Yesterday (6th) we went to a disused tin mine near Land's End...the Levant mine. Went on an interesting tour. The miners originally had to work in 130 degrees F (55 degrees C) before extractor fans were installed. Then they were able to work in a cool 80 degrees F. The mine descended down through granite and the shafts were extended out under the sea floor for a distance of 1.5 miles. The mine we visited began operations in the 1820's and closed in the 1930's. In contrast to today's mines this one employed a lot of people, men, wives and children. The wives Only worked on the surface breaking up the ore. Tin and copper mining has been going on in this area since Neolithic times. There is still ore left but the cost of extractions makes it uneconomic. Because of the difficulties in working these mines the Cornish were world leaders in technological innovation..in fact they exported their knowledge all over the world.
The guide told us that the best pasties were in his town, Hayle so off we drove to Hayle......probably 20-30 kilometres away. People were still queuing up at 4 pm for their pasties.......it's a serious business! You can even have them sent by post to wherever!!!!
Last night in the pouring rain, we braved the streets in search of dessert. We were too full for main fare.
Ross had poached pears and me....icecream...how unusual! Coffee and port. It was cold! Where has the summer gone? Come back wherever you are!!
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