holiday adventures

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.

 

 

 

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.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We walked along ancient paths from Roman Roads, drover's roads and old bridleways

The boys amused themselves with creating wild bracelets with rushes and wildflowers collected along the way.

We explored ruined priories and churches.

On the days it really 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.

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...

beside the sea

 

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.

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!).

  

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!).

Manorbier Castle and beach

 

Skrinkle Bay and 'Church Doors'

Huge jellyfish had been washed up on the beaches which was quite a sad yet incredible sight.

 

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.

 

 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!

Barafundle Bay

vintage wedding photograph

 

At a local auction yesterday was an old wedding photograph, possibly taken around 100 years ago. As I wandered around looking at all the lots this is the one that made me stop and pause. The bride really stood out, the light falling on her dress, the flowers in her hair, the calm expression on her face, her beautiful simple bouquet.

I wonder what their story was, how their photograph came to be on a trestle table in the town hall, and who bought it...