Apologies!

Wednesday 31 August

Have just got back from Broadhaven. Unfortunately our internet access there ran out before I could do Monday & Tuesday's posts.  We'd purchased a months wifi as Huw was there for two weeks then me & Ian. That cost us a not too unreasonable £25 but a days access was £5 so we did without!  Sorry it's too late to post tonight and we've a long day tomorrow as we have to take the touring van back to Carmarthen for a service, so will be out all day.  Will do a major catchup on Friday!  Check in then!

Day 240 Carew Castle

Sunday 28 August

Yes, another castle!  We've plenty to choose from here in Wales! Although dry, it wasn't beach weather again being a bit windy and  rather chilly. After a family conference we decided on a visit to Carew Castle partly because a family treasure hunt was available there.  For 50p Mia was armed with a clipboard, pencil and sheet of paper with an outline of an armourial coat of arms.  As we followed the clues we found laminate sheets with small pictures which had to be copied onto the coat of arms.  Mia loved it and she was kept amused while we looked around.

We had lunch in the Carew Arms across the road then followed the trail around the tidal mill. Mia was rewarded with a paper treasure chest containing sweets & a sticker for completing her coat of arms.  Back at the van we all had a snooze. I think we walked further than we realised!

Carew Castle

Day 239 Broadhaven

Another quiet day!  We did our good deed for the day when we called in to visit some friends who were staying in their new touring caravan nearby.  It's the same make as ours and we were able to help them out over some niggly problems they had with it.  Then it was shopping, tidying our van and cleaning up before Huw Mel & Mia joined us, mid afternoon.  The weather was dry but increasingly windy, obviously enjoyed by the numerous kite surfers on the beach.  We took a stroll to the bar on the beach but didn't spend long in the wind. Todays photo is a bit like yesterdays but it was too good an opportunity to miss the kite surfers.

DAY 238 Broadhaven

Friday 26 August

We seem to alternate between energetic days and quiet ones. Today was quiet. Ian had a fruitless or should I say trout less time at a nearby fishing pond while I spent all morning sorting out yesterdays photos. This afternoon I took a stroll down to the beach. So here's some Broadhaven beach photos.

Day 237 South Pembs & an Evening with Friends

Thursday 25 August

The forecast was for sunshine and showers so we decided a trip in the car was in order.  We've not been to Manorbier for many years so headed that way.  There's a nice beach there but the main attraction for us was the mediaeval castle overlooking the beach. The sun was shining as we arrived and explored all it's nooks and crannies. Although ruined there is a lot to see with several intact rooms and buildings. At the last corner we reached  two adjacent towers.  Unfortunately as I'd dallied to take photos we had got separated and ascended different staircases to find ourselves on different tower tops! At least it gave me an opportunity to take a photo of Ian.

From the tops of the towers we could look out to sea, over the beach, and see approaching rain.....time to leave!  Our descent on the narrow spiral staircase was delayed by people coming up and the first drops fell as we passed out through the gatehouse. Running back to the car we got a bit damp but manage to reach it just as the really heavy downpour started! Phew!! Glad we weren't out cycling!

Manorbier Castle

Next stop was Lamphey palace.  This 13th -16th century palace of the Bishops of St Davids is in a more ruinous state with no roofs left and the smaller buildings totally destroyed.  The two great halls, however, spoke of great luxury and magnificence in their day. It was a thought provoking and interesting visit.

Lamphey Palace

The evening was spent with some friends who have moved to Pembrokeshire. They used to have a van on this site and came back to have a meal with us.  It was good to catch up with each others news & was a very pleasant evening

I took loads of photos with the idea of doing a sort of collage of the castle and palace. What do you think of them?

day 236 A Lazy Day

Sunshine and showers was the forecast today.  Well I woke to a downpour! The rain poured off the guttering at the front of the caravans.  It was only a brief shower though and after a bit more light rain it dried up and by afternoon the sun was out.

We did a bit of supermarket shopping but both of us have been feeling tired and lethargic today.  I think all that cycling has caught up with us. We aborted a walk to the seafront as the cold wind got the better of us and we retreated to the warm sunshine in the shelter of the caravan.  This evening Ian cooked outdoors - a paella on the Cobb oven while enjoying a nice chilled glass of white wine.

Day 235 Lunch Out

I was very impressed with Ian today. Before I'd finished my shower he had the power washer out and was cleaning the outside of the caravan. It's a job that needs doing once or twice a year as it acquires a dull green coat of algae. Now we not only have a shiny clean van but our wooden steps have changed colour from grey to brown and are no longer slippery when wet.

Then we got the bikes out! We are working hard on our fitness and cycling ability but decided on a short ride today, only 9 miles but with a couple of steep hills. The route took us inland to Nolton village then back to the coast for the object of the trip - lunch at the Druidston Hotel. We've not eaten there before but it has a justifiable good reputation for food.




Lunch was taken on the terrace outside with magnificent views of St Brides Bay. My Iranian potato and spinach tortilla was delicious though I'm not sure how authentically Iranian it was.





Back at the van by early afternoon we had a lazy remainder of the day.

Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Day 234 Broadhaven

We didn't travel far today! Ian did a bit of unsuccessful fishing on the Sleek Stone, disappointing for me as there were no mackerel for supper.  I walked up the road to try to get a good photographic view of Broadhaven and surrounding coast. I wasn't totally successful either.  With scudding clouds and rapidly changing light conditions I struggled. but here are two - the first is a view with a wide angle lens with a polarising filter, the second a composite of several overlapping photos without polariser.  Otherwise we pottered around the caravan and walked down the beach where we had an ice cream.  Ian was greedy & had a whopper!

Day 233 Ride to Dale

Sunday 21 August

After some early morning cloud the weather brightened up and we set out to cycle to Dale.  This is a small village near the mouth of the haven which has very sheltered moorings and is popular with the sailing set.  It's quite a hilly ride to get there so we were very glad to reach the beachfront cafe. It was very busy with people and boats everywhere, it took me a moment to realise they were holding their annual regatta. I find watching regattas totally perplexing as a mass of boats seem to sail around randomly in a small area .  The village however was really lively. We sat outside the cafe munching on our egg & bacon rolls watching the laser dinghies come ashore the rowing skiffs being prepared.

Returning to the bikes we plodded up the hill out of Dale then turned off to St Brides Haven.  This small cove faces into St Brides Bay.  It has a church at the top of the beach, with a nearby ruined limekiln and, interestingly, the remains of two stone coffins  visible in the earth bank.  The previous mediaeval churchyard has been eroded by the sea, exposing the two empty coffins. Our boys were fascinated by these when they were young & swore they could see "skullingtons" in them!

Back at the van it was time for a rest.  We'd ridden nearly 20 miles of rather more strenuous terrain than previously and were pleased at our cycling progress. I know we're not particularly good cyclists but our stamina is improving. Later we took a stroll down to the beach and I tried to take some photos of typical beach activities. It was not that easy to get any decent photos but here's a couple that were ok

30 love!

Who's the kid?

Day 232 On the Beach

Had a leisurely start and then a shopping trip to Haverfordwest to replenish the food & wine stocks! After lunch Ian watched the rugby (another win for Wales - against Argentina this week) and I took a stroll down the beach.  It had been a wet and gloomy day but there were a few people, well wrapped up, walking over the sand.  There were few kids and no budding castle builders but one family was having an energetic game of cricket, there were plenty of dog walkers & surfers and the lifeguard was looking bored on his quad bike. I enjoyed a circumnavigation of the beach looking for interesting photos.  For once I've done a fair bit of processing on my chosen photo.  The original was nice but I think this is a bit more interesting - opinions please!

Race for the Surf

Race for the flag

Surfer

Keeping Watch

Day 231 A Cycle Ride & Good News

Gaz & Vicky stayed in Brisbane initially on their arrival in Oz. A couple of days ago they travelled up to temporary accommodation in Hervey Bay, where Vicky starts work shortly.  Their first task was to find somewhere to live so today the first news we heard was that they've found somewhere.  It's a three bed house with pool close to the beach.  That was a good start to our day.

After breakfast we set off on a cycle ride along one of the National Cycle Network routes to Neyland.  It was largely traffic free along rural tarmac paths with just short stretches on mainly quiet country lanes.  It was a 28 mile round trip, the furthest we've done so far and with some long hills. It was very pleasant, strenuous in places and ultimately tiring!   Half way to Neyland I had a text photo from V&G with a photo of the view by their house.  I'll add it here when I work out how to get it off the phone!  As we reached Neyland  the phone rang, it was Huw. Have I mentioned yet that Mel is pregnant?  She had had her first scan this morning and everything is fine. Great news!

We ate our sarnies and I took a couple of shots of the Haven, but it was windy and cold so we soon turned back.  Half way home we had another phone call from Huw to tell us that agreement had been reached with Mel's ex husband over Huw buying out his share of the house.  Brilliant, both boys sorting their housing, baby doing well and Mia also happy as the tooth fairy will be coming tonight following the loss of the second of her front two top teeth!  An excellent day!
Now back at the van recovering!

Neyland Bridge and the Haven from Brunel Quay, Neyland

Ian checking my Bike

Horse checking Ian

Photos of the Haven, Ian, Gareth's beach view and baby Morgan.

Day 230 Back in Broadhaven

Thursday 18 August

Pottered about at home in the morning, doing last minute stuff and getting ready for a couple of weeks at the static caravan in Broadhaven. We set off mid afternoon via the bike shop in Cardiff where our pushbikes were waiting for us after their service. Arriving at the van about 5.00pm Ian rang his cousin Mike who also has a caravan on the site & has been here for the last few days. He & his wife Chris didn't waste any time in coming to join us for a natter and a few drinks.  Quite a few drinks!  By the time they left we'd all decided it was too late to cook an evening meal so made do with sandwiches. I hasten to add we had offered to cook for the four of us but the offer was declined.

The daily challenge on my favourite Flickr group was masculinity.  As we were chatting I noticed the sunlight coming through the window onto Mikes hand which gave me the idea for todays photo.

Day 229 Playground

Wednesday August 17


  Had a lovely day out at Llanelli WWT with Mel & Mia today.  We watched and fed the birds, then took a cycle ride.  Mia's bike was a bit bigger than she was used to and she could only get tip toes down when sat on the saddle.  The brakes weren't the best either.  the first time she stopped she fell off and nearly went over the handle bars.  She bravely got up and carried on and got the hang of it really well. She was really enjoying it till we came to a downhill section near the end.  The bike was going to fast for her and she panicked -with feet off the pedals, she forgot the brake and hurtled along screaming "Mammy!!"  Mel had stopped and Mia rode right into the back of her bike then somersaulted off into the bushes!  There were a few tears and several scratches but she soon settled down and was laughing about it.  She's a plucky little kid.  


Later we took her down to the local playground where Huw joined us and I finally got some decent images.

Mia

                               

Getting Dizzy!

                                              

Huw being a bit of a fairy!

Day 228 B&W Dereliction

Ian had a guitar lesson this morning & took his Mum shopping, while I tidied up and started packing ready to go to Broadhaven for a bit of relaxation after the stresses of the last few days. When he got home at lunchtime it was obvious he was exhausted so we've decided to defer going down until Friday.  There's not much point travelling tomorrow as the forecast is for heavy rain on Thursday.  Instead we've arranged a day out with Mel & Mia.

My photos today are of Ian's old school, Ponty Boys grammar ,when he attended, but later became CoedyLan Comp.  The school transferred to new buildings a couple of miles away and this site has been derelict for some years now. It seems such a waste. I always think dereliction suits black & white so here's a few shots.

School Gate

For Sale

Roof Garden

Air Con

Mesh Fencing

Day 227 Glass

Back in the routine today. Spent most of the morning on the computer struggling with Singapore Airlines website until eventually a window popped up apologising as they were trying to sort out problems at their end. Frustrating! I lost count of how many times I'd entered the necessary information. Did the usual hospital run this afternoon although Dad & I were a bit late arriving as we'd got totally engrossed in todays newspaper crossword puzzle and Mum was barely awake while we were there!


Theses evening - success! I have booked our tickets to go to Australia  in November.  We're also having a few nights stopover in Singapore on the way home.  Woo Hoo! Now it's booked I'm feeling really excited though I didn't before.  We've never been to Australia.  We'll be doing some sight seeing although the main intention is to spend time with Gaz & Vicky and will also visit my cousin in Canberra.


It was a dull grey day so no outside inspiration for a photo. Took a couple of backlit views of a cut glass bowl I have instead.

Day 226 Home & a crop of apples

Sunday 13 August


The day started well with a Skype video call, on the new ipad, from Vicky and Gaz.  It was slightly embarassing being naked in bed at the time so I kept a firm hold of the quilt to maintain some decency! It was great to see and hear that they're happy.  After breakfast we said our goodbyes to A&A and went our separate ways, but with plans for a holiday together next year. Back home we both felt rather flat and lolled about doing nothing in particular.  We had another chat with V&G in the afternoon.  I had no great inspiration photographically so just snapped our apples!

Day 225 Bath

Saturday 13 August


We were the last ones down for breakfast today! Surprisingly no-one had a hangover but even better we'd had a text from Gaz saying they'd arrived safely.  After some discussion we decided to go to Bath for the day.  None of us had been there for years and all fancied a tour of the Roman Baths there. At the waiters suggestion we drove to nearby Chippenham station and caught the train for the 15 minute journey.  Unfortunately Wales were playing England in a friendly (!) in Cardiff and the train was packed with rugby supporters. We had to stand in the crowded door area but enjoyed the craic with fellow sufferers.  Bath was lovely but also crowded.  I hadn't realised what a major international tourist destination it had become.   The baths were sufficiently large to swallow vast numbers of people without overcrowding so it wasn't too bad though it would be nice to go around there when it's empty.  There have been more excavations since I was there last and improvements to the layout and information.  Lunch was taken in a small cafe in a delightful square which was totally sheltered under the canopy of a magnificent London Plane tree.  After we took a look at the Abbey and then found a pub to see what was happening to the rugby.  Anne & I were shattered by now so we all caught the, thankfully empty, train home and had a snooze in our rooms.  We decided we couldn't keep up the pace we'd set ourselves on Friday night so had a modicum of alcohol, a quiet meal, enlivened by Anne setting fire to her paper serviette at the table, and an early night.  Here's Bath.

The throng outside the Baths & Abbey

Ghostly Roman Bather

The Main Bath

Main Roman Drain - still functionng after 2,000 years!

Minerva, Goddess of the Baths

Day 224 Speedlight Workshop

Friday 12 August


( I'm writing this on Monday as I was too tired/ a bit too inebriate over the weekend! Will write as if in real time though)


We're staying in the Jolly Huntsman, a real ale pub in a small village on the outskirts of Chippenham. I've been looking for a workshop in flash photography and rather by chance arranged the session for today so have built it into a weekend away with friends.  It should distract us a bit from Gaz's departure.  The pub is lovely, very homely with excellent food and drink.  Our room is small but spotlessly clean, nicely decorated and more than adequate for our needs.  LB had arranged to do some fishing for the day (unsuccessfully as it turned out) but first took me to the meeting point of the Red Lion in Lacock.  We were early so had a wander around the village before spotting Anne & the photographer, Terry. I found the day really useful. I took loads of shots of our model, Casey, most of which I have since deleted as they were practice shots experimenting with different settings.  I have kept some for the end of this blog.


The real fun came in the evening when the three of us piled in to the bar when it opened at 6.00.  Andy turned up at 7.30 so we had a couple more drinks, then a smashing meal with wine followed by brandy and liqueurs.  We then decided to have a pub crawl, of sorts!  Across the road was the "Village Club"  From the road we could see a big, virtually empty room with a bar and snooker table.  We checked we didn't have to be members of the club & went in.  By this time I had switched to drinking water as the alcohol was getting to me.  The few people in the club were very friendly but we left them to go to the huge back room where there was a pool table.  None of us had played pool for 20 years as was quite apparent if you had watched us.  The alcohol didn't help either, there were lots of missed shots, potting of the cue ball and fouls galore but we had a whale of a time! The radio was playing 60's music, a real blast from the past.  The Hodgkins' won the pool tournament on the last ball of the third game then we staggered back across the road to our beds!  We've booked a late breakfast for tomorrow!.

Casey

Casey

Casey

Anne