Wednesday 6 April 2011

Early days

I started writing this entry sitting in a coffee shop in Penzance eking out an Americano until the laptop batteries die.  I’m Callum, the driver for this expedition and I’m going to stay with the walkers until sometime around the 11th.  On Monday life was good; I spoke to the walkers at about 11:30 and they sounded in good spirits with fresh pasties for lunch.  I had been sitting in the youth hostel working before popping into town for some lunch, shopping, more work and a chance to explore Penzance.  So far the group has had a session in Sennen to kick us off, a very hairy walk back from Sennen (accross a rocky beach in the dark without enough torches), two days of solid walking behind them and a wonderful session with the folk club in the Admiral Benbow, Penzance.  I’ve been stuck under the shelf in the back of the van, climbed over all the luggage in the top of the van and decided that dog beds are too good for dogs (I’m now sleeping on Harry's dog bed).
The view of Hayle Towans heading for Godrevy Head


The session on Sunday night in the Benbow was wonderful; mostly people shared songs, with a few tunes and even a story mixed in. Before we left our hosts presented us with a Cornish flag and a teddy decorated with ribbon and named Ben Bow. Ben now sits proudly on the front seat of the support bus keeping me company as I drive around the interesting roads of Cornwall. After a night at the local YHA hostel the walkers set off on their walk for the day.  They managed to beat me to the hotel we were staying at in St Ives – the Great Western Hotel – probably because they didn’t sit around in Penzance drinking coffee!
In the Great Western followed a very different session – predominantly rock and blues singing.  We were treated to an original composition about the slowness of local decorators (like Gideon) who are coming ‘dreckly’.  Other highlights included Moira’s complete failure to eat a profiterole cleanly (video evidence may be uploaded), some really lovely beer and a welcome from Allan (the hotel owner) and a cooked breakfast from his wife in the morning. The chance to sleep in a proper bed did wonders for those of us who didn’t have to sleep on the floor.
Yesterday gave us much merriment, particularly in Gideon’s rendition of ‘the Spaniard who Blighted my Life,’ complete with audience interaction, vocal backing, prop use (washing up bowl and walking pole) and a complete and utter disregard for his own dignity (and the dignity of those around him).  If anyone knows where Gideon left his dignity, or has some way to get it back to him then please get in contact on twitter (@folktrail) or email (folktrail@gmail.com). Gideon would probably appreciate more really stupid songs.

The road near Chasewater
Now we are sitting in our tent in the campsite near Truro. We have started using the Soul Pad tent – it sleeps 12 at a push so is very comfortable for the 8 of us.  I set it up this afternoon by myself – took slightly more than half an hour to get it all done. Tonight the plan is to have a (quiet) session and get some photos to upload – watch this space! The only slight disadvantage of one big tent is that if the ground is sloped, we all end up sleeping in a pile (like a basket of puppies).
For now I’ll say goodbye – feel free to phone (07867 995027) us about anything at all, but don’t be surprised if no one knows which lottery numbers to pick tomorrow, or where you left the car keys (mine are still on my belt loop where I left them!). We will continue to blog whenever we can – internet connections etc are hard to come by.  Naomi is keeping twitter up to date via her iPhone, but the blog posts need a laptop screen. Thanks for reading; our route and session plans are elsewhere on the site (folktrail.com) and we’d love to see you!
Goodbye for now
Callum (Ducky)

Lastly – our contacts again:
Tel: 07867 995027
Twitter: @folktrail
Website: folktrail.com

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