I made the decision to push out from the sailing club and dragged the boat off down the road while Leanne visited the ladies room .. Now those who know the slip at the HRSC will know its not best trying to let the boat take you down the slip on your own at a rate of knots wearing a pair of well worn crocs that decide to slide on anything remotely slippy.. but there I was trying to keep my Backside from touching base and hanging onto the dinghy for dear life as we both slid down the last part of the slip on to the rocks.. well pebbles .. below HOWEVER apart from a slightly oulled muscle in my right chest somewhere we made it intact and in enough time to regain composure and look Cool by the time leanne arrived a few minutes later.
The last few rumpy pumpy rolls over the cobbles and the boat was in the water and we burbled out towards the main river channel..
Looking back to sea was an amazing sight – The Dawn light was dissappearing ina blue haze out at sea and the brighter light coming in showed a little promise that we may not be completely mad for being out here..

Morning Light on the Helford

It was so peaceful as we burbled slowly up the river, curlew flying rapidly downstream with the tide and Cormorants already out hunting breakfast.. it was only as we reached the entrance to Frenchman’s creek that we realised there wasn’t going to be enough water to get us to Bishops quay, or indeed into any of the creeks today until much later, the tide does that .. a 6am High tide leaves you high and dry most of the day…so we made the decision to see how far we could get up river and slowly drift back down with the tide to spend a little time around the beaches at the mouth of the Helford.. or whatever the weather decided to change in those plans…
There were a tremendous amount of Cormorants around this morning so hopefully the fishing may have improved after the red tide of a few weeks back.. here’s a couple resting on one of the fallen trees just past Frenchman’s.

Resting Cormorants

Many fallen leaves floated on top of the river today showing massive signs that autumn was well and truly with us… The oak forests that line the Helford river were turning Golden through reds and browns and made the most amazing mosaic of colours.. another Cormorant flew past us giving us the amazing green eye as if to say who you taking pics of then?

Cormorant in flight up the river

We decided to settle for an hour at the edge of Polpenwith Creek (I hope I got that right) just before bishops quay as it was getting difficult to get any further, we had a quick look first at the Dory moored at the end of the creek as its something I’ve thought would be a lot easier and better bet for us to use for the river trips if we could find somewhere to moor it on the river, and of course if I manage to sell any photographs along the way to finance that idea lol… It would certainly give us a lot more room than we currently have in the inflatable.. ah well!! maybe in some other dimension somewhere.
We camped by the bench on the path that leads down to tremayne Quay to have a bit of lunch and for me to take a few more stable images of the river and surrounds.. such as the Autumn colours in the forest opposite.. I heard tell this was one of the 14 oldest forests in Europe.. its certainly quite magickal walking through it..the amazing twisting boughs of the oaks.

Autumn Shades in the Forest

Meanwhile a watchful Buzzard soared above us checking out the larder below probably wondering what was for his lunch today.. we thought we saw the Osprey again but he was too far over Constantine (Polwheveral) creek to be able to tell for sure..

Buzzard Soaring above

Things were definately working out for us as we sat having lunch realising that we’d definately made the right decision to come out today.. all around were storm clouds and yet we sat here in a pocket of sunshine drinking in the beauty that most only dream about…
I wandered down and checked the river and realised if we were going to move at all for the next few hours then we’d best move now or we were going to be fast running out of water as we approached low tide.
Curlew watched as we dragged the boat off the mud back to the river before flying off upstream to the mud banks freshly exposed with the low tide.

Curlew watching from the mud flats

Curlew in flight

We trundled off down the river again once again observing the massive amount of Cormorants fishing in the wide part of the river between constantine and frenchmans creek

Fishing Cormorant

Fishing Side by side...

and the Old guys watching on…

watchful Trio

We sailed on down through helford to find a nice quiet beach to sit out the Low tide and enjoy a little afternoon sun..
Meanwhile life on the river was awakening more down here, with sunday morning boat repairs taking advantage of the low tide and Cockle collecting from the beaches..

Easy does it on a sunday Morning

She Collects Cockles on the sea shore.... or something like that

We settled ourselves down on the beach by the mouth of the river overlooking Mawnan and watched the life travel up and down the river… Boats were starting to move with the tide in and out and we were happy to be sitting in this pocket of Glorious sunshine while all around the storm clouds and rain was visible…
I turned a little green with envy as a super Dory passed us and remember distinctly calling to Leanne.. probably a little too loudly.. I WANT ONE OF THEM!!! if anyone has one for sale or any Dory (preferably Dell Quay) for not too many Mola id be interested to hear

A photogs dream - Super Dory

Lovely old Boats

and some lovely Shiny new ones...

Stormy Clouds over Mawnan Smith

I spent the next hour or so humming dock of the bay by Otis redding and watching little boats medium boats and great big boats moving about on the river while reflecting on my lil’ old serendipity dragged on the beach..

Serendipity

Some enjoying Pleasure sailing

others trying to make a living

and me amusing myself taking pictures of it all including the Whimbrel on the rocks beside us

And so it was that the afternoon passed us by as we sat enjoying the sunsine before setting sail back up with the tide to try to get into Frenchmans and hopefully find some more wildlife..
As we wandered upstream we realised all the sailing Dinghies were heading out of the club and heading in our general direction so we moved off to one side to allow them passage.. and of course shot a few as they passed

Others also enjoying the opportunity to sail as the river flooded in

Well we finally wandered down into Frenchmans creek and sadly the light was changing and the grey that had surrounded the helford all day threatening finally descended making any real wildlife photography virtually impossible in the lowlight.. however we did discover these wonderful fungii growing on one of the tree’s as we walked together through the woods..

Fungii on a tree in the woods

Back out into the main river we found another watchful Buzzard sitting atop one of the trees..catching the last glinting rays of the setting sun..

Buzzard

how rapidly the days go on these trips, but here we were fast approcahing the 12th hour since we set off for todays trip and Leanne was looking decidedly weary.. but once again no mishaps or accidents so the day had been another eventful success.. hopefully you’ll enjoy some of the images.

As always don’t forget these are just a selection of the days images and many more reside in our ongoing Galleries… HERE

Out into the main river flow we found the light had moved up river and as the sun dropped behind us it left us once again with some amazing scenery to take home with us…

The Suns rays warming the storm clouds above.. a scene that fills the heart

And finally I moved midstream to line up this wonderful boat Wanda in the setting sun

The only thing to beat this view would be to be sitting on that boat enjoying a glass of wine

And on that Note good people of the Helford river I’ll leave you until the next time I’m able to glide upon these wonderful waters in search of inspiration and fulfillment…
Thanks for taking the time to look…

Mel x

Ursa Major running alongside us up the Helford River

Something we often do for amusement as we saunter upstream is to look at the various boats and see what our preferences would be if we were in the position to own anything bigger than our 10ft dinghy .. today we both spotted this lovely old wooden boat that would have suited us right down to the ground, and strangely enough we both said at the same time… now that would suit us.. The Sea Gypsy from Falmouth..

Not the most elaborate boat on the water but the character drew us both in..

We approached the entrance to Frenchman’s and Ursa spun around and started the journey back down the Helford..

making the return journey in the morning sun

For us we rounded into Frenchman’s Creek and into the sun kissed water out of the wind.. we were happily entertained by the Egrets once again adorning the trees like white candy floss characters wearing yellow marigold gloves… the wonderful contrasts of the black beaks and legs with the bright yellow feet against the white plumage looking so bright in the morning sun. As you cvan probably tell these are one of my favourite waders and I can sit in fascination of the skill of these fishers for hour after hour.

The little Egret nestling amongst the branches of the wonderful ancient Oaks that line the Helford river

Beneath the mighty Oaks in the edges of the Creek we came across two swans, one lazily cleaning itself while basking in the sunshine, I thought it made the perfect picture…

Mute Swan in the Morning Sun of Frenchman's Creek

We ambled slowly down the Creek, Mallards swam away slowly in front of us warning the wildlife of our approach, redshanks and curlew crossing from side to side in front but today alas no sign of a kingfisher.

Upon turning in the far reaches of the creek we realised the swan who had watched us pass had slowly followed us down. I think they are becoming more used to us now and realise we’ll quite often stop for lunch on the bank and there may be the odd treat for them.. this became more confirmed whe we saw the mallards ducking in and out of the shade of the fallen and overhanging trees, also travelling down the creek towards us..

view from the far reaches of Frenchman's creek towards the Helford

mallards gave us an escort out of the creek

Although the morning sun glared down into the middle of the creeks giving fantastic light to enable the creation of these images, and making it feel like the middle of an indian summer, there was more movement than usual amongst the trees today, which is distracting to the eye of a naturalist as movement often signifies life and a photo opportunity… but today the movement was different.. slower.. and descending rather than ascending through the trees… it was the falling leaves spiralling their way earthwards telling us Autumn was definately fast approaching.. nothing was more significant than when the sun moved slightly over the treetops and suddenly lit up the naked branches of one of the old trees which brought a startling reminder of a frosty morning back in my birth place of yorkshire…

Startling contrast of naked branches agains a backdrop of green Oaks

Little Egrets in the Trees

Out past the Egrets again who were still adorning the trees at the mouth of the Creek and into the main river where the view across to constantine was breathtaking and would have lit the senses of any artist painter or photographer with the lines and curves of the fresh mown grass in the field opposite, the gold of the hay meeting the turquoise and white skies which reflected into the river in her outward flow.. absolutely breathtakingly Magical..

the small image doesn't do justice to this amazing view

Inspired by this and feeling the pinch of crouching on the side of the Dinghy holding camera’s and lenses, we decided to head across the river to Constantine and find a nice spot for a bit of lunch and a nice cup of tea..
There’s a beautiful section of the helford river just where it joins constantine creek but unfortunately its always a little dark there to get good clear images of the waders that often gather there on the corner, however in that darker area the white of this black headed gull still in summer plumage just shone out reflecting the sunlight as he swam alongside us…

Blackheaded Gull in summer plumage

Buzzards soared above us as we went into constantine, sometimes challenging each other for space.. and I wondered if we may have the privelege of seeing the Osprey again that we’d seen on a previous visit.. but if he was around he wasn’t showing us his whereabouts just yet..

Buzzards soaring overhead

Magnificent browns whites and golds against a turquoise backdrop

Nudging each other along

We settled on the quay on the left side of the creek just past the fork, and leanne fed us with freshly made ham and cheese sandwiches and piping hot tea.. unable to rest I crept over the shore line and spied this young Greenshank down by the edge of the water hidden behind the bank… needless to say he soon spotted me and was away across the creek…

slowly does it but alas he soon spotted me

Well after lunch with a bit of a breeze coming in we decided to head down river and find a nice spot by durgan or the helford passage somewhere as the tide was leaving our access to Bishops Quay a little dicy.
I managed to catch this young Heron just on the point as we left Constantine before heading downstream..
The swan finally gave up on getting a free lunch from us and realised he might as well head off back up towards Bishops Quay before the mud left him High and Dry..

Heron waiting patiently on the seaweed for the tide to drop low enough to catch out a few nice fish for lunch

Mute Swan in Flight

Heading down the river to the estuary meant probably a lot less wildlife would be around as there’s much more activity around the Helford passage etc.. more boats heading in and out of the river and the ferrymen transporting visitors and locals between Helford Village, the Helford passage Durgan and Trevarno gardens.
The river also opens up into a wider area for Yachting sailing Dinghies and general fun, but the scenery is still as breathtaking and the sun warmed our hearts as we rested on the quiet part of the beach beyond Durgan, Here’s a few of the images…

No Limits home from fishing

Ferryman heading for Helford

amazing Old trees hug the cliffs

One of the many Cornish Shrimpers to be found on the Rivers in Cornwall

Kittiwake weighing Anchor in the mouth of the river

More Boats heading in with the tide

All in all we had a very pleasant afternoon awaiting the return of the tide.. many boats flowed in and out some towing water skiers and donuts with riders having oodles of fun, young and old alike joined us on the beach and Aidan had probably his last swim of the season to quote his words… and he was looking rather pleased with himself for doing so..

Aidan enjoying a swim

As the tide filled the river a little we headed off back up towards constantine for a final look for Ozzie our elusive Osprey.. all the while praying for that one shot of him plucking a fish from the river, but just to see him would be a fine end to fine day….
Aidan found the perfect place to dry his shorts as we headed off up river…

Aidans Short Fishing rod...

Local Fishermen passed us by feeding fish guts and entrails to a flock of seagulls which afforded me some great shots of the Herring gulls

Local Fishermen returning to Porth Navas

Herring Gulls hoping for Fish bits being cast from the fishing boat

Herring Gull

By the time we reached Constantine again the light was dropping rapidly and with the boat movement it was getting harder and harder to get a decent shot without motion blurr.. Then I thought we’d spotted Ozzie!!! but alas it was yet another Buzzard sat in his tree…

Buzzard in the setting Sun

The sun was setting fast behind the trees and even on High Iso settings I knew images would be fairly futile now.. I caught this last Curlew heading out of the creek as the sun caught him…

Curlew heading out of Constantine creek

We turned round in the Creek and headed out towards Helford… and then it happened… the dark elusive shape soared over us and into the creek and we ultimately knew it was ozzie.. our Osprey..
We swung the boat round and I was desperately trying to find some setting any setting that might give me enough light should he descend on his supper… he turned into one of the creek offshoots and we lost sight of him..
Then in a Haze of the final rays of the setting sun he rose up out of the creek above us complete with Fish.. I was gutted.. I’d missed the shot I so longed for… I fired off every frame I could as he soared above us and out of the creek and we followed desperately unable to get close.. But as Aidan retorted…. we saw Him.. we saw him with his supper even if we didn’t see him catch it…. but would anyone believe us… I spent hours later that night with dozens of blurred black shapes trying all my photshop skills to drag something from the embers of those last shots.. and finally…

Osprey with fish raised from darkness

heavily grained from poor light but a definate Osprey after catching his Mullett supper

Even without those two poor but evident shots, we’d had another fantastic day without injury (unlike last time) on the Helford River and we pulled out of the creek in the twilight to head back to Helford and end our adventure for another day… Turning back to look up river magic re-appeared..

The Moon rising over the Helford River

Looking back to Constantine at sunset

And Finally !!!

We Sailed home in Liquid Gold

For those who have taken time to read and look through my images, I thank you and hope sincerely that they have been enjoyable to you.. I’m always pleased to hear from our viewers so please feel free to leave comments.. Don’t forget also that these are but a few select images there are many more in the Site Gallery by clicking the link..

Until next time… thank you and Goodnight!!!

Moon through the trees

Little was I to know at that time that the day was fated to be filled with stupid accidents which would probably leave as many scars on the day as it did on me… HOWEVER!

We set off on a High and headed down frenchmans… lots of Egrets in the trees and the light was fantastic for photographing them…

side by side

Egret on a Log

In a tree up the creek

Never Ceases to amaze me how individual the Egrets can look…

planning the escape route

In flight

Could probably have spent hours in the creek photographing these birds , but we wandered into the far reaches of Frenchmans Creek to see what else the morning held.
I’m fairly sure, like ourselves many had planned to take advantage of the good weather and late Summer but it seemed an awful lot chose to take advantage in the exact same way at the same time as we did.. consequently there wasn’t as much (animal) life about in the creek as we’d hoped.. however we did startle this young fellow who was hanging in the lower branches of an Oak trying to get himself a stock of acorns..

red squirrel

On our way out of the creek we saw many more Egrets, fishing or just generally soaking up the sun from the tree tops..
A cormorant popped up right in front of us and led us out of the creek and back into the main river.. which was fast becoming a hive of activity, This young couple seemed to be having fun on their Dinghy…

Having fun on a sunny morning tide

The cormorant at this point decided to leave us as there were more than enough boats around for his liking…

It was round about this point where my luck began to turn.. as we ran out of petrol due to the fact I hadn’t filled up the tank, I had to fill midstream in the wind chop of the river…somehwo the anchor rope worked its way over the boat side and looped beneath us..
Not knowing this I restarted the engine and put it into gear only to find it ground to a sudden stop having wrapped the rope around the prop..
Hanging over the back of the boat trying to get thye rope free meant I’d had to drop the up and over wheels into the river which were happily beating my arm causing and almighty bruise the length of my forearm.

Eventually I got the rope free and due to the pain and swelling we decided to moor up for lunch and take a break…

I stood the tripod on the bank to climb up and thankfully I’d taken the canera off as it weighed considerably more than the carbon fibre tripod with heavy alloy Gimble head which sudde3nly crashed down onto my arm and hands taking half of my skin and flesh with it…
Now being I’m undergoing Chemotherapy treatment for my aggressive rheumatoid arthritis, I’d had steroids with the infusion which of course weakens the skin and due to the blood thinning drugs etc after my heart attack ther was blood from here to eternity looking like a chainsaw massacre I clambered up the bank in more than a little pain and wandered off into the woods to take time to pacify myself before returning and allowing my loving wife to adorn me with bandages and cream..
Well after a long spell in the sunshine awaiting the tide and a brief thought of giving up for the day I laughed climbed back in the boat and we set off to go with the incoming tide up to gweek.

we literally floated up river and when the tide was slower catching up we climbed out of the boat and walked up the channel pulling the boat along behind..
Well they say it comes in threes and sure as mud is mud I found the soft bit and sank knee deep only to lose my balance fall arse over tip stick my other foot into the deep mud and lose both of my crocs under 2 foot of mud.
Much fishing about in the mud finally saw both crocs float to the surface.. one escaping towards the edge (over lots of soft mud) which Aidan skillfully recovered using fishing rod and jelly sand eel.
Could this be the final event of the day.. Please!!
thankfully it was and we slowly floated up the rest of the way to gweek enjoying the wildlife.. licking my wounds and feeling extremely wet and stupid..

Here’s the best bits:-

Scottish dominant shintype demands row me tae Gweek while I eat ma Grapes...

spider in the web

Hoverfly

Greenshank in Flight

Greenshank with fish

A Redshank runs by

Classic example of a greenshank reflecting in the water

Little ringed plovers

Whimbrel strutting his stuff

bit by bit we floated through the mud to gweek

Finally we arrived just as the sun went down on Gweek… time for a cup of tea before loading up the boat and flying back off down river in an amazing sunset.. where the Osprey flew right over our heads into the setting sun…

The Setting sun lit up the sky but not the river as we passed Bishops Quay

The last Light before we plunged into darkness before reaching Helford and the shores of the river.

The dark crept upon us and as we came into Helford village it was all we could do to see our way slowly to the sailing club..

Finally we arrived back at the van 13 hrs after leaving it.. filled to the brim with the experience and quite some painful throbbing in my case.. but all in all I have to say it was worth it.. another fabulous day in the magic of the Helford River…

Mel