The Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Are Calling Me

I'm not exactly sure when my fascination with Cornwall began. Perhaps it was moving to Cornwall Street when I was in second grade. Perhaps it was reciting "As I was going to St. Ives..." many times when I was growing up. Perhaps it was "Poldark," or "Rebecca" or a Victoria Holt novel, read decades ago. Most likely it was a bit of all of these, but years and years later, Cornwall holds a place in my imagination.

It was only a few years ago when the idea of visiting Cornwall came to mind. In some ways it seemed more a place of imagination, than a real set of towns and villages that I would be able to visit. But I've mentioned it from time to time and today this volume greeted me when I came home from doing errands. A friend had found this book by the English writer, Daphne du Maurier, author of "Rebecca," who adopted Cornwall as her home. It is a well-loved volume, and one for which I am most grateful. Many thanks, Nora.

I flipped the pages to find a photograph to share in this post and chose this one, the harbor at Malpas, Cornwall. It is the waterway to Truro and Falmouth -- now I know where these towns on Cape Cod got their names -- and part of the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. These are areas in England, designated for conservation because of their significant landscape value. I learned that a third of the land in Cornwall has been designated as part of the Cornwall Area (AONB). If I had any doubts that a trip to Cornwall needs to be on my calendar, those doubts vanished as of this afternoon. I have no idea when I will make my plans, but I one day -- sooner, rather than later, I am going to Cornwall. The areas of outstanding natural beauty are calling me.

I tried to keep this week relatively unscheduled, but it's been hectic. Mostly good hectic, but lots going on. I got to spend one morning with Facebook friends who are now real friends and what fun that was. Thanks, Melissa and Michael for a wonderful visit.

As ever, thanks for visiting. Take good care and have a wonderful Fathers' Day.