Just when you thought the OddFamily had enough trips over summer… We decided to do Cornwall.
This was a promised trip to Mrs OddFather for her big birthday back in February. She wanted to do the Eden Project, something she has been wanting to do for many years. But I talked her out of going at that time. Surely it made more sense to go during the summer months?
I mean, who wants to do Cornwall in February?
Ever one to reluctantly stick to his promise – I packed our bags and started the car.
The Car Journey
From the Midlands, we’re about a four-to-five hour drive from Cornwall. It was exactly what you’d want to do with a 6 year old who gets bored within seconds and a hyper 2 year old who still can’t use the toilet.
The perfect recipe for a family trip.
To be honest, they were actually ok. Compared to being confined to a seat on a plane, or having to go through an airport, the drive made me feel more in control. If I needed to stop the car, I could.
Can’t really do the same on a plane… I found that out the hard way.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing. At a service stop I must have leant into something – sauce (I hope!) – and my cry of “Ah, my back!” was picked up by the kids straight away. It meant the entire drive down from that moment I had to listen to the kids screaming and laughing whilst saying: “AHHHH, MYY BAAAACK”.
Then the kids fell out because the OddDaughter would not share her imaginary magic cookie with the OddSon. Cue tantrums. So, I had to bake my own imaginary magic cookie to give to the OddSon… all whilst driving. I’m a man of many talents.
The Eden Project
Luckily we broke up the journey and stayed a night at a Travelodge on route to Cornwall. It meant we were able to wake up and do a shorter drive to our main attraction.
Look, I’m not going to lie – I’m not really someone that gets all that excited at seeing a banana tree. So, it’s fair to say I’m not the target audience for the Eden Project. I did like the dinosaurs they had scattered around though. As did the OddSon. I wonder where he gets it from?
Mrs OddFather enjoyed it though, so I can’t complain too much. It led to the 30-metre-high canopy in one of the greenhouses. Something Mrs OddFather was excited to see.
Except – she wasn’t allowed to go on due to being pregnant.
I did what every good husband would do… I carried on without her.
Don’t blame me! The OddDaughter wanted to go on so someone had to go with her. Plus the Eden Project ticket lasts a year so Mrs OddFather can always come back once she’s given birth. I’ll happily wait at the bottom with a toddler and a newborn baby.
Is the Eden Project worth seeing? It makes for a nice trip if you happen to already be in Cornwall. But I wouldn’t recommend going to Cornwall just to see it. To repeat: Banana trees just don’t do it for me.
Accommodation
After a long day at the Eden Project, it was time to head to our accommodation. I asked Mrs OddFather to send me the address. As she looked for it, it became apparent the booking hadn’t gone through.
You may say the booking didn’t go through. You may also say Mrs OddFather didn’t hit the confirm button when she booked. Who am I to argue with a pregnant woman? Except all the times that I do.
In fairness, Mrs OddFather managed to book a spacious cottage bigger than our initial accommodation. We landed on our feet. And I was calm the entire time of the ordeal (just don’t fact-check with the rest of the family).
The OddKids loved it. And it was nice to have a lounge room, a big kitchen and our own bathrooms and bedrooms – without having to worry about all the usual stuff you have to do at home.
The Beach
The location of the cottage served as a great base for exploring nearby attractions. We went to a steam train play centre which was fun. We also went to a tin mine, which I didn’t find as fun. Was cool seeing Land’s End, though.
The main highlight was the trip to the beach. There was a strong wind which allowed the kids to fly a kite.
I admit I have never flown a kite before. But the OddDaughter is already a pro and talked me through it. That’s swimming, and now kite-flying that she’s already better than me at. It doesn’t bother me, seeing her better me at things really brings me so much joy. She’s growing so quickly and I’m trying to take it all in – but that’s probably a blog article in itself.
So, the beach was great. Apart from having to climb over slimy rocks with the OddSon and bags in hand in order to get to the beach to begin with. I’m not the balanciest of people in the world.
And yes – I’m totally aware balanciest isn’t a real word. But you get the gist.
Cornwall wasn’t perfect. It wasn’t meant to be. But somewhere between the kite, the dinosaurs, the tantrums and me nearly falling into the sea, I realised these are probably the bits I’ll remember most.
