Tag: log burner

Who let the dogs out?

Cornwall, on the whole, is extremely dog friendly, and no where more so than Padstow. Nearly every beach welcomes dogs with only very limited restrictions during peak months. Some of the beaches have restrictions on dogs between 10am & 6pm, or operate a “lead only” policy. BUT as we move into October even those restrictions are removed.

Enjoying the beach

The only beaches to have a year round dog ban are:

From 1st October

Let the dogs out! Dogs are allowed to run free on the beaches – hurray. The temporary and seasonal dog restrictions are removed from 30th September so embrace long walks with your furry friends! Obviously you always have to have your dog under control and good recall would be a sensible precaution – have you seen how big the Cornish beaches are?! My dog Monty absolutely adores stretching his legs and running on the beach, swimming in the sea, dipping his nose into rock pools and making lots of doggy friends.

This website has a plethora of information on dog friendly beaches including the individual rules applying to the each beach.

Sometimes, there are so many dogs on the beach that it seems like a dog party. Waggy tails galore. And the varieties of dogs are endless (and amazing). If you enjoy a bit of dog spotting then you can’t go wrong with pulling up a folding camping chair or picnic blanket and just sitting back and watching the dogs run past. I would describe myself as a lifelong dog fan but still I see breeds that I’ve never seen before. Glorious.

Sandy paws

No dog makes it home without at least some sand on their paws. Or in most cases, a complete coat full of the stuff.

At Rock Cottage, I have provided the next best thing to a hose (sadly we don’t have an outside tap) – a portable doggy shower. If you have never used one before then I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how easy they are to use and how effective. Leave your doggy friend in the garden (don’t forget to shut the gate onto the road) and find the doggy shower unit in the left hand outhouse. It can be filled with water from the kitchen tap. I suggest using slightly warm water to truly pamper your pooch and keep them comfortable. At the end of the hose is a small shower head, pump the handle to put the water under pressure then squeeze the handle and the water will come out of the shower head just like a human shower. Hose the dog off outside and let the water run away (down the drain). A quick rub dry and your dog will be ready to be let into the Cottage. Perfect! Why not light the log burner and cosy up together.

Resting after a long walk on the Cornish Coastal Path

How to light the log burner – getting started

One of the cosiest features of Rock Cottage is the lovely log burner. On a chilly evening there is nothing nicer than cuddling up on the sofa in front of a roaring fire.

Some of our guests have never lit a log burner before or it might have been a while since they did. Don’t be put off if you have never tried before. By following this easy guide your fire will soon be roaring too!

Our quick guide is below but for more detailed information – read on!

Check you have everything you need

Before you get started check you have got the following:

  1. Supply of dried logs (our logs come from Logan’s Logs but any reputably supplied logs will be fine)
  2. Supply of kindling. These are the small pieces of wood.
  3. Firelighters – we supply “twizlers” natural fire starters (they look a bit like straw!)
  4. Matches or a lighter

Rock Cottage supplies one basket of supplies which should be enough for 1 to 2 fires depending on how many logs you burn.

Please note you must not burn paper, rubbish or other wood in the log burner. It poses a fire risk as deposits build up in the flue plus there is a risk of dangerous chemicals being emitted.

Open the vents

At the front of the log burner you will see a lever. If you pull it forward then you will open the vent fully. You will need it in this position when you first light the fire. Later on, once the fire is lit, you may wish to partially close the vent.

Lay the Fire

Start with the kindling. Pile a small amount on the base of the log burner. Then add 2-3 fire lighters by nestling them between the kindling pieces. Try and ensure there is plenty of space around the kindling so it can get oxygen and burn. Add one log on top (don’t add lots at this stage as you will suffocate the fire).

Light the fire

Using matches or a lighter, start by lighting the fire lighters towards the back of the log burner (so you don’t burn your fingers) and then light the ones nearer the front. You don’t need many fire lighters to get the fire started.

Leave the door ajar whilst the fire catches. I would suggest leaving the door open for 10 to 15 minutes. Once the fire is burning properly then shut the door. You may wish to slightly push the vent handle in a bit at this stage.

Add the logs

Once the fire is burning nicely and the embers are glowing red, you can add another log on top. Just add one log at a time, it is only a small log burner and one log gives off plenty of heat. Make sure you keep the door closed whilst the log burner is on.

Safety

Do not allow pets or children to come near the log burner when it is lit. I would recommend only lighting the log burner when children or babies are safely tucked up in bed. Remember the log burner stays warm for a long time after the fire appears to have gone out.

Keep spare logs and other combustible materials away from the log burner and hearth.

Only burn proper dried logs and kindling.

Do not leave the fire unattended once lit.

Our chimney is swept once a year and a copy of the latest certificate is in the Welcome Pack. The log burner was installed by a HETAS engineer and a copy of the notice plate can be found above the stairs by the electric meter cupboard.

and relax…….

Sit back and enjoy the memorising flames with a nice glass of wine!