Monday 19 January 2015

Tantrums and Tramways







Saturday was a horrible day for me as I only managed to get a couple of hours sleep the night before. I can understand why sleep deprivation is used as a torture method.  As you have heard me say many times before my sleep patterns are terrible.  They are never good but some nights sleep evades me completely, even after taking a sleeping tablet. So Saturday saw me tired, extremely stroppy (sorry bearded one) and unable to string two thoughts together, I couldn't even drive!  I stopped at a traffic light, they changed to green and I put the car in reverse twice before managing to drive away, luckily not hitting the car behind me.  That is really bad isn't it, I'm sure they were muttering 'women drivers".  I have been driving for more years than I can remember but this simple task evaded me.  It really shook me up, and after completing my shopping  I resorted to buying a coffee to drink in the car before I set off for home.  I didn't do any of the things I intended to do as I was just too damn tired, what a waste of a day.

Luckily I had a better sleep on Saturday evening so we decided not to waste the lovely crisp day and went for a walk.  Not to the coast you'll be surprised to hear, but along the Mineral Tramway that goes from Devoran to Portreath.  In the past mines were dotted all over Cornwall so there were tramways that took the ore to the ports.  These have been made into wonderful cycle and footpaths that are brilliant for walking along.  You can still see the scars from the mining activities but nature has a way of healing and making areas beautiful that once were devastated.  I have not been along this bit of the tramway before, we used to ride along the Portreath end with the kids when they were younger.  I was regretting giving away my bike on Freegle last year when I saw everyone whizzing along, but they probable missed a lot of the little things that we kept stopping to photograph.  For a January day it was busy with cyclists, horse riders, dog walkers, runners and people like us enjoying nature.  I have decided to add walking the tramways to my 60 x 60 list, so watch this space.




































The old viaduct next to the new one.


 If we had been in this valley during the time mining was at it's peak, it would have looked like hell on earth and been a dangerous place with all the toxic waste.  Today due to a lot of work and nature fighting back it has a unique beauty even in the depth of winter.

I hope you enjoyed our walk.

Chickpea xx

Welcome to Marlane :)

27 comments:

  1. Chickpea I loved going along with you on your walk.
    Rosezeeta.

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  2. sorry to read about your sleeping problems, I went through a few years of sleep problems then they just resolved themselves, I get the odd bad night but not very often now, I think its a female thing :-)

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    1. I have had sleep problems all my life but has got a lot worse in the last few years. Yes I think you are right, so many women I know have the same problem.

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  3. I'm off to the doc again tommorow, I am still the same I have just had to sit down today, feeling really rough, I managed two hours last night.

    Your walk looks lovely, it was cold and crisp and a lovely blue sky today, I would have loved to go out today, but couldn't manage it.

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    1. So sorry to hear you are feeling rough, sit down and put your feet up as often as you can xx

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  4. What a beautiful walk. The photos are lovely.

    cheers, parsnip

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    1. Thank you Parsnip, didn't spot any cactus though!

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  5. Lovely walk. I sympathise over the sleep as I can lie awake for hours some nights no matter how tired I am

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    1. Awful isn't it, I usually give up and get up after a couple of hours.

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  6. So sorry about your sleep problems,I too have them and always have had,sometimes I am awake crocheting at 3am lol.It's not funny though and I do sympathise especially when you have to work.I LOVE those photos really lovely,glad you got out for a walk and shared with us.Huggles

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    1. Sorry to hear you have the same problems Lee. Yes knowing I have to work the next day stresses me out even more, making the sleeping harder!

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  7. Thank you for taking us on a lovely walk. Hope you get a good nights sleep tonight.

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    1. You are welcome Sue, I never have a good nights sleep, but more than four hours would be welcome.

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  8. looks like a lovely walk, I hope it helped you sleep better x

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  9. Such a lovely walk to take with you, the breath of fresh air I needed today, thank you xxx

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  10. We use the cycle trails there often. The boys love the different scenery, and the local history. Sleep can often elude me, and I find it very debilitating. I have tried everything to combat it, but have now accepted it as part of me. I am often to be found reading late into the night. Or ironing into the wee hours!
    Leanne xx

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  11. We loved the Wheal Rose to Portreath section when the kids were younger, it was lovely to have somewhere safe for them to cycle. Yes you are right, it is just the way my brain works, always has, I just don't have the energy I used to.

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  12. It's sobering how even a little sleep deprivation can affect your concentration levels. The quality of the light in the photos is something else. Good old Cornwall!

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    1. yes, frightening how much it can affect you!

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  13. Sorry to hear of your sleeping problems, it can really take it out of you.

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    1. Thank you Joanne, trying some new sleeping tablets, fingers crossed they will help

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  14. I'm sorry your Saturday was ruined by a bad night's sleep the night before. Everything seems like such an effort when sleep deprived. You were wise to get the coffee before you drove back home. Your Sunday walk looks like it was beautiful - blue sky and gorgeous scenery. :-)

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  15. Thank you Kristie, getting out in the fresh air on Sunday was such a tonic.

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  16. Sorry that you have been feeling rough. I am sure that the time of year and lack of daylight must be a contributor as so many people get out of sorts at this time of year. Hopefully as the weather improves so you will feel better. I hope so! Take care of yourself in the meantime. xx

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