tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77872467104085156922024-02-21T18:37:48.811+00:00 Slate Grey, Lime and HayAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14906683254807397806noreply@blogger.comBlogger149125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7787246710408515692.post-75656206017790261232017-08-17T22:31:00.000+01:002017-08-17T22:35:54.748+01:00the annual bilberry haul<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="870" data-original-width="1600" height="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjedVlIHabxDz5gurOJljkwy7AygSCWAtE6hWiRxqgM2J7DBPdZ7XMAmBVnENfe8MwHVbjsnNSTRTjD7tvgvIHkbCRnyITnZGLSToeUUrEl4BHXMmB-GCGcfIn54K4aFtqhgq4p_LwoumAw/s640/IMGP3978+%25282000x1087%2529.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
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Each summer we dedicate a day to go up to the Stiperstones armed with plastic tubs to collect bilberries. We were a little late going this year, but there were still plenty to be found. Going later in the season meant we were treated to the amazing scent of the heather as it was in full bloom.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1170" data-original-width="1600" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxGODsjFhD3OmzTmUZ1qi1YFvJGEDttonxqR2mZie6TH2uKwmqvR72wZ2NNc7XbPwXpK9X2AFSqnJNO2qZluxmFn4vFjO2SJ8Rivijf6IALJm-O7jJBJTlXqzS659-bo41OTxa3T0B3_1D/s400/IMGP3989+%25282000x1462%2529.jpg" width="400" /> </div>
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The boys love to use their berry pickers and eagerly begin to fill up the tubs. However before long they are frolicking and rolling about in the springy heather, getting covered in purple splodges. </div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1239" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVzZPPM4h1pBAX4tuiV_GWRCGc3tlQzESmPcbFx7EwARa7xpGm2Ubf5C9J7iMRaTiFQ8HrYcISntueolmtgAZCqdPUCOX_A9LWDF-AcIjsJXDxfe27_S3PSBNpcUE4nofrVvWpHd0kJLiy/s640/IMGP3980+%25281548x2000%2529.jpg" width="494" /> </div>
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Their day was enhanced by doing a spot of <a href="https://www.geocaching.com/play" target="_blank">Geocaching</a> - something we started doing last summer. They love the quest of finding something that's been hidden away. The Geocache here didn't disappoint especially being an old ammo tin. </div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1208" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKEcdvJb7-fQMGn8DVgHd5kdZ0Jk7tjzUYIcnh2wQGO9OzAZ-VFjrcgPG_RLjOCrxApuLR6w-_fZ-B4smZjaiIHPmwRHeImctG1PZYqVgOAsAP-mJdl0e1dF6HH_1ExK8UMej4-m894vc4/s400/IMGP3992+%25281510x2000%2529.jpg" width="301" /> </div>
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So with purple stained fingers, we headed home to freeze our modest haul of bilberries to give us a taste of the summer hills through the winter months. </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14906683254807397806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7787246710408515692.post-12239474541375522632017-03-17T22:50:00.002+00:002017-03-17T22:50:43.645+00:00nest<br />
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFapU6qq45Zp_lFAeqxQ0Kvc25pvm0eFouGwRo2cFcPz___U_i5FV-KgD8Jo7aPLUMnRaOWe0ae8mcqBPCSZXL4eRqRYmgkeFCsf7bLXYVanThHtIgkx8MOni-FIwiioCe4JDkk8s7uK_5/s640/long-tailed_tit_nest+2+%25281939x2000%2529.jpg" width="620" /> </div>
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While cutting back and tidying the garden I have been aware of a pair of very noisy Long-tailed Tits in the hedge. Intrigued I had a closer look and there in a clump of brambles, probably only about a metre off the ground, is the most beautiful nest that they are busily constructing. </div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiijL0RGFx1ab-orvWb4uzb7TZu-SfHlLbhocHGoK9VQXX4is_Rs0SGiZhORxOggTXijSG0g5TRXEOecThOIaF3-vwakZl6YbVo4NXoJaCDCkgtDLp1s9ZYZW_5PwY4Vgt5kLyHTS0v4biG/s640/long-tailed+tit+nest+1+%25281999x2000%2529.jpg" width="638" /></div>
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Made of moss, feathers and lichen woven together with spiders webs to gives it elasticity to expand as the chicks grow. So clever!<br />
I have always wanted to see one of these nests and to find one so close to home is simply delightful!<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14906683254807397806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7787246710408515692.post-64832545027213864502017-01-29T23:19:00.001+00:002017-01-29T23:20:00.258+00:00recently...Oh my days, it has been a long time since I last posted here. The ease of posting on Instagram has probably contributed to this tardiness as well as a tendency to take more photographs on my phone which I then think aren't good enough to post on here. In an effort to rectify that will share more of my phone photographs rather than none at all!<br />
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January has been a month of change for us as we have begun to move into our House part of the church conversion we have been working on. I am putting together a post on our <a href="http://www.christchurchwelshpool.co.uk/" target="_blank">website</a> about it to be published very soon. Starting to use this space which we have been painstakingly creating for the past 13 years is the most incredible thing. There is so much I could say about it all but what has struck me most is the light! <br />
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The kitchen has one of the few clear windows in the church and I just adore being by it, looking out watching the weather. Earlier this week I spent almost the whole day in the kitchen making marmalade. With the sun streaming through the window warming my back as I 'finely sliced' the peel, listening to the radio, I was so content! The window has enhanced my life enormously (the Hut which has been our temporary house while we made the real one, was in effect a building within a building and therefore had no outside windows).<br />
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhExJKB8pxCU2CsFDbdZmzFJG_HjW_eaAqCqh64wIN0hf8wBJEZDnlhqkbAr3WALvqfX9BMwNAHMqyZHuMEexMkiCF895iRy39lDLvHNOghEjAVRc-F0HUz_g5fN7DBSdMWWyvMe9_HNkbb/s640/IMAG5035_1.jpg" width="508" /></div>
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<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4MYijYmFFnM9ObwMqIKk6FcGqeipb9lrmOQKE5OurW7K_bP9mpPQeFWeIK39T3YNnfVR1wrccFPmm7flE__pCCCvBg6Nqc1DwR_MbkUoMZXSuQfYf99Gjs-RL0S0TnNTD_2EXCpE6DNtO/s400/IMG_20170125_165924_449.jpg" width="400" /> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW76OxBKsj7MePbRMr_x5uLUgcfZ0_0Zn2EOSIrCB-eChnjZ0k68LTfeXVuhmtdRgkCEajpL3D5Ho3HmPlMMLg3B3CAOTgmNqCZZazhyPwitM9puqin9_jsyg-O9_03OhGVng2R-Qmg4YU/s1600/IMG_20170125_170242_815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW76OxBKsj7MePbRMr_x5uLUgcfZ0_0Zn2EOSIrCB-eChnjZ0k68LTfeXVuhmtdRgkCEajpL3D5Ho3HmPlMMLg3B3CAOTgmNqCZZazhyPwitM9puqin9_jsyg-O9_03OhGVng2R-Qmg4YU/s400/IMG_20170125_170242_815.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1UCqQ1gp_S7xpCAkaEnJ0ILwAC0aszNBIaMe3BuVEEiHImeTmrntx2Cm49Q1RCiCNZdhfwhGpgbnVC-YUE7CMlc3wU_XlPdvFpBihsL1coDrw-99MhPCvS9nkSgSLGPTl7p5ReOTQhlZ/s1600/2017-01-25+04.41.45+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1UCqQ1gp_S7xpCAkaEnJ0ILwAC0aszNBIaMe3BuVEEiHImeTmrntx2Cm49Q1RCiCNZdhfwhGpgbnVC-YUE7CMlc3wU_XlPdvFpBihsL1coDrw-99MhPCvS9nkSgSLGPTl7p5ReOTQhlZ/s400/2017-01-25+04.41.45+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I have however been getting out and about in all weathers recently as I have taken up running. This has been wonderful for exploring all the nearby country lanes and has probably contributed to the increase in landscape photographs being taken with my phone camera. The early morning runs are the best as you get to see this...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCB6liBuj70TBvtV3SPxzo7IiuZRRbLWc4yhnTmjCMlfjAM9LZv98KNfFIVlFzkHdigCWBYzQrUlxtkZ_igsvCuebJOPEkxHawEzMg38j3oZ9Q7E3Kv4kZSLR7HNlSxx2BPjBmWm7GpPRO/s1600/2017-01-21+01.12.18+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCB6liBuj70TBvtV3SPxzo7IiuZRRbLWc4yhnTmjCMlfjAM9LZv98KNfFIVlFzkHdigCWBYzQrUlxtkZ_igsvCuebJOPEkxHawEzMg38j3oZ9Q7E3Kv4kZSLR7HNlSxx2BPjBmWm7GpPRO/s400/2017-01-21+01.12.18+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMbfZCTojOqXfXeJ_r8q_V1lW2Qr9iVm9rtHhKGD4HA0sEdgSoLB1K9QAN8XcyYAsNnPCJwr0dHPM1pCz2h8xFAkAObz4lcMm68uRrOc1IuLK-qumHAFEo7tPOKMVXl3GykxdqaU9yIFvQ/s1600/2017-01-21+01.12.18+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMbfZCTojOqXfXeJ_r8q_V1lW2Qr9iVm9rtHhKGD4HA0sEdgSoLB1K9QAN8XcyYAsNnPCJwr0dHPM1pCz2h8xFAkAObz4lcMm68uRrOc1IuLK-qumHAFEo7tPOKMVXl3GykxdqaU9yIFvQ/s400/2017-01-21+01.12.18+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNrpjWX9-piYB0BWPNNDwLCJw_nmQ0f94p3sVNL8-kawPfDAerpuODnLndiJoRewh6pGObCHOBltG8wb0NQeivYXUSIUkY6HKNl8UR5_ehAcXn5MT1p1X4Ai07RqXBi-sVF9j5iBI9NzJk/s1600/2017-01-21+01.12.20+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNrpjWX9-piYB0BWPNNDwLCJw_nmQ0f94p3sVNL8-kawPfDAerpuODnLndiJoRewh6pGObCHOBltG8wb0NQeivYXUSIUkY6HKNl8UR5_ehAcXn5MT1p1X4Ai07RqXBi-sVF9j5iBI9NzJk/s400/2017-01-21+01.12.20+2.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj80zEKcu7PNkfIdqiVkH3LNweOeKHJrRcf9696VbbJ9IxiP0Il3w3vHJ6ntorS5creZb-QLzbghi7Rk7vk_U_Ybo1txq7hz_6hb4_VkRBhXl_edQQYnN9BqcnrHfsqnjdw37qmi8RLkYP8/s1600/2017-01-21+01.12.20+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj80zEKcu7PNkfIdqiVkH3LNweOeKHJrRcf9696VbbJ9IxiP0Il3w3vHJ6ntorS5creZb-QLzbghi7Rk7vk_U_Ybo1txq7hz_6hb4_VkRBhXl_edQQYnN9BqcnrHfsqnjdw37qmi8RLkYP8/s400/2017-01-21+01.12.20+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I have really taken to these mini adventures and challenges that running has given me, and that I'm up and out to get to see the sun rise on a frosty January morning is a real bonus.<br />
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Thank you for sticking with me! I shall endeavour not to leave it so long xxAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14906683254807397806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7787246710408515692.post-1620683416135065692016-05-28T23:09:00.002+01:002016-05-28T23:09:44.078+01:00a red hawthorn tree<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQQrZu70J4CN8K8kudbWFSXD-cSgCMsd9x_bxh0SW4AOfcyq3tZU7AObG-p2wzLXXtLA-Elq7ulOqFIWo3ZEX7diCxZfnhqEsh9HaMs1TJDtlGHw0vgP7oVp3yhkDQN0eytDeNgDTZh7lR/s1600/IMGP1633+%25281280x851%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQQrZu70J4CN8K8kudbWFSXD-cSgCMsd9x_bxh0SW4AOfcyq3tZU7AObG-p2wzLXXtLA-Elq7ulOqFIWo3ZEX7diCxZfnhqEsh9HaMs1TJDtlGHw0vgP7oVp3yhkDQN0eytDeNgDTZh7lR/s640/IMGP1633+%25281280x851%2529.jpg" title="red hawthorn" width="640" /></a></div>
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A red hawthorn tree in the bottom of The Field.<br />
The tree looks like it is covered in a thousand tiny rosebuds.<br />
Unlike the native hawthorn, the red hawthorn has double flowers.<br />
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCLzFTjBapBlSErTJmJvqqEgmC7bfB_9jHsZztdIbZ0aa0Fsk9hEZctPIYqc1k0Fr3IM7NjbHyy9zz0gTtw9eclu-Q0nq_HIvH0VjYGSl5MeoxTW46yGVcLFUUclDM-M8P8631oKO-VNs/s640/IMGP1612+%2528805x1280%2529.jpg" width="402" /> </div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt04SVXxQVuTONadcqvKIFARJ_JLdgtyMBioj4mKzOUkF5vi7v1zYr-5rn8OEAEubDoq7GdN2aaFBWaOQZOkszxSqMFwE7Wat7Q8HIiuu7GTph431Hj3FBSOHjhSAex1pTcYz9kuoCnp4J/s640/IMGP1607+%25281280x1280%2529.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDTo3bNlrhAKU-GTqdouZbOpF4v-YMceL6X46GZn_EBiTXw4vq76lSepDwKML88iPXe8XbSZZ3Hz87v8kejaXfRMsp85iirQJD9ge_nPsc1UOMEzOe8_hUsAbAGhe106oR88g6vyuh8MWp/s640/IMGP1618+%2528831x1280%2529.jpg" width="414" /></div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCHxMf6Mg4KgFLMUyfSJDhcGlgOee9JjExO6qKJQpMFBPEvkrgeTd4Zl53OI94CJgOnzFn26GVl6iYb6TP1wsbaLQFAanKIf_BWjbqZ2TvF1D5IgklT8MqNZ8drCWniRRVF4i6ASjHFXxp/s640/IMGP1634+%2528947x1280%2529.jpg" width="472" /></div>
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And there are plenty of the traditional white blossomed variety nearby. <br />
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<img border="0" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7N6eiGhRDW14a90ZGsmOXv-W-YlNmiUVTOImKlezuPPzi0U83vkVkKhpjOyc-FsEe00WSzlKr11CYLklGayTDfHav6zXMxyYuKC9JjxvqyflVFkIKuoNVxBnfpum4JeBvjoptnySsCk5/s640/IMGP1653+%25281280x777%2529.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14906683254807397806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7787246710408515692.post-70747199649090649662016-05-12T22:22:00.000+01:002016-05-12T22:22:03.459+01:00the bluebell wood<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo6iRWYXiyP8q13c1y-Y2cq5sguJ1tTTRodyhjRfcvDym1wHyPg3_yansnNFfuieM8EnbnnviooaeSII9tSuPbJgb3wgAJg1DgZm-R4llIKmWo5_J03apBdGjYChO7BNEYDNtfK7JpfRC2/s640/IMGP1552+%25281280x649%2529.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
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Woodlands in May.</div>
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The fresh green leaves on the beech trees.</div>
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The carpet of bluebells with their intoxicating scent.</div>
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Dappled spring sunshine. </div>
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Nothing beats a British woodland in May. </div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8SmhcWJY8ZFFcyMXEQueXZsj-OgqqorNz_06dU6tkFeaJOhnU8j-QYlUnYYTQtkpWFxmY_F_k_SlUSsoCrTAYl8sVm1_EdUG2DCS1ihtd-NddY7fcDRF6s-X5NtvbWzR6_NaL4RPUBEhN/s640/IMGP1540+%25281137x1280%2529.jpg" width="568" /> </div>
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<img border="0" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9k4bYkZlQaez4oPzGZPp3UIM4moawUNzIFQPTlUX5f-9OFcXMFFDQ0fl5pY4So4Y57T20_prGqkLD52BeEU-FXH9cuTfrZ5PTbw3PFNQBi5p0rem-2K0yCYjYy6erFXXcCrlkZsWy_TE/s640/IMGP1525+%25281280x821%2529.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOk_NzMsqF0l7jrZ8oMUmFekTgCzyBhlnsbp4hQa49ftvpd4eq1zsZHPbMlJFh55ezCDuELG18VZmGMjgFUBcP3Q1U_8Md6Y069a0d4af6ARes6hpK3iBG0TlEtLR573Be4IXyORBLqs46/s640/IMGP1544+%25281280x595%2529.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14906683254807397806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7787246710408515692.post-53036353058835381342016-02-19T08:59:00.001+00:002016-02-19T08:59:42.892+00:00blue skies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAshyphenhyphenmu_H6qU7hAoWCsHRvWry8QLMFoCaLpbLB1z91qGsDlOTL2VNgGnWhna4cKCuEJXRAT64SdaxFh3ajdTNY9j4yx9LICqujuSfCzj6Osiv6c_bcNKkDX6ji3hJbxbqsJh1SBInWQtR-/s640/IMGP1202+%25281280x569%2529.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
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The biggest bluest skies at the Elan Valley earlier this week where we went for our half term ramble. The boys were keen to see the Claerwen dam (as they had watched Top Gear's Richard Hammond drive a Landrover up the front of it on TV!).</div>
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The winter colours were stunning, bleached windswept grasses contrasting with the blue sparkling water.</div>
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The Claerwen river flows from the dam down through a wide boggy valley. We walked along a bridleway adjacent to the river. However the track was very waterlogged in places and after a failed attempt to jump a stream with a 5 year old on my back and ending up knee deep in a bog, we turned back! </div>
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These beautiful wild hills definitely need a return visit (and I must remember after a long wet spell, to keep to the high ground). </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14906683254807397806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7787246710408515692.post-74231060515668296862016-01-14T21:31:00.000+00:002016-01-14T21:31:20.136+00:00squelching through fields<br />
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Last weekend, Littlest and I took advantage of a free couple of hours to 'squelch and squerch' across fields, along country lanes and along the canal to a nearby village, Berriew. </div>
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The rains held off long enough to reach home. It was good to be out... exploring, stretching our legs and eyes. And what a joy to spot the first of the snowdrops on a roadside verge. </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14906683254807397806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7787246710408515692.post-89189863413925589672016-01-08T22:30:00.000+00:002016-01-08T22:30:29.916+00:00the copper beech in january<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZnhfRJqAlo1VELs1L9GHEWXVONIMgNEzZGuV42LKWTwwG8H0lzRT_2TFQnYsUwUAU4u4hQKwMeWJ8ajJwCAuwvcl4bsR47YK64JgdpveYCNC7asQID2JaWprKJWaEARnBw7ozkQwiNQ4/s640/IMGP0987+%25281280x903%2529.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Soft winter sunlight casting long shadows.<br />
Bare branches with the last leaves holding on.<br />
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Joining in with <a href="https://squirrelbasket.wordpress.com/2016/01/07/tree-following-link-box-for-january-2016/#more-20061" target="_blank">'Tree Following'</a> </div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14906683254807397806noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7787246710408515692.post-37811770426144830892016-01-05T22:56:00.001+00:002016-01-05T22:56:07.199+00:00a new year escape<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjit-ofsJurvc3tlt5VuLxiL8rCBroPdOzluxJy02L2fgz37i8Ipt7spc61mGbb-Yp5FFkdyZ7HlAYdjPtlt2Sjl64Y5CIFaTpuvA7gMqoC3kPceswYr9I88yRFQkEtk0nIHE3dQF2DY_IV/s400/2015-12-31_05.56.33_1%255B1%255D.jpg" width="400" /> </div>
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... to the coastline of Cardigan Bay.</div>
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A New Year's Eve walk from Mwnt beach along the clifftops, fields and country lanes. </div>
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The tranquil ancient church of Mwnt with it's whitewashed walls and simple, natural festive window displays.</div>
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And to blow the very last of the cobwebs away, a New Year's Day ramble to Penbryn beach.<br />
Mesmerised by the big waves. <br />
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A refreshing start to the new year.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14906683254807397806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7787246710408515692.post-12992209416241830212015-11-07T22:58:00.001+00:002015-11-07T22:58:53.173+00:00the copper beech in november<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As I approached the copper beech tree, I was shocked to see that it was completely bare... all the leaves had gone. Surrounding trees are still holding on to most of their leaves, but not the copper beech. There was a thick carpet of curled copper leaves covering the grass under the tree. The husks of the few nuts the tree produced this year remain on the branches. </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14906683254807397806noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7787246710408515692.post-63047151440449433962015-11-06T22:18:00.001+00:002015-11-06T22:18:52.174+00:00autumn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Woodland walks and bike rides during a very misty and murky half term holiday. We got wet and our boots heavy with mud but there were many smiles... especially with a spontaneous crabapple throwing/kicking/rolling contest.</div>
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The autumn landscape where otherworldly realms seem to merge with our own.</div>
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<br /><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmL-EJw45p_-JprGeJtntClMIkcWn4LdyYxMisHnIogKF0NMrB8Db2Rfe5j_GcvlESBAfsQbl8qbPSoXkMAwLZ0a_jSQfSKZoUz9qSc_SAQ8UDsj5W6ixbILZODvpIc5qLg6le8CNoW42P/s640/IMG_20151102_164208%255B1%255D.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14906683254807397806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7787246710408515692.post-22787861660411116762015-10-13T22:48:00.000+01:002015-10-13T22:48:47.640+01:00the copper beech in october<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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October is the month when this tree really comes into it's own. Standing in the warm sun gazing up at the thousands of shades of copper. Just how lovely...</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14906683254807397806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7787246710408515692.post-49428331209831494452015-09-15T22:20:00.001+01:002015-09-15T22:20:53.700+01:00foraging<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3It9TUX0XD2jcplHK1vqZMNPy0leXL8nnsRc_b7FtT5u6C7BoH966pJ-44eVtBsJapSMCY-Xh1Pd74VGtdObFdlYAWvjOJqmkibyJ-vnHh5W82TTijvvoqZ_6KRRjMF-Rn5T740M6zJRi/s400/IMG_20150907_133339%255B1%255D.jpg" width="400" /> </div>
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As summer slips into autumn, it is a time of picking and preserving... and picking some more. </div>
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My favourite wild damson tree in a hedgerow a few fields away was laden with fruit. A carrier bag full was promptly turned into damson chutney, followed by a batch of damson jam.</div>
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The plum tree in the allotment has had a wonderful year, with more fruit than ever before. The boys have been climbing up it to reach the sweetest fruits up in the top of the tree. We have picked and picked - eaten lots straight from the tree, given boxfulls away, made plum jam and plum chutney and even sold some in punnets on the doorstep with an honesty jar - and the tree is still laden! </div>
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In recent years I have made a small batch of elderberry syrup which is particularly good for those winter colds (a little with mixed with some hot water is very soothing). <br />
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I do love hedgerow foraging...<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14906683254807397806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7787246710408515692.post-56300319989069991112015-09-12T22:15:00.001+01:002015-09-15T21:43:20.363+01:00the copper beech in september<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoDmJ05EBz-KKttyoOYako3GBBJcWKpxVaYyhX-uMv5WgBpWcdx1-eJZuXQxphUWsxkrmKMa4evxhk7-Usa6dGUMc5BJoEnwSyk52Tq0_FXcnwVjZlGNyhjnrsbMr6RUpkLF5OSk0q0Ctp/s1600/copperbeech2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoDmJ05EBz-KKttyoOYako3GBBJcWKpxVaYyhX-uMv5WgBpWcdx1-eJZuXQxphUWsxkrmKMa4evxhk7-Usa6dGUMc5BJoEnwSyk52Tq0_FXcnwVjZlGNyhjnrsbMr6RUpkLF5OSk0q0Ctp/s640/copperbeech2.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div>
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The copper beech is beginning to take on darker tones as the season begins to slip into autumn. The light is hazy in the misty mornings.<br />
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The first of the leaves are falling, and the beech nuts are growing.<br />
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Joining in with Loose and Leafy's <a href="http://looseandleafy.blogspot.co.uk/p/what-is-tree-following-and-list-of-tree.html" target="_blank">'Tree Following'</a><br />
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Previous Tree Following posts <a href="http://slategreylimeandhay.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Tree%20Following" target="_blank">here</a> <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14906683254807397806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7787246710408515692.post-79696396519889847472015-09-01T22:25:00.000+01:002015-09-01T22:25:12.122+01:00the last summer adventure - Cadair Idris<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Making the most of the last few days of the summer holidays;</div>
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Up in the mountains;</div>
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Carpets of heather;</div>
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Big skies;</div>
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Rolling clouds enveloping the craggy summit;</div>
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Time with friends.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14906683254807397806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7787246710408515692.post-75564849477123869222015-08-19T22:29:00.000+01:002015-08-19T22:29:06.417+01:00to the source of the river wye<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It was the perfect weather to explore the wild lands of Plynlimon to see the source of the River Wye (thank goodness as to be up here in less than perfect conditions would not be nice).</div>
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The route we took was from the south side of Plynlimon following the track up into the hills until it ended where the terrain became too impassible. The source is above the 'V' in the picture above. How beautiful the infant Wye is. It was quite something to see it as a babbling stream beginning a very long journey.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcYMaoNAWdauFErxkNhf1hoLhaWcWmrwNkMIWQIHbKwC8CD3LjHI0BEdJwKbNEYwxaIHe-9PiS6xEtkNRwoCZ5mN_291wtkPIV36f-2MBrEO06xgZEqFnQ-DvC2J8PNpiAfmkcX3SMFuee/s400/IMG_20150818_222959.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favourite upland flower 'Devil's-bit Scabious</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14906683254807397806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7787246710408515692.post-15482734786644798922015-08-16T23:31:00.000+01:002015-08-16T23:31:33.093+01:00show day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of our favourite summertime activities is to go to a village show, and even better is to take part in in it! </div>
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It's such fun to just have a go and it's something I try and encourage to boys to do too.</div>
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This year we tried our luck with flower art, photography, art, jam, marmalade and a homemade drink. </div>
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The exciting part is loading the car with our entries (the boys clutching their flower arrangements on their laps to keep them from falling apart!), driving onto the show field and setting them up in the marquee. It's great to see how many others have entered and the different interpretations of the themes. </div>
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Once we were set up, we have a little look around the other classes and marvel at the giant cabbages and long parsnips! On leaving the marquee we had a wander around the show field. We paused by the sheep section as we were captivated by the serious business of judging. The boys were very intrigued as to how you could possibly judge between the sheep.</div>
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The 'longest nettle' class - one of my favourites which I should enter one day with the amount of nettles I have at the allotment. </div>
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The poultry section is always interesting too to look around... the wonderfully coloured eggs and the different chickens and ducks.</div>
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We went home during the judging and returned later in the afternoon. The boys were very excited to get back into the marquee to see how they had got on. This was Victor's first time in entering and even though he didn't get any coloured cards he really enjoyed filling his jam jar with flowers from the garden (and I thought it was the best!).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu33cZF8OJIQi8r_8aUWx5Yh9joAUVwTTkuNUDutLtnUX_n-jbjiafeYBe_6Xf25y8fzlAhXA0B-J4p6vPefqYE2sCo4kKD8MGZ4htOtloKKu2aS_ThYK9CqfaVwwYr_8QchNGgZfSCz9I/s1600/IMAG0732_1%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu33cZF8OJIQi8r_8aUWx5Yh9joAUVwTTkuNUDutLtnUX_n-jbjiafeYBe_6Xf25y8fzlAhXA0B-J4p6vPefqYE2sCo4kKD8MGZ4htOtloKKu2aS_ThYK9CqfaVwwYr_8QchNGgZfSCz9I/s320/IMAG0732_1%255B1%255D.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>
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My art, photography and marmalade entries did surprising well, as I was up against some stiff competition! I was prompted by the show to do this pencil sketch of the garden, which I really enjoyed doing and needed the deadline to sit and do it, so I'm grateful for that.<br />
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And Fred did particularly well in the children's photography by gaining two First prizes and therefore winning a trophy (in fact he reclaimed this trophy as he had won it in 2013!). He was very pleased! <br />
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But really the best bit is just to be there, soaking up the 'country living' atmosphere, of seeing friends, having fun with the activities such as 'tug of war' (not me I hasten to add!), being part of the community and supporting the hard work and effort of the organisers of the village show. </div>
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Guilsfield Show is held every second Thursday in August. </div>
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Our previous visit to Guilsfield Show is <a href="http://slategreylimeandhay.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/show-day.html" target="_blank">here</a> </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14906683254807397806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7787246710408515692.post-76165580964541727832015-08-13T23:17:00.000+01:002015-08-13T23:17:35.882+01:00the copper beech in august<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The copper beech is basking in the golden summer light.<br />
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Colour differences throughout the tree seems more pronounced, with greener leaves in the more shaded areas, such as inside the tree.<br />
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Squeezing this post in at the last minute!</div>
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Joining in with Loose and Leafy's <a href="http://looseandleafy.blogspot.co.uk/p/what-is-tree-following-and-list-of-tree.html" target="_blank">'Tree Following'</a> </div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14906683254807397806noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7787246710408515692.post-45814583436991828142015-08-13T23:02:00.000+01:002015-08-13T23:02:09.664+01:00holiday adventures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzjh9WvjJFcHupB-83Y_rJlyoqFP4KT4WQSWGjWaxPW2rIwRjG5b9tEUz2tmC4zFBA3v5GsDe0gQkBbfrHJ09iix5jFaib3S29Oh9MA1TeVGRYO1otPu4iC7VYPEIPZlYjF-SNSIHU8Zv9/s1600/IMAG0639_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzjh9WvjJFcHupB-83Y_rJlyoqFP4KT4WQSWGjWaxPW2rIwRjG5b9tEUz2tmC4zFBA3v5GsDe0gQkBbfrHJ09iix5jFaib3S29Oh9MA1TeVGRYO1otPu4iC7VYPEIPZlYjF-SNSIHU8Zv9/s640/IMAG0639_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Holidaying in our own county! We have spent a wonderful few days exploring the Brecon Beacons - an area that I have driven through many times, as well as having worked and lived near by. I couldn't help think throughout our time there why on earth hadn't I walked these hills before.<br />
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We climbed Pen y Fan in the rain, cycled up 'The Gap' to Fan y Big to stand on the 'Diving Board' and discovered walks with dramatic waterfalls. <br /><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ5lnoj2_KXSrUscv0_drYP96DSHCV85OAwgxEVncD3bGoLADCvrxBuxPGfjf4sfp6XY8qIfNeuRzytuQE-XRlizitWuNxLhLU8e-CjxEDFdhWAnY0gKatuT0jQwuYUNWLLiyxra50BvHI/s640/IMGP0191+%25281280x720%2529.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
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<br />We walked along ancient path<span style="background-color: black;"><span></span></span>s from Roman Roads, drover's roads and old bridleways<br />
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The boys amused themselves with creating wild bracelets with rushes and wildflowers collected along the way.<br />
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We explored ruined priories and churches.<br />
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On the days it <i>really </i>rained we went to see some show caves and to Big Pit, the coal mining museum. Big Pit is a wonderful eye opener to the shear hard work and determination of the miners and their families. Experiencing a little of what it felt like to go down a mine was quite moving.<br />
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We all felt like we'd got to know our county a little better after this holiday. I shall miss pouring over this map planning our routes for the next day...<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14906683254807397806noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7787246710408515692.post-58426188272740380552015-07-29T22:34:00.000+01:002015-07-29T22:36:12.851+01:00the big pick<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcoULoAXt23bAAlOxHU1PO62RlbmZNqtrFd5dpnw_eJ-pQleoMSAfz1p7cmxekt3Hg6LeswBRVfpZpOwmWvf2F82k6CTddDNWhCNQqg3fFw-lHdHIjwnVn7GnxXOaY4PW9uD4NlMs3g7ph/s400/IMG_20150726_100307%255B1%255D.jpg" width="400" /> </div>
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Our annual trip to the Stiperstones for the big bilberry pick. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A rare photograph of me - taken by my 4 year old son!</td></tr>
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<img border="0" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcAKJUyXc9aVm-5AmMdDXVi90U3nLwFOqsqwk64G1aHYPl74uftdjbGGoohlgFupAg9ZVpYZXNxwQoxAB9AUst_W1Iv9Qw_awfvraSNR0X8JyhC_2buWKufmW-UqbmBnwVvrBRwHgZzgO3/s640/IMGP0102+%25281280x816%2529.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
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While I take 2 hours to carefully hand pick enough to fill a tub, the boys and their dad use berry combs which fill up the tubs in no time. Though I do need to spend <i>hours</i> picking out the branches, leaves and other random 'alien' material. </div>
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<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsFfdJx_bNnjOaltDHeu6xPI_f0nNf13u74c-JLboiBTgAnNTjQat9IW63p9o6_baCNEXuLWjxelsNibaAEGzrmsuFiTrOoCqIWWf2XgGmRISHl2oy6fQS8X6Y6ZhU98DaYoF657pTnQp4/s400/IMG_20150726_094551%255B1%255D.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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It's a lovely few hours away from it all, which we all enjoy. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14906683254807397806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7787246710408515692.post-32070755009036278602015-07-14T13:53:00.002+01:002015-07-14T13:53:38.025+01:00stretching the eyes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0E3Lhyj30AbVvqEcM6c4xavmzWhtvY-Ki4wqfH6xnPlyhgg7InU452NO-mYKOu3YsYjL99p8MYUSNJa7e021o33OJ5-ExjAOPvr_urMI4y2h5njZRrQYIuNfOXiqEZh57MSKgShs6NWws/s640/IMGP9455+%25281280x650%2529.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
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Walking with friends from Priest Weston to Mitchell's Fold stone circle {where we drank champagne to celebrate a special birthday!} and Corndon Hill.<br />
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Stretching the eyes as well as the legs.<br />
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A vintage tractor rally should just happen to pass by... only in the country!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14906683254807397806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7787246710408515692.post-977380271135884282015-07-13T14:30:00.002+01:002015-07-13T14:30:47.473+01:00making<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJcv7w5Vncz_l3js5vXKxuUvfaS40nhg9fG2ADPE48Qt6gMD1ZlrWtrJpbHc-Og6LMiy3JF_Tkk3ljieMmZdlsotDXeAsYieKZHSUYESD5nbnzZ-ILX1d9x3YS2Hd2k4PJvQOiH5O3dCTd/s400/IMG_20150629_161904.jpg" width="400" /> </div>
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<i>Making </i>has been the theme for the past few weeks ~ from picking flowers in the garden to make garden posies {even selling some on the doorstep!}</div>
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The foraging season starts for me with elderflowers or 'elderbloom' as I read recently in an old book. I have been out in the Field gathering basket fulls to make refreshing elderflower cordial. </div>
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New to me is dressmaking. I have altered and botched items of clothing but never really followed a proper pattern. A couple of years ago I bought a Merchant & Mills pattern with the idea of teaching myself dressmaking which has lain untouched until now. I had a special occasion to attend which provided the perfect deadline and impetus to pursue this dressmaking idea. I ordered some gorgeous Irish Linen from Merchant & Mills to make their Trapeze Dress which I was shortening to a tunic. I also got some cheaper fabric to do a trail run. </div>
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<img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg61taRrjsaWhsIbR63WuSBV-E6cySBCHNSLTthyphenhyphenZKXAxwbsJyn7v2zaiOYF0BNLZeXV-kpisDA1W7-y8CXfgLwTP_RG4GlkateuGv7VtBUbsPLlbAeOzdRHzDvSoI49i3lN1GtdHo-fbdI/s400/1434986521876.jpg" width="400" /> </div>
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Doing a trail run was a good idea as I really did have a lot to learn. I also discovered that the alter table here serves as a very good cutting table - perfect height and plenty of room to walk around. </div>
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I finished my new top/tunic just in time and I'm really pleased with it. It is full of novice errors and handmade charm, but I love it!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14906683254807397806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7787246710408515692.post-54093516206458280492015-07-09T23:09:00.000+01:002015-07-09T23:09:23.863+01:00the copper beech in july<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5G0-aanDJosmNMeOILj8WCTTPvb1SQ9ey8pLHLrFm6EKu75e0Gw03FqXKj671qjQ1zavjI-SJ4UpnNptIU8mlDxT-A-udTvTI4sdKzn5mO5rvxQZ6AwNEU903CCqrzwPbBC5MwpI4AS-s/s1600/copperbeech1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5G0-aanDJosmNMeOILj8WCTTPvb1SQ9ey8pLHLrFm6EKu75e0Gw03FqXKj671qjQ1zavjI-SJ4UpnNptIU8mlDxT-A-udTvTI4sdKzn5mO5rvxQZ6AwNEU903CCqrzwPbBC5MwpI4AS-s/s640/copperbeech1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Dark and dense with flashes of colour where the sunlight catches the leaves. Vibrant reds through to green. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYNT3pVMelCo1Nv6Lmz65ylGerkLFZr3sUi7BsEvONBlzCKX0xkrGNmSqqzI3uDkiiUyGCdZ19CIIrILrow7c3HGcT8rGLy8dqc_7nvplIm_cRp_pII2Ag72eCZyaL4iUckBAJik3eUrOu/s1600/copperbeech2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYNT3pVMelCo1Nv6Lmz65ylGerkLFZr3sUi7BsEvONBlzCKX0xkrGNmSqqzI3uDkiiUyGCdZ19CIIrILrow7c3HGcT8rGLy8dqc_7nvplIm_cRp_pII2Ag72eCZyaL4iUckBAJik3eUrOu/s640/copperbeech2.jpg" width="440" /></a></div>
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Standing under the copper beech in the cool dappled shade. <br />
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGIapkuarfuXHfAOXWS66PqCiXOZcS8VQWm7e1nbr-tqFgBN-3rg6u4XvlAdgDiyKxl4fldEUUJcwC7NOsQHY4ComhFEnKAeqdIqRcc_YvEQCn72dJNI9gliTolHZKJKWtJpGgVif3jCm-/s640/IMGP9411+%2528882x1280%2529.jpg" width="440" /> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2REh3sVlTDP8BGezVYi6kxeqXPXmg2KEdtAc6XWt43mmp5IEoB31qb0JCwmUE5ADne1UTVomwGgz2FHkJkgtDYTr0VgwjdWzmxrxdH5K9eYOrReSmoBSTBaSdgQu_oVZYNtaFy8AJc4pR/s1600/copperbeech3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2REh3sVlTDP8BGezVYi6kxeqXPXmg2KEdtAc6XWt43mmp5IEoB31qb0JCwmUE5ADne1UTVomwGgz2FHkJkgtDYTr0VgwjdWzmxrxdH5K9eYOrReSmoBSTBaSdgQu_oVZYNtaFy8AJc4pR/s640/copperbeech3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Joining in with Loose and Leafy's <a href="http://looseandleafy.blogspot.co.uk/p/what-is-tree-following-and-list-of-tree.html" target="_blank">'Tree Following'</a><br />
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Previous Tree Following posts <a href="http://slategreylimeandhay.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Tree%20Following" target="_blank">here</a> <br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14906683254807397806noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7787246710408515692.post-57906986553900255342015-06-12T15:02:00.000+01:002015-06-12T15:02:09.273+01:00the copper beech in june<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1lqfm4slOb_2SbkJrsBmUAAvHEYs3E2_tvPjHBxj2Coau-nRxV7JkRbeAnbRTyW1LAqrwNjC4fwQNSyG6P8I-yA2o7dr5wDMahrX7thQO3l7aWuyuipToowUOwbFdhtUjq3m7WX36bF2/s640/IMGP9249+%25281280x678%2529.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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The hue of the leaves is deeper now that the tree is in full leaf. Standing under the tree and looking up, the layering of the leaves in a variety of shades of red and green is quite something. On a bright day the dappled shade under the tree is welcomed. The meadow around the tree is full of buttercups and pignuts. <br />
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<br />
Joining in with Loose and Leafy's <a href="http://looseandleafy.blogspot.co.uk/p/what-is-tree-following-and-list-of-tree.html" target="_blank">'Tree Following'</a> project.<br />
<br />
Previous Tree Following posts <a href="http://slategreylimeandhay.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Tree%20Following" target="_blank">here</a><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14906683254807397806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7787246710408515692.post-47119964136840324912015-05-28T11:49:00.001+01:002015-05-28T11:49:21.938+01:00beside the sea<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9vCYfygKLOvqCV-Uw0jYcWtVGyEIz9hj8XRmi9nYXv8nfuRTtqPjLmo-ESTJaeIfb2u0O2tVK0jN5k9GRk-9rdg_i9WfkzUpsI2WUiHh3m24r-ZhfxlnRQrq0JZ-MGgXL_aBWpQG4fcMA/s1600/pembrokeshire+coast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9vCYfygKLOvqCV-Uw0jYcWtVGyEIz9hj8XRmi9nYXv8nfuRTtqPjLmo-ESTJaeIfb2u0O2tVK0jN5k9GRk-9rdg_i9WfkzUpsI2WUiHh3m24r-ZhfxlnRQrq0JZ-MGgXL_aBWpQG4fcMA/s640/pembrokeshire+coast.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div>
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Pembrokeshire in late spring is such a beautiful place to be. We have just come back from a much needed break, staying in the south of the county which is an area I haven't really explored before. </div>
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What prompted us to down tools at home and escape to the coast was that Karl was participating in Pendine Speed Week with his modified vintage BSA bike to see if he could take the British Land Speed Record for a vintage bike (he was successful!).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFi4FeQoqc8R737Ekz_saTaOR13CVfBw7EPefqgF9eNum_domJ58IffKwk_-lT2xjv_g09z49fQ7gq3OYHEL9l_VMRJtDWsQvcz4jsu60u2zPwKZLR8s1E5TF3nqNMGrLez36GL2AEaRNR/s1600/IMG_5686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFi4FeQoqc8R737Ekz_saTaOR13CVfBw7EPefqgF9eNum_domJ58IffKwk_-lT2xjv_g09z49fQ7gq3OYHEL9l_VMRJtDWsQvcz4jsu60u2zPwKZLR8s1E5TF3nqNMGrLez36GL2AEaRNR/s400/IMG_5686.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVPXtam59t4zif6f17OcffOpsuSiexHVEHor5bRU4IFTMpHc8ULC-gJkuITgrQxg7WCe6gVOVR2sSvv28VGNExTArV5Mx7jPxSxiGpgSaqVw0g3q0axk1iw8Dpx4edbQXl5mEbhAaRzBN7/s1600/IMG_5687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVPXtam59t4zif6f17OcffOpsuSiexHVEHor5bRU4IFTMpHc8ULC-gJkuITgrQxg7WCe6gVOVR2sSvv28VGNExTArV5Mx7jPxSxiGpgSaqVw0g3q0axk1iw8Dpx4edbQXl5mEbhAaRzBN7/s400/IMG_5687.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div>
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While he was busy doing his speed thing, the boys and I had our own mini adventure exploring the beaches and coastline of Manorbier and Skrinkle Bay. Walking along the cliff top path with children is an adventure in itself but well worth the worry as the cliff tops were beautiful smothered in wildflowers such as sea thrift, bluebells and red campion, and sea birds nesting. The boys were fascinated by it all (and were instinctively careful!).</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Manorbier Castle and beach</td></tr>
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<img border="0" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf5oo79Zv_VDzSSHn4u7CL6sZLDrOuhL_32XRrNoLG17xesc2aCwAZEJPnxL3XUrRdEq8iBVHFCOENU09k7QTbxJD3xoFFUrZGZIKeXEHpvWHMyiA0UNvIHlwBUp1MDcyuY2uvKSUH5Hte/s640/coast+path.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqjBjzDP3-87O5IL_cri7SRGZyRE51MDowJgHeJg8C3U89YlPinjw9SXj2tb8cST5oxbPx7kqs8snPj2pXdG7i2XfKWUEw8ucLB4OamVxb17M8rknuVYA13hbsYpHwaG9q75tpb8JBcQyi/s640/pembrokeshire+coast+2.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_s2cjoiDK4k1tpxrb9XlUSXGbf2ENmFqR7KRNIdNB_vpM4O_LJ4yM9rpSj106XHkJcbqLejl4Dk_vy4v5rN5k6mu-qPZ78WlUPY8zJerZbA2yu_9QfaQoAvE_EJZey8N4Wiga0qQng1f/s1600/IMG_5679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_s2cjoiDK4k1tpxrb9XlUSXGbf2ENmFqR7KRNIdNB_vpM4O_LJ4yM9rpSj106XHkJcbqLejl4Dk_vy4v5rN5k6mu-qPZ78WlUPY8zJerZbA2yu_9QfaQoAvE_EJZey8N4Wiga0qQng1f/s400/IMG_5679.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB3w9GkGBvhkPfNgVy3PWbtCxxMJ796GeGx5QspGSCNTjVoI-zQLA_Y_XSsaNoCFT0Dwyj4bge2m9vEswHVRm0uSF-fO9gAssljMB2X1z5Jd8SVYzq3xaettkznHr8JloL1mAqQfbitvrY/s1600/skrinkle+bay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB3w9GkGBvhkPfNgVy3PWbtCxxMJ796GeGx5QspGSCNTjVoI-zQLA_Y_XSsaNoCFT0Dwyj4bge2m9vEswHVRm0uSF-fO9gAssljMB2X1z5Jd8SVYzq3xaettkznHr8JloL1mAqQfbitvrY/s640/skrinkle+bay.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skrinkle Bay and 'Church Doors'</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLsKDgVpB1HUCALjAZ6UK-qhdFhN4u4lx4g3JTomG1mc6okN702AGyKOkVvtSawtUhIQZ-hVqUpf15Upx7lZpMPdOes4LKt2-0SFe9dq98O3u5NbgfXfbG6coAOrns6ISBdq8QGU19sruo/s1600/IMG_5677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLsKDgVpB1HUCALjAZ6UK-qhdFhN4u4lx4g3JTomG1mc6okN702AGyKOkVvtSawtUhIQZ-hVqUpf15Upx7lZpMPdOes4LKt2-0SFe9dq98O3u5NbgfXfbG6coAOrns6ISBdq8QGU19sruo/s400/IMG_5677.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Huge jellyfish had been washed up on the beaches which was quite a sad yet incredible sight.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJqHHbTHPhyyFjpmv7_Mc2-QICGsm_XPnuNEcLEUyHhMTiMXa7o05UKRZbMIMjw7Warw9MnFLSJPwkZssIAnAS3wsh3OQuvvuDQqIXZtguArwzR7AlFG79qgXmqsnNnQEpkyrnHEIXhG8a/s1600/seashells+%25281280x532%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJqHHbTHPhyyFjpmv7_Mc2-QICGsm_XPnuNEcLEUyHhMTiMXa7o05UKRZbMIMjw7Warw9MnFLSJPwkZssIAnAS3wsh3OQuvvuDQqIXZtguArwzR7AlFG79qgXmqsnNnQEpkyrnHEIXhG8a/s640/seashells+%25281280x532%2529.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div>
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After the biking, Karl joined us exploring St. Govan's Chapel and Barafundle Bay. I've wanted to see St. Govan's Chapel for years, intrigued by this little building perched on the cliff face. Luckily the tide was in, enhancing the charm and vulnerability of the place.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0cmA4w3fA-RZVWGhEVijQ9gmhRnm2Gl60oHi94qNAf5dQ18QNxZ0vRKjekNSC9i5Vsjx8VqCm8tg5p-gILa9131y3wcgERvbCGNM-1ql75CHTjDYN8xcFY4dvQ8jDt0X1Ix084wNjOnu1/s1600/IMG_5688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0cmA4w3fA-RZVWGhEVijQ9gmhRnm2Gl60oHi94qNAf5dQ18QNxZ0vRKjekNSC9i5Vsjx8VqCm8tg5p-gILa9131y3wcgERvbCGNM-1ql75CHTjDYN8xcFY4dvQ8jDt0X1Ix084wNjOnu1/s400/IMG_5688.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIMm5khaVUHjufhkw8MsTrVkKXfMGvRUrv-knJR-T0rTe50voQ0-uMH2gjX9S360RHG_Ogsc2lN1_1TpuwjdmSvXSiWWfCz2yo3sBEbSD6_CeyhklD0CotN0CETRt0xqRFHyStn8ExlSgM/s1600/st+govans+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIMm5khaVUHjufhkw8MsTrVkKXfMGvRUrv-knJR-T0rTe50voQ0-uMH2gjX9S360RHG_Ogsc2lN1_1TpuwjdmSvXSiWWfCz2yo3sBEbSD6_CeyhklD0CotN0CETRt0xqRFHyStn8ExlSgM/s640/st+govans+3.jpg" width="396" /></a></div>
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It was lovely to end the break by spending the afternoon at Barafundle Bay, having some seaside fun on the golden sand and paddling in the {freezing} sea!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barafundle Bay</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14906683254807397806noreply@blogger.com0