The Famous Pirates Of Penzance

"Well, it's the top of the tide and we must be off."

Left bright and early and headed off to complete our mainland odyssey. Unfortunately, I took a direct route which turned out to be incredibly slow. The closer we got to the tip, the smaller the roads got, but unfortunately learner drivers and trucks were still out in force, and we often just crawled along the narrow roads. We eventually arrived after a journey of 3.5 hours.

"What a picturesque spot. I wonder where we are?"

It's 874 miles since we started at John O'Groats, and we've finally made it to Land's End, but we took the scenic route of 2500 miles and 21 days to get there. Cyclists have done it in under 3 days, and the running record is 9 days and something. People have done it on stilts, skates, bikes, hang gliders, and others have even pushed a truck, so I think we had it easy.

"Let her make her hay while the sun doth shine.
 Let us shut our eyes, and talk about the weather."

We couldn't help but notice the similarity to the day we had at John O'Groats. Sunny, temperature in the 20s, air-conditioner on in the car, a slight breeze. Absolutely beautiful, so we bought 2 authentic Cornish pasties, and just enjoyed the views for some time. The Land's End complex has grown over the last 20 years, and there have been a number of souvenir shops added to the original buildings of the First and Last Inn, the Land's End Pub, and Penwith House. Still, the view is unchanged.

After lunch we headed off to track down the "famous Pirates of Penzance". Found a parking spot in the town and walked along the sea front.

"We are quite alone, and the sea is as smooth as glass.
 Suppose we take off our shoes and stockings and paddle?"

Mandy was determined to have a paddle after coming all this way, but it wasn't as easy as you'd think. There's no sand, only large stones, so she ended up picking her way gingerly into the sea, and standing quite still in case she fell over.

"We will go and collect our band and attack Tremorden Castle this very night."

Well, attacking it was certainly out of our league, but the castle dominated the shore line opposite the bay, and we wandered down the sea wall in the sunshine admiring the view. Did you know that the real owner of Tremorden Castle was once Major General Stanley? Bet W.S. Gilbert did.

"Would that you could render this extermination unnecessary by accompanying me back to civilisation."

Took the longer but quicker route home down the motorway. Only 2.5 hours this time. Unfortunately, we didn't have the hostel all to ourselves tonight like we did last night, but the garden is still lovely.

(Apologies to those who are not particularly in to Gilbert and Sullivan.)