizard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wtykF74JpPM/UzBvMVIpbiI/AAAAAAAAE60/tz9GPQSH88g/s1600/2.+Setting+Off+From+Lizard.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Kynance Cove:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qboICyk-Wc0/UzBvV_fPoMI/AAAAAAAAE68/rSyNAcIbBLk/s1600/3.+Kynance+Cove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qboICyk-Wc0/UzBvV_fPoMI/AAAAAAAAE68/rSyNAcIbBLk/s1600/3.+Kynance+Cove.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Down the Lizard - this, it transpired, was the easiest bit of the entire walk so we were lulled into a false sense of security!:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-agMktWGcQD8/UzBvj6OOYxI/AAAAAAAAE7E/HAojobJ4IJc/s1600/4.+Up+The+Lizard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-agMktWGcQD8/UzBvj6OOYxI/AAAAAAAAE7E/HAojobJ4IJc/s1600/4.+Up+The+Lizard.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you look very carefully into the background of this picture you can just about make out the Land's End peninsula:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8xVYPAU-Fjo/UzBvqdOnxGI/AAAAAAAAE7M/n6Lsu01_Ve4/s1600/5.++Lizard+colours,+Lands+End+in+the+background.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8xVYPAU-Fjo/UzBvqdOnxGI/AAAAAAAAE7M/n6Lsu01_Ve4/s1600/5.++Lizard+colours,+Lands+End+in+the+background.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here, too, you can just make out Land's End in the far distance:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9fpKmhHVHTo/UzBv3oMS5WI/AAAAAAAAE7U/G1RILyl2F9k/s1600/6.++Lizard,+Lands+End+behind.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9fpKmhHVHTo/UzBv3oMS5WI/AAAAAAAAE7U/G1RILyl2F9k/s1600/6.++Lizard,+Lands+End+behind.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Coming up from Kynance Cove - you can see the path starting to go up and down, reality is setting in!:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XNdoMI0hNzA/UzBwBR8uOJI/AAAAAAAAE7c/jHSWQ1BnmaA/s1600/7.+Up+From+Kynance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XNdoMI0hNzA/UzBwBR8uOJI/AAAAAAAAE7c/jHSWQ1BnmaA/s1600/7.+Up+From+Kynance.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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a "wtf" moment!:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XVM77UBR0uM/UzBwO_tSooI/AAAAAAAAE7k/W_gWmz6MhoM/s1600/8.++footprint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XVM77UBR0uM/UzBwO_tSooI/AAAAAAAAE7k/W_gWmz6MhoM/s1600/8.++footprint.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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4.5 miles down, only 40 to go ....:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1v0ThC9ttD0/UzBwYMuqWCI/AAAAAAAAE7s/KhOI1KfJ5dU/s1600/9.+Predannack+Signpost.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1v0ThC9ttD0/UzBwYMuqWCI/AAAAAAAAE7s/KhOI1KfJ5dU/s1600/9.+Predannack+Signpost.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Approaching Mullion Cove:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qCdpugMzQF4/UzBwietruwI/AAAAAAAAE70/Z7y2zBTWfHA/s1600/10.+Approaching+Mullion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qCdpugMzQF4/UzBwietruwI/AAAAAAAAE70/Z7y2zBTWfHA/s1600/10.+Approaching+Mullion.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Mullion Harbour:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_el7YpUnpG0/UzBx5pOyaHI/AAAAAAAAE8M/bcyyfMg7xlQ/s1600/12.2+Mullion+Harbour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_el7YpUnpG0/UzBx5pOyaHI/AAAAAAAAE8M/bcyyfMg7xlQ/s1600/12.2+Mullion+Harbour.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Poldu Monument:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K5HMq76KNIs/UzBxU2E-UVI/AAAAAAAAE78/3UzNY3BiQS8/s1600/13.++Monument+at+Poldu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K5HMq76KNIs/UzBxU2E-UVI/AAAAAAAAE78/3UzNY3BiQS8/s1600/13.++Monument+at+Poldu.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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and what it says:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FoRuctbzpUA/UzBxeuosTpI/AAAAAAAAE8E/wlTclAId8zs/s1600/14.+Inscription+at+Poldu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FoRuctbzpUA/UzBxeuosTpI/AAAAAAAAE8E/wlTclAId8zs/s1600/14.+Inscription+at+Poldu.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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the incredibly battered postbox in the bridge at Poldu Cove:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gdk43ER0OWU/UzByAMTLnCI/AAAAAAAAE8U/RR9V3Fb4zyA/s1600/15.+Postbox+at+Poldu+Cove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gdk43ER0OWU/UzByAMTLnCI/AAAAAAAAE8U/RR9V3Fb4zyA/s1600/15.+Postbox+at+Poldu+Cove.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Approaching Church Cove:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--hK_1nDIGfo/UzByLtBRTYI/AAAAAAAAE8c/4iyupKZySPQ/s1600/17.+Above+Church+Cove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--hK_1nDIGfo/UzByLtBRTYI/AAAAAAAAE8c/4iyupKZySPQ/s1600/17.+Above+Church+Cove.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fdyHXvC0uBU/UzByS4bCJZI/AAAAAAAAE8k/WZdCi33cK_o/s1600/16.+Church+Cove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fdyHXvC0uBU/UzByS4bCJZI/AAAAAAAAE8k/WZdCi33cK_o/s1600/16.+Church+Cove.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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At this point we could look right back past Mullion to Lizard Point:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x28bKJcYb38/UzByZJfq2MI/AAAAAAAAE8s/lb475GcQaa8/s1600/18.+Looking+back+to+Mullion+and+Lizard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x28bKJcYb38/UzByZJfq2MI/AAAAAAAAE8s/lb475GcQaa8/s1600/18.+Looking+back+to+Mullion+and+Lizard.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Approaching Loe Bar and Porthleven - starting to get very blustery here and the path is rather too close to the edge for comfort!:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V10ozQ6TzLE/UzByqG4RpkI/AAAAAAAAE80/yX2CeiWlpek/s1600/19.+Approaching+Porthleven.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V10ozQ6TzLE/UzByqG4RpkI/AAAAAAAAE80/yX2CeiWlpek/s1600/19.+Approaching+Porthleven.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Coming down to Loe Bar, where waterproof trousers had to be put on rather hastily (not easy in a howling gale!):<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LK2GvL2YXSM/UzBy43No58I/AAAAAAAAE88/FjvDLs6mxLg/s1600/20.+Coming+down+to+Loe+Bar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LK2GvL2YXSM/UzBy43No58I/AAAAAAAAE88/FjvDLs6mxLg/s1600/20.+Coming+down+to+Loe+Bar.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kJTnqyGpHBo/UzBy_I9wMiI/AAAAAAAAE9E/YIkCpDvW6tg/s1600/21.+Waterproof+Trousers+On+Loe+Bar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kJTnqyGpHBo/UzBy_I9wMiI/AAAAAAAAE9E/YIkCpDvW6tg/s1600/21.+Waterproof+Trousers+On+Loe+Bar.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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On Loe Bar, looking up The Loe:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-51qq9shAEYs/UzBzHjwWf8I/AAAAAAAAE9M/kOm0bFNb8Pc/s1600/22.+Loe+Bar+and+The+Loe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-51qq9shAEYs/UzBzHjwWf8I/AAAAAAAAE9M/kOm0bFNb8Pc/s1600/22.+Loe+Bar+and+The+Loe.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Porthleven Harbour - scene of those appalling storms a few weeks ago: <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GEuTd_GxQXo/UzBzQ--XgaI/AAAAAAAAE9U/2t_zLqeqy3U/s1600/23.+Porthleven+Harbour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GEuTd_GxQXo/UzBzQ--XgaI/AAAAAAAAE9U/2t_zLqeqy3U/s1600/23.+Porthleven+Harbour.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Across the other side of the harbour some storm damage is clearly visible:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0FGruIDeGXc/UzBzfln8F7I/AAAAAAAAE9c/VKj32SfTfzg/s1600/24.+Porthleven+Harbour+and+Storm+Damage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0FGruIDeGXc/UzBzfln8F7I/AAAAAAAAE9c/VKj32SfTfzg/s1600/24.+Porthleven+Harbour+and+Storm+Damage.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Rain approaching Lizard Point:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7VQGSrRfbag/UzBzqKBKzaI/AAAAAAAAE9k/2oIrRU5luAw/s1600/26.+Rain+Coming+and+Lizard+Point.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7VQGSrRfbag/UzBzqKBKzaI/AAAAAAAAE9k/2oIrRU5luAw/s1600/26.+Rain+Coming+and+Lizard+Point.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Looking back to Porthleven - the path can clearly be seen winding up and down - this was one of the hardest parts of the walk:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cncvLROXQac/UzBzyxVGPOI/AAAAAAAAE9s/OtsWG3Opv0w/s1600/27.++Looking+Back+to+Porthleven.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cncvLROXQac/UzBzyxVGPOI/AAAAAAAAE9s/OtsWG3Opv0w/s1600/27.++Looking+Back+to+Porthleven.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The mine stack at Trewavas - you can clearly see how narrow the path is, which also made it hard going (especially when we were caught by gusts of wind):<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R2ADT0EZBlY/UzB0FL3jXNI/AAAAAAAAE90/_soOwWtXfog/s1600/29.+Mine+Stack+Trewavas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R2ADT0EZBlY/UzB0FL3jXNI/AAAAAAAAE90/_soOwWtXfog/s1600/29.+Mine+Stack+Trewavas.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Imagine mining here - and, indeed, building these mine buildings!:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JH2Hdjq3iRo/UzB0VfEBUAI/AAAAAAAAE98/keOxTfT8HZc/s1600/30.+Mines+Trewavas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JH2Hdjq3iRo/UzB0VfEBUAI/AAAAAAAAE98/keOxTfT8HZc/s1600/30.+Mines+Trewavas.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oRgU4XYU8dY/UzB0f8gC1YI/AAAAAAAAE-E/FKRLrWmRKoA/s1600/31.+Mines+Trewavas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oRgU4XYU8dY/UzB0f8gC1YI/AAAAAAAAE-E/FKRLrWmRKoA/s1600/31.+Mines+Trewavas.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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As can be seen from this last photo, the sun was going down and we cracked on as far as Kenneggy, when the rain started lashing and it was well and truly dark so we headed up the main road where we got a lift into Marazion. We were drenched and freezing cold and very grateful for a hot shower and warm meal.<br />
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As we left the coast path and headed up to the road there was an almighty crack of thunder overhead. We like to think it was Will telling us we'd made the right decision!<br />
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Tomorrow - Marazion-Land's End .......................Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05996681881200099081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953359819818947661.post-51726022635996204512014-03-20T11:23:00.001-07:002014-03-20T11:24:37.208-07:00"Juliet" Summer Tweed from Debbie BlissKnitwits Yarns <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/">knitwitspenzance.co.uk</a><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JSDWGxQCWIY/Uyswf_w1imI/AAAAAAAAE58/YfEpy9Xxm00/s1600/Debbie+Bliss+Juliet+Front+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JSDWGxQCWIY/Uyswf_w1imI/AAAAAAAAE58/YfEpy9Xxm00/s1600/Debbie+Bliss+Juliet+Front+Cover.jpg" height="320" width="248" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XT9o069dq0A/UyswkZ_laII/AAAAAAAAE6I/1XZXKkik_Is/s1600/Debbie+Bliss+Juliet+Cable+Neck+Top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XT9o069dq0A/UyswkZ_laII/AAAAAAAAE6I/1XZXKkik_Is/s1600/Debbie+Bliss+Juliet+Cable+Neck+Top.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aiGTzNxSfUQ/UysxArZ9YcI/AAAAAAAAE6M/WkPVPtN3s9Q/s1600/SimpleTopSkirt-616x800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aiGTzNxSfUQ/UysxArZ9YcI/AAAAAAAAE6M/WkPVPtN3s9Q/s1600/SimpleTopSkirt-616x800.jpg" height="320" width="246" /></a></div>
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Need I say more?! </div>
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Beautiful yarn, beautiful patterns. This is a truly gorgeous yarn from Debbie Bliss - a real winner.</div>
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See all the <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/wiz_patterns_this_book.php?item=6317">patterns here</a>.</div>
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And all the yarn <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/series_this_brand.php?brand=3&series=285">colours here</a>.</div>
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I really don't have enough superlatives to describe this yarn - it is simply, perfectly gorgeous.</div>
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The only problem is, which one to knit first?</div>
Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05996681881200099081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953359819818947661.post-72251279021353231842014-03-18T09:33:00.001-07:002014-03-18T09:35:08.898-07:00Sundays are for WalkingKnitwits Yarns <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/">knitwitspenzance.co.uk</a><br />
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As is well known on this blog, Sundays are for walking; however, we've had a few difficult weeks of it - one week when it was so wet I physically couldn't have been wetter, didn't dare get the camera out, gave up avoiding <strike>puddles</strike> small lakes and just waded through them and - for the first time in a very long time - very nearly lost my sense of humour whilst out on the moors walking.<br />
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Then there was the glorious day when we discovered that <strike>Matt</strike> we had left the camera on so the batteries were dead (it was his fault, I'm just trying to be nice cos he reads this) and then this weekend just gone the mist was so thick we couldn't see a mine head until we were upon it but we walked anyway but there are no photos (working on the theory that thick mist isn't the most riveting thing to be photographing).<br />
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So ... herewith we have photos of a walk we did about a month ago when a) the weather was pretty good, b) the camera was working and c) there was no rugby to rush back for (yes, I've had that scenario as well).<br />
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And, in case you're wondering what all this walking is about - well, firstly it's to get/keep fit (obviously), secondly because it's hard to resist when we have such glorious scenery on our doorstop and thirdly (and probably the most apt) is because we have a memorial walk which we are attempting to do this very weekend from Lizard to Land's End along the coast path. That's 44 miles in total (although I've just seen one site which says it's 46!) so, no, we're not attempting it in one day (although some brave, young, fit students from Truro College are) so we're <strike>walking</strike> attempting to walk from Lizard to Marazion on day one and Marazion to Land's End on day two.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gCkEGMF3ZO0/Uyhuo812BGI/AAAAAAAAE4U/rT9zS_IjqNE/s1600/Lizard+to+Lands+End+Map.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gCkEGMF3ZO0/Uyhuo812BGI/AAAAAAAAE4U/rT9zS_IjqNE/s1600/Lizard+to+Lands+End+Map.gif" /></a></div>
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So - as part of the training, we did a glorious walk along the northern coast path back in February. We walked from home to Nine Maidens (or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boskednan_stone_circle">Boskednan Stone Circle</a>):<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bYGRW52mrkk/UyhvemZKYpI/AAAAAAAAE4g/qvBZLSUqBi8/s1600/Nine-maidens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bYGRW52mrkk/UyhvemZKYpI/AAAAAAAAE4g/qvBZLSUqBi8/s1600/Nine-maidens.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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and then over the top and down to the north coast path at the <a href="http://javu.co.uk/Climbing/NewRoutes/WestCornwall/WhirlPoolSlabs.shtml">Rosemergy Climbing Centre</a>:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YRtKJygi1MM/UyhwXwHaULI/AAAAAAAAE4s/iwlxzREBI9U/s1600/Down+to+the+North+Coast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YRtKJygi1MM/UyhwXwHaULI/AAAAAAAAE4s/iwlxzREBI9U/s1600/Down+to+the+North+Coast.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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then along the coast path to <a href="http://www.cornwall-beaches.co.uk/west-cornwall/portheras-cove.htm">Portheras Cove</a>:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nfP6DR0lD94/UyhxdDIjuyI/AAAAAAAAE44/6q2ucWnABWQ/s1600/P1000975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nfP6DR0lD94/UyhxdDIjuyI/AAAAAAAAE44/6q2ucWnABWQ/s1600/P1000975.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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from where we headed inland and up to a Quoit we'd never visited before -<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ch%C3%BBn_Quoit"> Chun Quoit</a>:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9B0BtkU6Geo/Uyhy-cDgzHI/AAAAAAAAE5M/4Y4BPIQAtro/s1600/Chun+Quoit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9B0BtkU6Geo/Uyhy-cDgzHI/AAAAAAAAE5M/4Y4BPIQAtro/s1600/Chun+Quoit.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6bcyZJCaHzA/UyhzEtDjCiI/AAAAAAAAE5U/Y0jE9knLge8/s1600/Chun+Quoit.3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6bcyZJCaHzA/UyhzEtDjCiI/AAAAAAAAE5U/Y0jE9knLge8/s1600/Chun+Quoit.3.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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and thence on the short distance to the Iron Age Hillfort, <a href="http://www.historic-cornwall.org.uk/a2m/iron_age/hillfort/chun_castle/chun_castle.htm">Chun Castle</a>:<br />
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(with Greenbarrow Mine {and home} in the far distance).<br />
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From there we followed the lane and path to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C3%AAn-an-Tol">Men An Tol</a>:<br />
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(which we pass on nearly all our walks but rarely stop and photograph, despite it being one of the most popular and photographed ancient sites in West Penwith!)<br />
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And then over the moors to Greenbarrow Mine, home and tea and toast!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wuVhSbDJwkk/Uyh0L20PXdI/AAAAAAAAE5s/4u-zY8J4_yE/s1600/Greenbarrow+Mine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wuVhSbDJwkk/Uyh0L20PXdI/AAAAAAAAE5s/4u-zY8J4_yE/s1600/Greenbarrow+Mine.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Before our epic adventure this weekend, look out for new yarn which has arrived here so will be online very shortly ...................<br />
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And, in case you're wondering, yes I am anxious about walking 44/46 miles along the coast path this weekend and, yes, it's going to be a challenge (which is, kind of, the point!).Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05996681881200099081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953359819818947661.post-30963211260774496272014-03-13T10:05:00.000-07:002014-03-13T10:05:28.429-07:00New Yarns (and patterns) from Rico!Knitwits Yarns <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/">knitwitspenzance.co.uk</a><br />
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So ... just in time for the lovely, spring weather we're currently enjoying (doesn't it make <i>such</i> a difference when there's a big, glowing orb of warmth and light in the sky - and it's amazing how quickly the ground starts to dry out and how everyone is instantly more cheery!) more summer yarns have arrived in stock - this time from <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/brand_this.php?brand=26">Rico</a>.<br />
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You may remember that I knitted a little <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/this_pattern.php?item=5687">summer top</a> in <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/series_this_brand.php?series=255&brand=26">Summer Print</a> last year:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ODckXlBM-ZI/UyHdsm3E0PI/AAAAAAAAE3A/w0VUz2Tc8Dg/s1600/160+Rico+Summer+Print.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ODckXlBM-ZI/UyHdsm3E0PI/AAAAAAAAE3A/w0VUz2Tc8Dg/s1600/160+Rico+Summer+Print.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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which I wore A LOT thanks to the glorious summer we had. Well ... Rico have now brought out new colours (both plain and multi) and new patterns so, clearly, this interesting tape yarn was as successful for them as it was for us! Here are the new <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/series_this_brand.php?series=255&brand=26">plain colours</a> (scroll down through the multi colours to find the plain ones):<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cLWt3Dj3Klk/UyHeGPrq8vI/AAAAAAAAE3I/CIn47JXzUJs/s1600/New+Rico+Summer+Print+Plain+Colours+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cLWt3Dj3Klk/UyHeGPrq8vI/AAAAAAAAE3I/CIn47JXzUJs/s1600/New+Rico+Summer+Print+Plain+Colours+2014.jpg" height="159" width="320" /></a></div>
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and here are the new <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/series_this_brand.php?series=255&brand=26">multi's</a>, which you can see are a slightly different style to last year's:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-INngl7SeTnY/UyHeQHychqI/AAAAAAAAE3Q/NqGAhV4C9jI/s1600/New+Rico+Summer+Print+Colours+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-INngl7SeTnY/UyHeQHychqI/AAAAAAAAE3Q/NqGAhV4C9jI/s1600/New+Rico+Summer+Print+Colours+2014.jpg" height="161" width="320" /></a></div>
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and here is a quick selection of a couple of patterns (all of the patterns can be seen down the left hand side of the yarn page):<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_oadTo84ABo/UyHf3SRD7tI/AAAAAAAAE3c/50oSPOSYlu8/s1600/238+Rico+Summer+Print+Top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_oadTo84ABo/UyHf3SRD7tI/AAAAAAAAE3c/50oSPOSYlu8/s1600/238+Rico+Summer+Print+Top.jpg" height="320" width="227" /> </a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CWm_acHz-2o/UyHf-cbxgEI/AAAAAAAAE3k/Q0t01xBJGqE/s1600/239+Rico+Summer+Long+Sleeved+Cardigan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CWm_acHz-2o/UyHf-cbxgEI/AAAAAAAAE3k/Q0t01xBJGqE/s1600/239+Rico+Summer+Long+Sleeved+Cardigan.jpg" height="320" width="226" /></a></div>
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As well as Summer Print we had new CROCHET patterns in Rico's<a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/series_this_brand.php?brand=26&series=225"> Cotton Soft</a> (50% cotton, 50% acrylic blend) and we know how desperately everyone is searching for good crochet patterns so take a look at these:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PuQoIwzp3Us/UyHgcgroKcI/AAAAAAAAE3s/gsnQM5fe2Sk/s1600/243+Rico+Baby+Cotton+Soft+pattern+jumper+with+flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PuQoIwzp3Us/UyHgcgroKcI/AAAAAAAAE3s/gsnQM5fe2Sk/s1600/243+Rico+Baby+Cotton+Soft+pattern+jumper+with+flowers.jpg" height="320" width="227" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nltpnYj_UD8/UyHgiqb-WXI/AAAAAAAAE30/VjBywmLBi6w/s1600/245+Rico+Baby+Cotton+Soft+pattern+cardigan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nltpnYj_UD8/UyHgiqb-WXI/AAAAAAAAE30/VjBywmLBi6w/s1600/245+Rico+Baby+Cotton+Soft+pattern+cardigan.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UsDbkIgXSjU/UyHgnmjSXDI/AAAAAAAAE38/xh1rLWVkFCw/s1600/246+Rico+Baby+Cotton+Soft+pattern+Granny+Square+Blanket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UsDbkIgXSjU/UyHgnmjSXDI/AAAAAAAAE38/xh1rLWVkFCw/s1600/246+Rico+Baby+Cotton+Soft+pattern+Granny+Square+Blanket.jpg" height="320" width="226" /></a></div>
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and two new MANLY colours in <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/series_this_brand.php?brand=26&series=186">Superba Bamboo sock yarn</a>:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rNLNNjL_Jic/UyHg2AEkYBI/AAAAAAAAE4E/cBBh6FRI6_U/s1600/New+Rico+Superba+Bamboo+Uni.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rNLNNjL_Jic/UyHg2AEkYBI/AAAAAAAAE4E/cBBh6FRI6_U/s1600/New+Rico+Superba+Bamboo+Uni.jpg" height="272" width="320" /></a></div>
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Personally, I like it when men wear jazzy bright socks but I know that many won't so here - just for them - two grey/blue plain "normal" colours!<br />
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I don't know about the rest of the country but here the days are glorious but there's still definitely a nip in the air in the evenings so warm, knitwear is still most definitely required!<br />
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<br />Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05996681881200099081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953359819818947661.post-36835390644409800722014-03-10T09:35:00.002-07:002014-03-10T09:35:52.557-07:00St Piran's DayKnitwits Yarns <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/">knitwitspenzance.co.uk</a><br />
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Last Wednesday (March 5th) dawned dry and bright (for a change), which made it the perfect day for the annual St Piran's Day parade down Causewayhead.<br />
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St Piran is the patron saint of tin miners and has gradually evolved into the Patron Saint of Cornwall with the St Piran's Flag (white cross on black background) now used as the symbol of Cornwall.<br />
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The children paraded and danced and the bands played - well done one and all - it was great to see the streets so crowded with proud parents and onlookers:<br />
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You have to really admire these small children playing instruments such as the flute and oboe whilst parading down the street!<br />
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I wonder how many other small towns across the UK are so proud of their patron saint?!<br />
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Tomorrow - new yarns (and patterns).......................... <br />
Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05996681881200099081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953359819818947661.post-60126963201601133362014-02-28T03:40:00.001-08:002014-02-28T03:40:40.506-08:00New Yarns from Adriafil and Final Blanket UpdateKnitwits Yarns <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/">knitwitspenzance.co.uk</a><br />
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So ... the second batch of new yarns for spring/summer arrived this week and, as ever, large boxes from Italy always give us a bit of a thrill! We have two brand new yarns and 3 new colours in the phenomenally popular <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/series_this_brand.php?brand=21&series=109">Knitcol</a> so I'll give you a taste of them first:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MQkjorJ9IiY/UxBwiA37AgI/AAAAAAAAE00/bvoFR8IcH18/s1600/New+Knitcol+Feb+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MQkjorJ9IiY/UxBwiA37AgI/AAAAAAAAE00/bvoFR8IcH18/s1600/New+Knitcol+Feb+2014.jpg" height="233" width="320" /></a></div>
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Knitcol is a DK superwash pure wool and just sells and sells - if you haven't knitted with it yet then it's another you need to add to the list of "wools I must knit with soon".....<br />
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So to the first of our new summer yarns: <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/series_this_brand.php?brand=21&series=283">Carioca</a>:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PvQf0Z4f4XI/UxBw7a6FDjI/AAAAAAAAE08/QqwA-Qx3SEo/s1600/Adriafil+Carioca.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PvQf0Z4f4XI/UxBw7a6FDjI/AAAAAAAAE08/QqwA-Qx3SEo/s1600/Adriafil+Carioca.jpg" height="109" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is a linen/cotton/polyester mix with a very smooth, soft feel which knits up beautifully:<br />
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I really love it and can feel a <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/this_pattern.php?item=6248">summer top</a> coming on:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZdVBpvRViUk/UxBxWJLtTYI/AAAAAAAAE1M/YNbnlfEm9iY/s1600/Coral.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZdVBpvRViUk/UxBxWJLtTYI/AAAAAAAAE1M/YNbnlfEm9iY/s1600/Coral.jpg" height="320" width="226" /></a></div>
<br />Our second new yarn is <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/series_this_brand.php?brand=21&series=284">Energia</a>:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IYH2pycotds/UxBxfaM5pSI/AAAAAAAAE1U/zKdOeKN8HpI/s1600/Adriafil+Energia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IYH2pycotds/UxBxfaM5pSI/AAAAAAAAE1U/zKdOeKN8HpI/s1600/Adriafil+Energia.jpg" height="96" width="320" /></a></div>
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which, again, is a cotton blend but .... <i>WITH SPARKLES</i>! Ooh, who can resist a bit of sparkle in their knitting, I know I can't. Again, knits up beautifully:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yXGAnGDoUAQ/UxBxtLI4k2I/AAAAAAAAE1c/-7lRXGGnjzg/s1600/Adriafil+Energia+Knitted+Sample.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yXGAnGDoUAQ/UxBxtLI4k2I/AAAAAAAAE1c/-7lRXGGnjzg/s1600/Adriafil+Energia+Knitted+Sample.jpg" height="244" width="320" /></a></div>
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and has several patterns. Tracey has her eye on <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/this_pattern.php?item=6254">this one</a>:<br />
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and I think <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/this_pattern.php?item=6257">this is rather sweet</a>:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4tgYIesh6yo/UxBx88GLpqI/AAAAAAAAE1s/UlUFWN5fa7E/s1600/Isabella.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4tgYIesh6yo/UxBx88GLpqI/AAAAAAAAE1s/UlUFWN5fa7E/s1600/Isabella.jpg" height="320" width="227" /></a></div>
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Let's just hope that this summer is as hot as last so we have plenty of opportunities to wear our lovely new tops!<br />
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And so to the final <a href="http://juliaknitwits.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/ravellenic-games-previously-known-as.html">Ravellenic Games Blanket</a> Update ...... well, I finally managed 97 squares over the course of the games, which equated to 5.7 squares per day. As you know, I hadn't really set myself a target as I'd never previously timed how long it took to knit a square so I'm pretty pleased. 100 would have been a nice round figure but, hey, the blanket is 97 squares bigger than it was at the beginning! Photos to follow .......<br />
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Finally, I visited my brother a few weeks ago and we did a quick photo shoot (as the light was fading) of my two<a href="http://juliaknitwits.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/sharons-scatness-tam.html"> Scatness Tams</a>. You may recall that I knitted one for my sister-in-law which was too small (she has masses of hair) so that became mine and I then knitted another one for her (on bigger needles). She refused to model it so my lovely niece was roped in. <br />
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Just so you know, Grace is 13 .... she is not standing on a box ..... she is in flat shoes ..... I am in 3" heels .... I am not bending my legs (if anything I'm standing as tall as I can) ..... Grace is a very, very good swimmer (and the rowing team are desperate for her too ...!):<br />
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<br />Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05996681881200099081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953359819818947661.post-30147362517135607402014-02-22T08:35:00.001-08:002014-02-22T08:35:54.087-08:00Africa and ElephantsKnitwits Yarns <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/">knitwitspenzance.co.uk</a><br />
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"Africa and Elephants" - a slightly odd subject for a knitting blog, I know - but I also know that knitters are caring, thoughtful and intelligent people so I'm going to digress from knitting and walking and life in Cornwall for this one blog entry. Please stay with me ... what I'm going to talk about is way, way more important than knitting (and I<b> <i>love</i></b> my knitting, remember!).<br />
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Matt and I are fortunate enough to count <a href="http://www.deeblestone.com/index.php">Mark Deeble and Vicky Stone </a>as good friends - they make wildlife films in Africa and they're <a href="http://www.deeblestone.com/awards.php">very good at it</a>! Matt was born and brought up in Tanzania in East Africa and we were lucky enough to travel there together for three months when we were first married and we've taken our boys to Kenya and Tanzania twice where we've met up with Mark and Vicky; the first time we stayed in their camp over Christmas when they were filming <a href="http://www.deeblestone.com/films_more.php?filmId=1">The Queen of Trees</a> - eating Christmas dinner (barbecued goat) under African stars with hippos grunting not too far away is a truly unforgettable experience.<br />
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Mark and Vicky are currently in Kenya filming elephants - or perhaps that should be - trying to film elephants. Elephant and rhino poaching is such a huge problem now that, if it continues at the current rate, there will be no elephants left in East Africa in 10-15 years. <br />
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For the mega-wealthy Chinese their drink of choice currently is wine with rhino horn ground up into it. Why? Because they have some warped idea that rhino horn will cure them of all manner of ills.<br />
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Mark has just started writing a very <a href="http://markdeeble.wordpress.com/">powerful blog</a> about what they are currently seeing out in Africa. It's not easy reading but - if you care about Africa, its wildlife and, especially, elephants I would ask you to read it, follow it, share it and get everyone to start talking about what's happening to these magnificent animals.<br />
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<a href="http://markdeeble.wordpress.com/2014/02/02/the-passing-of-a-giant/">The Passing Of A Giant</a><br />
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<a href="http://markdeeble.wordpress.com/2014/02/16/why-we-wont-miss-elephants-once-they-are-gone/">Why We Won't Miss Elephants When They Are Gone </a><br />
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Thank you.<br />
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My next blog <b><i>will</i></b> be about knitting, promise!<br />
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Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05996681881200099081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953359819818947661.post-55823503311468783092014-02-19T08:48:00.001-08:002014-02-19T08:48:53.094-08:00New Yarns From King Cole (Moods and Moods Duet) plus Blanket UpdateKnitwits Yarns <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/">knitwitspenzance.co.uk</a><br />
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There isn't ever a time when new yarns aren't arriving or on the horizon but the two times of year when new stuff starts piling in is, of course, spring and autumn.<br />
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The first new yarn(s) for 2014 are <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/series_this_brand.php?brand=9&series=282">Moods</a> and <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/series_this_brand.php?brand=9&series=281">Moods Duet</a> from King Cole - plus new colours in <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/series_this_brand.php?brand=9&series=126">Bamboo Cotton</a>. Before I move onto the Moods I have to say that if you haven't knitted with Bamboo Cotton yet then you need to!! It's one of our best-selling yarns and one of King Cole's best too (if not <u><b>the</b></u> best). I know it's a summer yarn (in theory) but, trust me, you'll be wearing it winter too! Who can resist <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/this_pattern.php?item=6198">this lovely pattern</a> in it:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FUW71NV9GaQ/UwTXx7fsxbI/AAAAAAAAEzg/EVgu5gCnzP8/s1600/3912+King+Cole+Bamboo+Cotton+pattern+sweater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FUW71NV9GaQ/UwTXx7fsxbI/AAAAAAAAEzg/EVgu5gCnzP8/s1600/3912+King+Cole+Bamboo+Cotton+pattern+sweater.jpg" height="320" width="227" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/this_pattern.php?item=6201">or this</a>:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FDsu56-8vD8/UwTX8iLIHWI/AAAAAAAAEzo/cHwECMXwjiY/s1600/3913+King+Cole+Bamboo+Cotton+pattern+flared+cardigan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FDsu56-8vD8/UwTX8iLIHWI/AAAAAAAAEzo/cHwECMXwjiY/s1600/3913+King+Cole+Bamboo+Cotton+pattern+flared+cardigan.jpg" height="320" width="227" /></a></div>
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(although that second one would swamp me but I'm seriously tempted by the first). Reminder to self - Tom is going to University this September, not next.<br />
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Anyhoo, new colours in Bamboo Cotton are these:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KidTE45Fm0Q/UwTYQHER3aI/AAAAAAAAEzw/XBWbvrLirB0/s1600/New+Bamboo+Cotton+Feb+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KidTE45Fm0Q/UwTYQHER3aI/AAAAAAAAEzw/XBWbvrLirB0/s1600/New+Bamboo+Cotton+Feb+2014.jpg" height="142" width="320" /></a></div>
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And so to <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/series_this_brand.php?brand=9&series=282">Moods</a> and<a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/series_this_brand.php?brand=9&series=281"> Moods Duet</a> - two similar yarns but with totally different effects. Moods Duet:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hw9elIOy4LE/UwTYflpEFnI/AAAAAAAAEz4/99YEsuQSHoU/s1600/Moods+Duet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hw9elIOy4LE/UwTYflpEFnI/AAAAAAAAEz4/99YEsuQSHoU/s1600/Moods+Duet.jpg" height="285" width="320" /></a></div>
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which knits<a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/this_pattern.php?item=6219"> like this</a>:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YA87nrnYQzM/UwTcJK__M5I/AAAAAAAAE0E/3nZQnk2Gm0g/s1600/3933+King+Cole+Moods+Duet+Sweater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YA87nrnYQzM/UwTcJK__M5I/AAAAAAAAE0E/3nZQnk2Gm0g/s1600/3933+King+Cole+Moods+Duet+Sweater.jpg" height="320" width="227" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/this_pattern.php?item=6220">and this</a>:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RwB1j65mmsE/UwTcPN4a6sI/AAAAAAAAE0M/sDFV83jozFQ/s1600/3934+King+Cole+Moods+Duet+Sweater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RwB1j65mmsE/UwTcPN4a6sI/AAAAAAAAE0M/sDFV83jozFQ/s1600/3934+King+Cole+Moods+Duet+Sweater.jpg" height="320" width="227" /></a></div>
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and <a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/series_this_brand.php?brand=9&series=282">Moods</a>:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-luvn-QWKRf8/UwTcWjkUlLI/AAAAAAAAE0U/TtqsTNgTUG4/s1600/King+Cole+Moods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-luvn-QWKRf8/UwTcWjkUlLI/AAAAAAAAE0U/TtqsTNgTUG4/s1600/King+Cole+Moods.jpg" height="215" width="320" /></a></div>
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which, as you can see, has flecks in it and knits<a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/this_pattern.php?item=6234"> like this</a>:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UfUENq6oKFg/UwTcf4rd69I/AAAAAAAAE0c/fUIunvl5cpQ/s1600/3931+King+Cole+Moods+Sweater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UfUENq6oKFg/UwTcf4rd69I/AAAAAAAAE0c/fUIunvl5cpQ/s1600/3931+King+Cole+Moods+Sweater.jpg" height="320" width="227" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.knitwitspenzance.co.uk/this_pattern.php?item=6237">and this</a>:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eZZ2cLJ2xL4/UwTckxa-55I/AAAAAAAAE0k/puNbnZrzDb0/s1600/3934+King+Cole+Moods+pattern+jacket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eZZ2cLJ2xL4/UwTckxa-55I/AAAAAAAAE0k/puNbnZrzDb0/s1600/3934+King+Cole+Moods+pattern+jacket.jpg" height="320" width="227" /></a></div>
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I think this is going to be a really popular yarn (judging from initial reactions here in the shop) - it's a nice make-up of 30% wool, 70% acrylic, knits well and has a good yardage, which makes it very economical. It's also a standard DK weight so will knit to your favourite DK patterns as well as its own. What's not to love?!<br />
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On the blanket front, I rattled along over the weekend and added 19 more squares, bringing the total to 55 (average 5.5 per day). Then knitted 10 more on Monday - grand total of 65 squares (average 5.9 per day) - yay! Since then haven't knitted another one! - went to the cinema last night (again) so no knitting completed. Average per day now = 5.4. Hey ho, look on the bright side - there are 65 more squares on it than there were at the start of the Olympics - that's about 4 more rows. And there are still a few more days to go!Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05996681881200099081noreply@blogger.com0