The Purple Penguin

People thought I was joking when I said I was coming here to sleep. But that’s what we’re doing. Sort of. Woke up really early this morning and heard dripping so went back to sleep. Woke up again at seven to hear the rain pouring down, so rolled over and pretended I was still asleep until around eight when Joe was up. We sort of pretended we were going back to sleep but gave up and got ready for the day.

It was still dripping when we went to breakfast, we are now trying to remember if it was heavy rain or just rain, but definitely wet. And lots of puddles. Went in for breakfast and I managed to muck it all up by heading straight for the coffee and getting my own pot – you’re suppose to sit down and let them bring it to you. But once I had my pot of coffee I was not letting go. And it was good coffee, so. Joe got us crepes because it was the one area that didn’t have hoards of people around – it was completely empty. Good crepes. And by the time we finished breakfast the rain had stopped and the sun was coming out.

So we sorted our stuff and headed out to see where things are and have a bit of a walk. Our friends have stayed here before (and recommended we stay here) and said we had to do the nifty cliff lift! And when we checked in we were told about the cliff lift down to the beach. So off we headed to find the nifty cliff lift. Walked down along the sea cliff with wonderful views over the ocean and found the cliff lift, got in and, after all the build up, were disappointed to see it was just a lift. No glass walls or anything. But when the doors opened at the bottom we were in a cave tunnel leading out onto the beach area. (We need to take a photo!)

Now when I say beach, I don’t mean the sort of the beach I’m used to. These are huge rock beaches, the sort that you really dont’ walk along wading in the surf. Just very large rocks with waves. Lovely, but stick to the paths! We checked out the saltwater swimming pool (tomorrow’s adventure) and walked toward town. At the end of the path was a shallow pond from all the rain – I think it’s normally a parking lot but this morning it was a pond. So we waded across (it wasn’t even ankle deep) and headed on into town.

Town is mostly a strip along the beach with a couple of roads going back between one of the hills. Lots of little shops, bars, and restaurants. We browsed some shops and walked along the front. Walked out along the breakwater, just generally wandered about. We did do some grocery shopping – mostly looking at things but picked up some cheese and crackers for a snack. We also stopped by a little art gallery which is on the beach back toward our hotel and which has lovely work. Then back up the cliff lift.

Stopped and had some water and cool down, then headed off the opposite direction toward the next bay. The hotel has a walkway along the cliff to the next bay along which is really nice. It has a couple of viewing areas along the walk and is quite a nice walk. We didn’t go as far as the beach at that bay, just the overlook above it. Watched the seagulls and waves and sauntered back. Then it was the pool bar and G&Ts out of the sun.

Rested in the room for a couple of hours reading and relaxing, then headed out for photos of the sunset before supper. Well, I was going to put in some photos, but they keep getting put in upside down! So let’s see . . .