While we are still in lockdown and unable to travel very far to film our usual
walking videos, we have had plenty of time to look back through some archive photos and footage. With so many shots and clips, how do we decide what to post?
In the world of the internet, people search for ‘what they know’. What do I mean by that? Well, if you have heard of Cornwall, then you have probably heard of St Ives and it must be one of the most popular Cornish related searches, along with Fowey and Padstow. We know this from looking at the analytics on our YouTube channel and also simply because we live in Cornwall and it is where visitors flock. So to attract new audiences and grow our channel, it is good to post a picture on Instagram or a YouTube video featuring a popular place in Cornwall.
While I was enjoying looking through the vast array of photos from St Ives, I discovered footage that I had not included in the videos that we released last year. I watched eagerly, hoping to find inspiration for a video to help us through lockdown. I lapped it up and felt that there must be something here.
The clips were taken on our Knill Monument walk on 3rd June 2020. At that time, Lockdown restrictions were beginning to be eased. Whilst accommodation was still closed to visitors, we were able to travel to exercise and we wanted to take advantage of the quiet roads and streets of St Ives. It is always easier to film with fewer people around!
We arrived early and had a full itinerary! For the first hour, we filmed our virtual walk around St Ives, starting with paddling in the sea off Porthminster Beach, following The Warren into town, up Fore Street and out to the Island and St Nicholas’ Chapel. After a hearty lunch and plenty of water we embarked on our second video - In Search of Knills Monument.
What I notice as I watch the clips is that the town was so quiet! And I remember how easy it was to park and walk around. The sky was blue, the sun shining and it promised warmth for the rest of the day. The locals were also taking full advantage of the remaining days before visitors would once again crowd the streets and beaches. Some children were still not in school and were having the summer of their lives - living on the beach in the best summer sunshine we had had for years. Their delighted chatter, cries of joy and laughter hung in the air with the sea gull calls and gently lapping water.
My favourite clip was of a returning fisherman. By late afternoon, the tide had flooded the harbour and we wondered how he was going to get ashore; no dinghy was evident, so how on earth was he going to land on the harbour wall? The clip was delightful. Andrew had filmed the entire sequence showing just how expertly he came ashore. The seagulls were avidly watching too, although probably for other reasons ‘Have you got any fish?’
The footage inspired me and I wanted to share it with everyone that must be feeling a little down, a little desperate, asking themselves will this ever end? So enjoy a little bit of sunshine from summer 2020 in St Ives. I have added some music but if you wish, why not queue up your own choice of music, mute the video and pour yourself a cold glass of something. Immerse yourself in 14 minutes of heaven! I hope it makes you smile :)
Available on Esty: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/CornishWalkingTrails
Commenti