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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.   

5 comments

Terra said...

Years ago my husband and I visited Cornwall and were in Padstow for May Day. What a perfect day to be there, with lots of village traditions like the hobby horse going on, and it did not seem done for tourists. I am sure you will love your future visit.

TARYTERRE said...

Cornwall sounds like a lovely place to visit. be sure to tell us all about it when you do it.

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

I've read more than one book that has mentioned the beauty of Cornwall and I agree it would make for a wonderful visit. Hope you succeed and get to go. As always I'm an armchair traveler, so I'd appreciate seeing the sights through your eyes.

Linda said...

I have the same fascination. I actually have a desktop wallpaper right now of Cornwall,lol. Have a beautiful day, friend, another hot one here in western NY.

Vee said...

Oh I remember Victoria Holt...that took me way back. Rosamunde Pilcher wrote so descriptively of Cornwall as well. I think you will go and watch the waves break against the cliffs just like a scene from Poldark.