Smeaton's Pier in St Ives, the perfect backdrop...
for a pair of classic working boats like these Jumbos...
sporting their shallow draft and wide beam which allows them to sit safely on the sandy harbour beach at low water...
today's modern equivalents come in the guise of these two cats, Dignity and Bethshan...
also sitting comfortably on the sands of the harbour beach is the ex-RNLI lifeboat, Laura Moncur
Buckie ex-RNLI lifeboat, Laura Moncur, identical in every way to the old Penlee lifeboat, Solomon Browne...
and superbly restored by her devoted owner Mark Waltham - who is currently sailing her around UK in fundraising voyage for the RNLI - anyone can join the boat and experience first hand what it was like to be 'out on a shout' for the sum of £1 per mile - the money raised after fuel expenses is then donated to the RNLI - if you want to join the boat and sail from St Ives to Padstow (her next stop) email Mark for all the voyage details!...
next stop, to continue the celebrations, the Porthminster Cafe...
a short walk from the harbour and a window table with a stunning view looking west where we eventually settled on our choice of dishes from the oh-so-tempting range of dishes on the Evening Menu...
what better way to start the meal than fresh oysters courtesy of young Stuart McClary washed down with St Ives' brewery latest beer, the delicious Porthminster Porter, brewed specially for the cafe...
next up, with a great selection of local fish and other dishes the birthday girl opted for a main course of whole bream...
while the bill payer opted for seared duck breast...
followed by a very Cornish variation on the superb sticky-toffee theme served up with more than a smattering of Italian charm by our waitress Maria for the evening rousingly serenaded by a round of 'Happy Birthday' from fellow diners - superb!...
as the view became ever more enchanting it was decided to head out west along the spectacular north coast road...
to sit and enjoy the full Sennen beach panorama...
before catching the evanescent rays of sunshine from the setting sun - a fitting end to a gorgeous day...
