A challenge that Mrs O and I have had for many years is synchronisation of holidays. My American employer is absolutely driven by a quarter end rush - end January, end April, end July and end October. Mrs O's holidays are driven by the local education authority. Result is that she wanted to go on holiday at the end of last week and I could get one day off to help set up the tent.

Checking the weather forecast around the middle of last week suggested that the weekend would be showery. We hit the road on the early hours of Friday and reached our Cornish destination in good time. We set up the tent then went for a 10 km walk along the beach to a supermarket then back along a direct return route.

Yestereday we did a wonderful walk from Rinsey to Porthlevel by striking inland and then returning along the coast path. It was a thrilling 4 hour trip. This was followed by a BBQ at the campsite.

This morning we went to a church service in St Ives where we heard a sermon on Daniel chapter 9. The sermon focused on how Daniel not only confessed his own sins, but confessed the sins of his nation Israel. It went on to deal with asking for God's forgiveness. There was plenty that could be applied to me our to our UK nation at present.

After a short lunch, it was back on the train home. The downside is that I probably face an awful pressure in the coming week. The upside is that the trainride is beautiful - sorry no photos! This is one of the only connections in the week directly from W Cornwall to Hampshire and while slow from Penzance to Exeter is reasonalby fast after Exeter.

I was fairly upset to part from my wife knowing that we will not be able to enjoy things together. Nevertheless I should not omit the blessings of the train ride. The views over coastline were absolutely spectacular whether it was Par to Gribbin Head, the river Teign around Teignmouth or the red sandstone cliffs around Dawlish or across the Exe towards Sidmouth. The white cliffs of the Jurassic Coast were also visible. Similarly to my trip from Inverness to London there were great city views. Rail journeys not only offer good countryside views but usually pass through cities in a way that motorways do not. There were great views of the centres of Truro, Exeter and Salisbury.

So now, I'm back at home awaiting a difficult week at work...must not feel self pity!!! Ughh!!!