Twenty Years by the Sea

August 12th, 2005. We arrived here late tonight after driving all the way from Bristol, completely exhausted from work and city life. The little seaside B&B is absolutely breathtaking, with a stunning view of the sea from our small window. We needed to unwind and switch off for a few days. We used to think romantic getaways were just for movies, but this place feels magical. Abigail and Scott.

August 14th, 2006. Back again for our first anniversary! We didn't want to splash out on an expensive spa holiday this year, so we booked our favorite room again. Scott loves to lie in until noon, while I explored the nearby cliffs and talked to local fishermen. We've both adapted so well to the slower pace of Cornwall. Life is good. Abigail and Scott.

August 15th, 2008. This year is different because we brought our baby daughter, Kyle, along for her very first trip to the coast. Juggling childcare and work has made us feel like stressed-out breadwinners lately, but the fresh air is healing us. Kyle slept through the night for the first time in months! We used to sleep all morning, but now we're up at dawn. Abigail and Scott.

August 10th, 2012. Kyle is four now and she loves building sandcastles down on the beach. We spent the whole week watching her splash in the waves while we relaxed with old books. Scott has started binge-watching historical series on his tablet in the evenings, which is funny because he used to hate television. This cozy room feels like our true second home. Abigail and Scott.

August 18th, 2016. A bittersweet holiday this summer. We've had a lot of culture shock coming back after moving to Seattle for two years for my new job. We missed the British coast so much! Kyle is twelve now, growing up way too fast, and she complains about being homesick for her school friends, but she still loves the sea breeze. Abigail and Scott.

August 20th, 2020. What a strange year for everyone. We couldn't travel abroad, so we drove down our familiar scenic route to Cornwall again. It was empty and quiet, but so peaceful. We needed this getaway more than ever after months of working from home. Scott even learned how to bake bread during lockdown! We're so grateful this lovely place is still here. Abigail and Scott.

August 15th, 2023. Our twentieth anniversary staying under this roof! We didn't think we would keep coming back for two decades, but time flies. Scott's hair is turning grey, and I've finally learned how to relax without checking my work emails every five minutes. We used to stay out late in the village pubs, but now we just enjoy tea and biscuits by the window. Abigail and Scott.

August 15th, 2025. Surprise! Mum and Dad couldn't make it this year because Dad caught a terrible cold, so they gave the booking to me. I'm twenty-one now, sitting in the exact same armchair where they wrote their very first note twenty years ago. I'm treating myself to a quiet weekend alone, reading and looking at the waves. I feel so connected to everything here. Kyle.

Read again and choose the right answer

Where did Abigail and Scott drive from for their first visit in 2005?

• Bristol
• Seattle
• London

What did Scott start doing in the evenings by 2012?

• Binge-watching historical series
• Working on his laptop
• Painting portraits

Why couldn't Abigail and Scott visit in 2025?

• They moved to the USA
• Dad caught a terrible cold
• The hotel was fully booked

Who wrote the final entry in the guestbook?

• Abigail
• Scott
• Kyle

Sources: photo by Ds babariya on Pexels