Friday 24th June (The Parrot)


Mr. Kite looked out of The Joint window to see two palm trees swaying in the strong Cornwall breeze. Now this is Lands End and the palm trees are a sign that to the west and south over the sea there is a New World.

Today a large group of people, including Mr. Kite, set out to Newlyn and Mousehole for a walk and to watch birds. The usual birds were spotted and ticked off. Herring Gull, Lesser Black-back Gull, Greater Black-back Gull etc.; then a green parrot was spotted on a lamp post. This was a picture of Simon the Dwarf Macaw who had gone missing and his owner was offering a reward for his safe return. So this added an extra interest to the day's bird-watching. This bird also answered to the name, "Simon".

The large group of people, including Mr. Kite, sat around Newlyn and then Mousehole where they perched on benches overlooking harbours, the sea, shops and The Sandpiper Gallery shouting, "Simon". Eventually Mr. Kite and his 'birding companion' set out to walk from Mousehole to Lamorna Cove hoping to find Simon. To cut a long story short it was a very pleasant walk along the coastal path and more than twenty species of bird were spotted including Fulmars. On a cliff a small colony were nesting and the adults were seen soaring over the water with straight stiff wings. There was not any sign of Simon although his name was called frequently.

After a return walk to Mousehole everyone returned to the campsite disappointed that they did not collect the reward for Simon's return. Tea was drunk as the air became chilly. After a short break Mr. Kite cycled the short distance to Lands End where a few joyous people were celebrating after completing the trip from John O'Groats on bicycles. But the rain was pouring down by this time and the wind was howling and the sea swell was rising but people stood in front of the signs to have a photograph or two.

With little bird life and a darkening sky Mr. Kite headed towards John O'Groats. Within thirty seconds of leaving Lands End The Beast suffered a burst and Mr. Kite pushed the disabled bicycle back to the campsite because he did not have a puncture repair kit with him.

Soon Mr. Kite was enjoying a tipple of Affligem Biere Blonde. Cheers from wet and windy Cornwall. Still no sign of Simon.