A different Approach

Do you ever do something and think "that's exactly the same as I did it last time" I have been finding myself thinking that way about the photography. My own fault, because I have my very favourite places to visit and when you have already taken 630 photos of Criccieth Castle, it's hard to make No. 631 stand out! I think because of that I have struggled with enthusiasm, hence being over a month since I last posted.

So, I am trying something a bit different. I am having a go at being a bit more abstract. Thinking more about colours, shapes and textures. Not sure if I have got it yet, but I have had guidance and inspiration from someone who is amazing at this type of image (see photographers to inspire) so I have absolutely no excuse!

I like the shapes and colours here and the way the light falls. I have wanted to keep some of it out of focus to take attention to the back of the photo. Maybe it's not "art" but I kind of like it.

These were taken on a recent trip to Aberystwyth. It is a fabulous place to look for texture as the sea has played havoc with the front. The rust and dereliction is strangely beautiful and the colours in it just glorious.

I found myself looking at so much detail and I think that this will really help when I look at landscapes too, seeing everything in front of me and not just the focal point.

This is one of my favourites. Love the bubbly textures on this van together with the rich golden colours, but I really love the hook! Tell me that doesn't look like the wisest old owl! No, just me then!

This is a broken window on one of the shelters along the prom and I loved the patterns in it. Had to put it on manual focus as the camera couldn't seem to settle on one part to focus on, but it came out ok I think.

Did have to get one seascape in, plus a couple of castles!

So I have really enjoyed the different approach and will definitely do more. But I do think I still at the moment prefer the more scenic shots. I look at the scaffolding poles and think "yes, I really like it, but do I want it hanging on my wall?" Probably not!

Lessons Learned: I think the key to much in life is to find someone or something that inspires you, and be brave in trying something new. They say you should do one thing everyday that scares you! I am doing my darndest to live by this rule. It can be scary at times but it can also be interesting, intriguing and a whole lot of fun!

Diet Diary: Nope, nothing. Just can not get my head around it at the moment! Might have to admit defeat and go back to club! (At the precise moment of writing, Carl has just brought me in a chocolate biscuit! I ask you, what chance do I have!!!)

Rambling Record: Slightly better news! Completed over 100 miles so far. A little behind on my target, but not too far (and I think that is the only time the phrase "a little behind" will ever refer to me (see diet diary)).

1000 Miles!!

Well, I have finally done it! Today I walked my 1000th mile of 2016!

Decided that I needed to do it somewhere that I loved to make it special, so headed to Criccieth. The idea was to reward myself with cake once it was completed, but by the time I had driven the 2hrs to get there, I was hungry and a girl needs sustenance so I started with cake!

So suitably nourished, I headed off. 

There is something very special about Criccieth. I'm not really sure what it is. Maybe because it feels like time has forgotten it for a while so it feels peaceful. Partly perhaps because there is seldom anyone else there when I go. Maybe because when you walk along the beach, behind you are rocks and fields, no arcades or shops. Whatever it is, I love it and hope it never changes.

So here is the view from the finish line, looking over Black Rock Sands.
I must admit to feeling a bit emotional at this point. It was yet another challenge that I had set myself that I didn't really think I could do, and yet again, I had proved myself wrong and achieved it! It's not always been easy, in fact sometimes has been extremely difficult, but most of the time I have loved all the hiking and to actually have finished 2 months ahead of target is just amazing. I am amazing!

So trumpet blowing aside for a moment, there was more that had to be done today.

I have mentioned before that I am a huge fan of The Plastic Project run by the amazing Tim Nunn. Plastic is an unimaginable threat to our oceans and this affects everyone. Not just those who use our beaches and seas, but also those who ever eat anything from the sea as the amount of plastic in our food chain is frightening. Do please have a look at the information on the website, but a quick summary of what we can all do is:

Reduce your use of plastic: refill your own water bottle, don't put your bananas from Tesco in a bag, they have their own wrapper already! Just for a start!

Recycle: Wherever possible

Pick it up: I am a fan of the 2 minute beach clean and this is what I collected in just a few minutes at Criccieth

I bought a pair of bbq tongs from poundland and use those. Might want to clear it, but certainly don't want to touch it! 

Avoid micro beads in cosmetics: Banned in the US already, but still available here. 

Tell everyone else: We can't do this alone and there are a large proportion of people not even aware this problem exists. Apparently, if nothing is done, by 2020 there will be more plastic in the oceans than fish!


Today was really about the hiking, rather than the photography, so not many snaps today. 

So after the hike and the beach clean, I had built up quite an appetite and could murder a bit of cake. But then I thought that I can't go back into Cadwaladers and have more cake. Then I thought, I have just walked 1000 miles, I can do whatever the heck I want! So I did!

Lessons Learned: Anything is possible. Lesson learned from a good friend (thank you Gordon), instead of aiming for something intangible (wanting to walk more), decide on a target (1000 miles) then build yourself a strategy of exactly how you are going to achieve that (20 miles a week, 50 weeks). Simples!

When doing a beach clean and you pick up a full bottle to put in your bag, don't always assume it's full of water because when you go to empty it, sometimes you find that it isn't! I am very ashamed to admit that that bottle got flung across the beach accompanied by a shriek. People can be revolting!

Diet Diary: It's been a really good day, let's not spoil it.

Rambling Record: Did I mention that I have done 1000 miles this year!!!!!!!!!!!!

Uncharted Territory

Regular readers may remember that earlier in the year I made a very sad discovery when trying a new walk and this had put me off finding unfamiliar places to hike.

However, I decided that I can't let it stop me exploring, so armed with my trusty "Walks Around Betws-y-Coed" guidebook, I set out.

The walk I chose was a 6 mile easy/moderate circular hike leading through forestry and up to a secluded lake called Llyn Elsi. Two points need to be made here. Firstly Easy/moderate were their words and certainly not mine. Secondly, how could anyone not want to visit a lake called Elsi!

So started off in Betws. First major setback of the day. Cadwaladers is closed for refurbishment! Had to find an alternative catering establishment. Luckily, there are plenty there!

The walk starts off climbing a hill behind the church and up to a forest. The path then zig zags very steeply through the forest until you eventually come to the lake.

I must admit that having conquered Snowdon the previous week, I was feeling very confident in my fitness. But this long steep path nearly did for me! I was more puffed in places than at any time during my mountain hike and had to stop a few times just to stop wheezing!

However, as usually happens, it was well worth the climb. To find this beautiful secluded lake with not a sound in the air apart from an occasional bird, was wonderful.

Llyn Elsi was actually designated a reservoir in 1914 and there is a monument commemorating that event with one of the most wonderfully placed benches for admiring the view.

Further around the lake is the Dam. Not the most elegant I have seen, but quite imposing in its own way.

The weather wasn't brilliant for taking photos. It was dry which was the main thing, but really quite dull. There were some gorgeous autumn colours out there, but I just couldn't get it to work in the photos. Trying to bump it up in Lightroom just made it all look very false, so I decided to leave it alone. Some things you just have to.

Anyway, according to the map and directions the plan was to walk around the lake then carry on through forest and farmland to complete the full 6 miles. Simples!

However. I am not sure whether the instructions weren't clear enough, or I just have a mental blockage when it comes to directions, but I lost the path. Again. Ended up wading through some very swampy ground. There seemed to be junctions where I wasn't expecting them and no paths where I was. I think I maybe need my own team of Sherpas when I go out.

I worked on the basic assumption that I had climbed a long way up to get to the lake, so as long as I headed downwards, I shouldn't go to far wrong. I did actually see some wonderful scenery on this mystery tour and apologies to all those farmers upon whose land I may inadvertently have trespassed!

Got down eventually as I always knew I would, but unfortunately my knee really started hurting again and I guess I am going to have to get it checked, and soon, before it becomes a real problem.

A fabulous day and an interesting hike, finished beautifully by the sun breaking through the clouds on the way home.

It hasn't put me off trying new walks, in fact, I really enjoyed the uncertainty of not knowing what I was going to see around every corner. The strange thing is that when I looked back at the map, I managed to cut a whole chunk out, but still did the same amount of miles. Bizarre!

I haven't tried anything new for a while so maybe this will encourage me to get my act together again!

Lessons Learned: I have absolutely no sense of direction, and as I may have mentioned previously, the Navigationally Challenged is there for a reason. However, it does open me up to the excitement of not knowing where the heck I am or where I am going!

I need to carry wellies with me at all times for the inevitable unexpected swamp!

Diet Diary: Struggled. Back on track now. Almost back down to the weight I was when returning from holiday. Then just got to lose the 6lb I put on when actually on holiday! It's so hard!!

Rambling Record: Can't quite believe it, but 967 miles so far! Should get the 1000 finished in the next couple of weeks. Unbelievable!

The Return of the Mountain Goat

Monday dawned bright and clear, the school run was sorted and the only question I had to answer was where should I go on such a lovely day.
I let Maisie decide on Coast or Mountain on the way to dropping her off at school and she chose mountain. I did feel a bit guilty about her helping me plan my epic day out on the way to spending the day at school, but I soon got over it! OK, who just said "Bad Mother"!?
So the choice was train to the top of Snowdon or walk part way up, wasn't confident I could get all the way to the top. I expected that the train would be full, it being such a gorgeous day, so Miner's track it was.

I paid my £5 parking for 4 hours and set off. I made the decision not to take photos on the way up. I have taken so many already on this stretch and I really wanted to enjoy the views, the walk and the weather. It is too easy to see all the grandeur around you through a lens and you can miss the sheer scale and beauty of your surroundings.

Before I knew it, and reasonably easily, I was at Glaslyn and it looked beautiful in the sunshine.

And there, displaying itself magnificently against the perfection of a deep blue sky untroubled by clouds, was the summit. And I thought "I can do that!"

My only previous conquering of Snowdon was about 18 months ago. The top half was in snow and fog, so I didn't have any views at all.

It has to be said that I am not an elegant climber. There was a lot of scrambling with arms and legs akimbo, a lot of red faced puffing and a not inconsiderable amount of time with my rear end being thrust heavenward. Pretty it wasn't!

Finally I got to the intersection of the Miner's and the Llanberis paths, only to see the approach of the train. I will admit to a fleeting feeling of smugness and superiority knowing that I had got up there under my own steam, but this was swiftly dealt with when I remembered that if it hadn't been full, that would have been me on that train!

Turning away from the train, I saw my destination. Still a long way off, but almost within touching distance. To look down and see the lakes I had walked around so far below was incredible. I can't begin to describe how breathtaking the views are from up there. No photo will ever do it justice. If you ever get the chance, go there, however you do it.

Last time, I didn't get to see these views because of the fog and it was amazing just how much sea can be seen. It hadn't really registered just how close we were to the water, on most sides.

I must at this point say that the facilities at the top are fabulous. There is a very posh cafe where you can top up the food and drink levels, plus the ever present gift shop! And joy of joys, posh flushable loos. These things are important to us ladies of a certain age!

Downside of it being a glorious day, it was packed. 2 different trains arrived within a few minutes of each other and the very pinnacle with the plaque had queues! Managed to get up eventually and it is a very special thought that me and the unknown woman who was standing beside me were the highest people in England and Wales at that time. 

Spent a very enjoyable half hour just taking in the views and preparing for the descent.

As I started on my way, the train passed me again and as I looked over the top of it, saw Anglesey across the Menai Strait, and there was Llandwyn, my very favourite place. I have always seen Snowdon from there, and it was just amazing to see it from Snowdon. It's wonderful when some things come together and just seem right.

Now the only decision was which way to go down. I have fancied having a go at the Pyg track as it is supposed to be quite challenging, so I thought it would be an idea to experience it going down, rather than up. Big Mistake!

The Miner's track has a swift, steep descent, then levels out but the Pyg was up and down all the way back. About 1/4 of the way back I felt my knees start to twinge. After about another 200 yds it turned from twinge to painful, swiftly followed by excrutiating. It was like someone had put a blade through my kneecaps and was turning it with every step. I won't dwell on this apart from to say that it took 3 hrs to go up and 3 1/2hrs to come down, much of it fighting back tears and yelps! I have never in all my life been so pleased to see my car, especially as I was 3 hours over my paid for parking and yet I hadn't been given a ticket!

As I drove home, my thoughts were that I would never be able to do that again. I have to accept my limitations and realise that the only part of my body that thinks it is still 35 is the section of my brain that deals with denial! But then I thought that even if that were the case and my mountaineering days were over, 2 years ago it never occurred to me that they would even have started! And certainly not that I would be taking selfies at the same time!

To celebrate the last climb to the top, I dyed my hair pink. Now I just have to decide what to do this time. Suggestions welcome!

Lessons Learned: Its not a new lesson this time, but the reaffirmation of something I have learned previously but had begun to doubt. I am Amazing! I have an constant ongoing battle with the wimp in me that doesn't think I can do stuff, but luckily, new Pink Haired Shaz, adventurer, explorer and all round crazy person keeps winning through! (and btw only me and one other person is allowed to call me Shaz, so please don't try it as I tend to snarl!)

Memory of pain fades quickly and I have since found myself planning how I am going to climb it next time. Currently going for Miner's up and train down!

Diet Diary: I can climb mountains and battle against overwhelming pain, but can't resist cake. Diet is not going well

Rambling Record: Currently standing at 913 miles this year. Can't quite believe it. Aim is to have the 1000 done by the end of October. Watch this space!

Reflection

When I started writing the blog, I made the decision that it had to be warts and all. No glossing over the mishaps I have had so that you could all share in all the highs and lows and know that I am just a very average person trying to do something a bit different.

I have done some really daft stuff, but also had some completely awesome moments and I hope the daft and the awesome will both continue for a while yet.

(Talking of awesome, favourite place in the World, Llandwyn Island, Anglesey.)

But the change is fragile. I have spent too much of my life with little self confidence to suddenly become the amazing "out there" person I am trying to be. I have been told that I have inspired people so to let everyone think it's been easy would be unfair. There have been times when I have felt it would be a lot easier to swap the hiking boots for slippers and learn how to knit!

I have had a few knocks to my confidence recently, none major and most individually quite trivial, but together they have had an effect and made me really think about what I am doing and how I am perceived. I have come to 3 major conclusions. (stick with me, I do get more cheerful)

Firstly, I over think things. I care too much about what people think of me and am really quick to take comments to heart. I am however conscious that there is a very fine line between eccentric and ridiculous so I am trying to tread that one very carefully indeed! Secondly, I think it's an age thing! I am looking back and thinking about all the things that I haven't done and wanting to do them before I am too old to, and time is running out! I also want to be told that I am amazing, and not "amazing, considering my age"! I'm not sure if this is a mid-life crisis type of thing. I guess the indication of that would be if you see me disappearing into the sunset in a sexy red sports car with someone young and completely fabulous by my side. (Heavens, I should be so lucky!)

(Recent trip to Surf Snowdonia, trying out my new 70-300 Tamron zoom. Gorgeous piece of kit! btw, that would be me if I ever decided to try to surf, I know my limitations!)

Thirdly, I won't let all the nonsense stop me. I have come so far and there is still so much more "Daft and Dangerous" that needs to be done. I won't try to toughen up, as that would fundamentally change who I am. Inside I am pure marshmallow and despite making me a bit over-sensitive, I love it that way.

(Another from Surf Snowdonia, friend, inspiration and possible passenger candidate!)

So all I can say to anyone who is thinking of doing something daft themselves is Go for It! If it was easy, you would have done it ages ago, but doing it now, when it's harder, makes it so much more rewarding!

Lessons Learned: Got to get my act together and plan some more crazy before all the real old lady stuff kicks in. To quote the ubiquitous fridge magnet "I am still hot, it now just comes in flushes!"

Diet Diary: Still struggling to lose the holiday weight. Lost some, but not all. Will get back into it soon I am sure, but am currently really enjoying cake!

Rambling Record: Currently just over 880 miles so far. The 1000 miles is tantalisingly close and I hope to have it done by the end of October. Who'd have thought!

Back Home Again

Heavens, what a holiday! Just returned from 3 weeks in Florida and have had an absolutely amazing time.

Took the new lens and my new little Sony Cybershot for all those times I didn't want a bulky camera. It came in very useful and generally the quality was ok.

I won't bore you all with hundreds of holiday snaps as that would be the quickest way of ensuring that the blog was never read again! So selected highlights!

Disney's Magic Kingdom

Happiest Place on Earth. Well it is once you get over the $20 car park fee and the exhorbitant price of everything inside, not to mention the exhorbitant price of the tickets in the first place! 

But it is magical and a fabulous experience. So much to see and do and this is the first time I have been since being more serious about my photography so there were less photos of Mickey and more of what was actually going on around.

Animal Kingdom

Favourite photo of the whole holiday. Short walking safari past the hippo enclosure to get to see said hippo having a wallow with the fish nibbling him all over and the heron sitting on his head. Bizarre!

Scariest moments of the holiday (1)
Rock n Roller Coaster, Disney Hollywood Studios. Always been a rollercoaster reluctant. Seen the family come off them buzzing with the thrill and always wanted to feel able to go on them, but never brave enough. But this year, new brave me and all that, decided to go for it. As Beth said, if you can zip down a mountain at 100mph attached only to a piece of wire, you can do a Disney rollercoaster. Can't really argue with that!
So I did it, complete with g-force speeds, loop the loops, pitch darkness and Aerosmith blasting through the speakers! Won't be doing it again.

Scariest moments (2)
I dropped the camera!!! Sitting having pancakes one evening in I-Hop and I knocked if off the seat onto the floor. Cue sickening cracking sound and the sinking of my heart! Someone somewhere above is looking kindly down on me as the lens was intact, but the filter was completely smashed. So at least that was the cheaper thing to replace. Next purchase was a fully padded camera bag.

Clearwater
As an antidote to the madness of the parks, we had a couple of days elsewhere and my favourite was Clearwater. A gorgeous beach resort with the most amazing sunsets over the pier.

Sanding on the pier, watching the sky enflame with real live dolphins frolicking in the water below us. Forget Disney, this was truly magical.

Plus, after all the problems with litter at the beach over the summer, a philosophy for us all to remember:  

Harry Potter
Wow. OMG and Wow again! Spread over Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, Harry Potter world is completely unbelievable.

They have built Howarts, Hogsmeade and now Diagon Alley and Nocturn Alley and they are incredible. The attention to detail is just fabulous and gave the opportunity to try to take some different photos.

The 2 parks are joined by a ride on the Hogwarts Express and if there are any Harry Potter fans reading this, you really need to go here.

So, back now with 880 photos to process, suitcases full of shopping and the most horrendous jetlag to get over. Fun times!

Lessons Learned: Cameras don't bounce.
One suitcase per person on an America trip is simply not enough.

Diet Diary: In my last blog post I said that the diet was going really well but 3 weeks in America would probably change that. Well, it did. Put on 6lbs! Although we had meals out every day, so 2lb a week wasn't too bad. I had set myself a mental limit of a weight i didn't want to go over and I was 1/4lb below it! Phew! Getting acclimatised back this week, then on Monday, diet is full on! Got a full camera bag to lose now.

Rambling Record:
Did a lot of walking while away, so total currently stands at 831 miles. Over 110 miles ahead of target, so if I can get my act together again, hopefully will have this 1000 finished by the end of October!

Decisions

I am the first to admit that I don't really understand all the technical aspects of my camera. Can't properly get to grips with frames, sensors and mirrors but I have felt for a while that I need to upgrade something.
I am not getting really sharp details in my photos and did consider changing the whole camera system, but after getting advice from 3 photographers that I trust (thank you Richard, Stewart and Adrian) decided to just look at changing lenses.

The very fabulous Richard offered to join me on a photowalk around Shrewsbury, similar to the one we had last May, with a view to me trying out a selection of his lenses to see what suited.

We started off with a prime lens, set at 50mm, so no zooming. If I wanted to change the perspective of a shot, I had to actually move my body into position, rather than twiddle the lens! Not sure about that!

Took the photo of the pigeon with a wonderful telephoto lens, but had started to notice that the better the lens, the heavier it was, and although I am pleased with how the photo came out, I struggled to keep the lens still enough to take the shot. Need to build up the arm muscles I think!

It was a wonderful evening, fabulous to be able to walk with someone interesting who shares and understands the passion for photography and I really felt I learned a lot too.

Richard very kindly has let me borrow some of the lenses to have a play with in my own time. I am really not convinced about the prime lens, I do miss the flexibility of the zoom, so this probably isn't for me. 

The telephoto he lent me is fabulous tho, so I can feel another purchase coming on, but perhaps later in the year. 

I have decided to go now for a Sigma 17 - 70mm f2.8-4 which I will be picking up next week, so that I can have a good play with it before my holidays.

I know that the quality of my pictures still depends on me getting the composition, subject and lighting right, but the thought of a shiny new lens has certainly perked up the enthusiasm for photography which had been waning a bit recently. 

Not really got back to grips with the exploring since my sad adventures earlier in the Summer, so hopefully a fabulous holiday and a shiny new lens will be the pick me up I need.


Lessons Learned: Although I love photography and it has changed my life in so many ways, I have to accept that sometimes enthusiasm will wane and that is ok. All you have to do is arrange an evening out with an interesting man and be prepared to spend inordinate amounts of cash of brand new kit! Simples!

Decided subtle is no longer an option.

Diet Diary: Earlier in the year I decided to lose 3 camera bags in weight (10lb each). Currently I have lost 27lb so just 3lb to go! Am feeling very chuffed and can't quite believe the diet is going so well, as it never has before! Although 3 weeks in America is probably going to change that!

Rambling Record: Currently standing at 725 miles so far this year. Well on track and will hopefully complete before the bad winter weather sets in!

Aberystwyth revisited

I can't believe its been a month since I posted. Seems that there has been such a lot going on that I have lost track of time a bit. 

So to catch up, had a couple of quite interesting outings recently. First one started off in Criccieth, as most of these excursions do! And I thought, "wouldn't it be a good idea to follow the Welsh Coastal Path and walk to Pwllheli!"

The right answer is "no it wouldn't". The path starts off fabulous, following the cliff edge along the shore. Then it takes you off through fields to join up with the main road and you are walking pavements with traffic whizzing past. Eventually get back closer to the sea only to find myself walking on the outskirts of the Hafan y Mor caravan park. Somewhere I am quite familiar with, and knowing they have a Starbucks, I am not one to miss out on the opportunity for a quick iced capuccino and a comfort stop!

Along the coastal path, you do get to see some beautiful beaches, many completely deserted, but too much of this part of the path is along main roads.
I found a sign showing Pwllheli 2miles, so the plan was to get there and catch a bus back to Criccieth and the car. After walking for about 30mins, and reaching a sign which also said Pwllheli 2 miles, I decided enough was enough and caught a bus at the first stop I found! However, 15 miles added to the total that day. Not bad at all!

Most recent excursion was a revisit to Aberystwyth. Glorious weather and the Graduation Day at the University, so the town and prom was filled with girls in beautiful summer dresses and the boys in suits. It was really charming and so lovely to see.

Walked the length of the front and climbed up to the cable car again to get the most fabulous view.

Decided to have a go at following the coastal path again and this time it was amazing. Followed about 3 miles and the whole thing was along the cliff edge so the scenery was stunning. It undulated somewhat, so very little was flat, which made for a challenging walk, but I'm a hiker now, I can do challenging! It may be accompanied by a certain amount of wheezing and a dangerously puce face, but I get there!
Apparently you can walk the whole of the Wales Coastline on the path, so maybe that it a challenge for next year.

Talking of Challenges, realised I hadn't done anything daft since the kayaking, so Beth and I had a go at archery!

At Lea Marston Events just outside Sutton Coldfield, and it was amazing! Both of us seemed to have a knack for it and no innocent passers by were injured, which has got to be a bonus.

I have postponed further antics until after our hols, because the last thing I want to do is injure myself before we go away, and we all know the likelihood of that is quite high! But on the list are abseiling, rock climbing and one of those high ropes courses. Going to be fun.

Lessons Learned: There's a bit of a parallel universe thing going on between Criccieth and Pwllheli, otherwise how on earth can you walk for half an hour and still be as far from your destination as when you started!
I now remember why I don't like buses. The one I caught was expensive and about 20mins late!

Diet Diary: Seem to have stuck a bit. Trying really hard but its not shifting. Still lower than I have been in years, but just getting a bit frustrated. Only 4 weeks to the hols, so got to keep at it.

Rambling Record: Currently 660 miles. About 100 miles ahead of schedule and feeling really good!