From Largs to Falmouth to London to Largs

After Leg 4 (Douglas to Largs) I had a week off from the trip to catch up with a few family things. I flew Glasgow to Exeter, then by train to Falmouth to visit my daughter, Poppy, and to see the Foundation Course end of year show. I stayed in the excellent Falmouth Townhouse; enjoyed a bed with sheets, a long hot bath, television and breakfasts being brought to me in a room. I had a great time with Poppy - we sat drawing together and went for a long walk from Flushing to Mylor around the headland in great summery weather. The show was impressive and Poppy leaves with a Merit grade. She has a place at Glasgow School of Art for a four year course from September, so i don't know when I will see Falmouth again, but the prospect of a connection with Glasgow is very exciting.

Falmouth Harbour

After three days in Falmouth I took the morning train to London. Paddington station was uncomfortably noisy and busy. After a very short visit to the office, out of habit more than for a particular reason, I met Edward and we travelled down to the Cutty Sark to make a tour of the site. The Cutty Sark is raised! I have been working on the Cutty Sark Conservation Project for some six years. I was proud to show Ed something of my work, and proud to hear about his work with Bombay Bicycle Club; their new album and hectic summer tour of the festivals.

After taking the Thames Clipper back to Embankment I was late to my emergency dental appointment in Highgate - but my teeth are now good to go for another couple of months. Jackson's Lane hosts guests continually and there I caught up with my old friend John Synnott from Sydney. He described his recent trip to Syria over a few snorts of the turps, as he might put it. 


Early next morning I was back on the train to Largs, travelling, by chance, with Brian Turgoose to Glasgow where he was meeting an old army mate over a liquid lunch. And back to Arc Angel....