Beach Life

Every so often I like to spoil Mrs C – which is why I bought her an alarm clock for Christmas. A traditional one with two large copper bells on top. The idea being to ensure she woke promptly at 6am for the first of her three daily yoga sessions as part of her New Year fitness regime.

The first morning the alarm went off, pandemonium ensued as we both shot out of bed looking for a fire exit…

“Do you think that alarm is too loud? I asked, straining to get my breath back.

Mrs C glared at me and headed for the bathroom, with a look that suggested, ‘You are definitely trying to kill me.’

Not surprisingly, my own New Year health regime is a little gentler. My idea of exercise is to walk briskly to Swanpool beach, which takes me 40 minutes each way – weather permitting. One of the things I love about Falmouth is that whichever beach you choose to visit there is a warm welcome awaiting regardless of the weather. Swanpool Beach became my favourite when I first came to live in Falmouth. There is something about the cove, the rocks, and the nature reserve that has always drawn me. Then there is the view, the view from the Beach Café, looking out to sea. I often stop here for one of their papaya and peach smoothies (£3.50) and if its lunchtime, a homemade soup (£4.20) or a quiche from the specials board. (£3.50). Of course, it’s the summer months when Swanpool beach is at its best. For the past few years the Beach Café have been holding a pop-up restaurant called Barefoot Dinners. Served on the decking of the café, with the sea and sand just a few steps away, these fabulous feasts are a wonderful way to celebrate the Cornish Summer. A table on the sand with a wonderful seafood extravaganza. Hopefully they will be holding them again this year – so check their website later in the year, because they do get booked up very quickly.

When I returned home from my walk I found Mrs C asleep on the bed, still in her Yoga gear. Perhaps three sessions a day is too much, I thought – but I didn’t dare wake her.

Later that evening I smiled to myself as I uncorked a bottle of Chianti Classico before dinner.

“I don’t suppose you want a glass do you?” I asked.

I heard the door slam, followed by her voice.

“I’m not drinking during the week AM I….?”

Oops!

Follow Tony Cowell on Twitter: @cowelltweets

www.swanpool beach.co.uk