NarniaFans on the Dawn Treader: Day 5

This was a day of castles, archery and hiking. It was also one of filming while sitting very high above the water, while watching the Dawn Treader (The Matthew of Bristol) sail around an island as people were being boated out to it. I have to tell you that this was a very rewarding day, our hiking lead us to places far and wide, and locations unlike any I had seen thus far. The day started with a nice drive to Tintagel, which is where King Arthur is rumored to have been born. We went up to the ruins of a castle built by Richard, Earl of Cornwall.

It was there that we found targets set up for an archery challenge, and took a very long hike down some very steep stairs, and then back up on the other side, where we relaxed while we wandered around, taking in the experience and wondering about the people that had lived there. The ruins were incredible, and I was very happy to have the chance to visit a place that I didn’t know existed the night before.

While we were exploring, the archery challenge took place, though we heard about it afterward, and everyone seemed to really enjoy it. Even more-so after one contestant kept the bow aimed at the target. The contestants wound up falling in love with archery, from what I understand, as did others that watched them do it. It was another skill that they were learning for the first time. The targets were set up in an area with walls all around to take down most of the wind, making it easier for beginners to control their shots.

I also helped to correct a few things in one of the scripts that some of the filmmakers were using, to bring it more in line with The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. A copy of the book was in my pocket while there, to verify details and to lend a hand whenever things were needed. Plus, the book is so episodic that it was always easy to find the references that were necessary.

After the archery, we made our way to the next site where the contestants would re-join the Dawn Treader for the journey overnight to the next location. We took a break for some hot chocolate and then a long hike around an area that I would never have been able to find without our driver, Christian. Nor would I have learned about the “Right to Roam” law that they have, where there are trails and paths that anyone can go on, even if it is private property, so long as you respect the land that you’re on.

When we made our way to the cliff where we could view the Dawn Treader sailing below, we were greeted by a sight that was both breathtaking and fantastical.

Here on the cliff, Courtney and I sat down with Christian to do a little filming. The results of that filming will be seen sometime in the near future, I believe. Can’t really show you that stuff, as I want to wait for the edited version to be released. Sorry this is so cryptic.

Anyway, the Dawn Treader kept going in circles around the island so that everyone that needed to could climb on board. I have to tell you, climbing out of a small boat and into that vessel is an experience to remember. You have no leverage and have only your upper body strength to climb. Good thing there are experienced sailors there to help pull you up as well.

Another thing to note about this day: we had perfect weather all week. This was the first time that we saw any rain, however light, the whole week. The week prior had a lot of rain and the three contestants that week experienced things fairly differently than we did. They kept telling us that we must have brought the good weather with us, as it was our honeymoon.

I wish I could tell you more about this day, but there’s only so much time.

Next up, Lundy (or nearly so), dry land, an awards ceremony and the final journey. After that, a look back.