Yet another mini adventure

Have you ever had one of those days, or let's face it, years where you just can't seem to get your act together! I am having one of those and to quote the old Bing Crosby song "busy doing nothing, working the whole day through, trying to find lots of things not to do" And doing it pretty well it would appear!

So a stern talking to was given to myself and a trip planned. 

First stop Borth. I had been there once before and it appeared to be shut! Although to be honest it had been a very dull day and the tide was in so I couldn't see much beach. In fairness to those friends of mine who sing its praises, I felt I needed to revisit.

I will admit that the beach is gorgeous. Miles of sand and plenty of rock pools to explore, but that is all that can be said for it. The town itself is very shabby and seems to take a very complacent attitude of "we have a fantastic beach, what more do you want".

I am not for a moment suggesting they bring in arcades and Starbucks, but would a bit of a tidy up and a lick of paint hurt?! I am sure many people will disagree with me, but that is how I found it so I am sure others will too!

Although I did find the most gorgeous tea rooms, beautifully decorated with fabulous sofas to lounge on. And the fact that I forgot where I parked the car and spent a not insignificant amount of time wandering the streets looking for it in no way affected my judgement!

It would be ungenerous of me to say that the best way to see Borth is from a distance, so I won't!

On to the main ingredient in this cornucopia of delights that is my trip. Aberystwyth! Do you have places where you feel you belong and so you return to time and time again and each time feel more comfortable there. This is one place, along with Criccieth and Llandwyn. Don't know why or what it is about these places, but there is something there.

I arrived Monday late afternoon to unseasonal temperatures and glorious blue skies.

It was like a glorious summer's day, the sun was shining and the skies were blue and the beaches were full of happy people playing, paddling and later on having picnics. It was quite simply fabulous. 

However, the best part was the evening. A really good friend had told me that Starlings roost in the pier and they can be seen flying around at dusk. So later found me sitting on the prom by the pier, eating chips out of a bag, watching the birds perform their beautiful and natural dance in front of the setting sun, reflected in the calm sea.

It was such a perfect moment and I will admit to getting a little emotional! A mini break doesn't get much better than this! 

The next day dawned dull and a lot chillier, but fine for another explore.

Whilst the sky was mostly completely flat and uninteresting, it did throw up a couple of images to play with when it covered the sun. I am very into black and white photos at the moment, enjoying the completely different approach to light and texture that you have to use.

However, I still am one for the neglected and derelict image and this is one of my favourites.

Do love a bit of rust!

So final stop of the day, Aberdyfi. Another gorgeous beach to stroll along, but the town is bright and cheerful and a joy to wander through. However, a very stormy sky approached and I knew the time was limited!

OK, so I may have tweaked the clouds just a tad in Lightroom to bring out the drama, but we're all about being creative here, so a bit of artistic licence is allowed!

And talking of tweaking, OK maybe not tweaking, more full blown fartnarkling, but this is one of my favourite images from the day.

I am trying to get a bit more adventurous in my editing. I see so many really creative shots, but have been scared to take that next step.

Bearing in mind that I have taken steps and crossed lines quite a bit recently in my life, it seems daft that I am scared of a little bit of editing. No more! Look out for some wild and extreme photography from some more wild and extreme places!

Lessons Learned: How easy is it to slip back into a safe and unchallenging way of life. Very! But no more. The extreme and adventurous me has just broken out of hibernation. I have got daft things to do and many lines to cross! So watch this space and I will let you know where to send the bail money!

Diet Diary: Hah! No.

Rambling Record: Made a decision not to do the 1000 miles this year. With work, weather and other commitments I haven't been able to get out too much so far this year so my little behind has got an awful lot bigger! So am still going to hike as much as I can, but because I love it and not because I have to clock up some numbers!

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)).

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!

Week 3, seasides, sunshine and surf

Someone somewhere is smiling down on me. I have had 2 fabulous days out this week and the weather has been just perfect for both.
Wednesday found me with the opportunity to have a long day out so for a change I headed to Aberystwyth. I have only been there once, last July but didn't get the opportunity to really explore.
The day started off extremely cold, misty and frosty which made the journey incredibly beautiful. Just had to stop for this shot, the trees looked gorgeous but I just loved the little lone tree in the field behind. I have just softened the image a little in Lightroom and am very pleased with it.

By the time I got to Aberystwyth, the mist had cleared, leaving a beautiful blue sky and a wonderfully bright sun which lit up the colours of the houses.

I parked the furthest end of the promenade, by the harbour and walked the length of the sea front, then climbed to the top of the cliff shown in the following picture. Only had to stop to restart the breathing a couple of times. Definitely getting better. However, the views were worth it and the little white blob you can see on the horizon over the sea is actually Snowdon. Quite incredible!

So this was a completely fabulous day and what did I happen upon to make it just perfect? That's right. Surfers!

Because the day was bright, I was able to use a very short exposure to capture the moment. I tried manually focussing but I really wasn't quick enough. When I tried autofocus, it seemed to work most of the time. The trick is trying to predict which way they are going to head and I am definitely getting better at recognising the signs and enjoying the moment when the right wave forms.

This one I like because you can see the channel of water just carved out by the board. I shared the photos with the lad who was surfing (James) and one I took of his friend was posted on the Aber Surf Club F/B page! My fame is spreading.

I don't really know why surfing fascinates me. (Leaving aside the whole fit young men in skin tight outfits etc). It's not something I ever want to try but maybe its the feeling that I am watching the closest we would ever get to flying, the whole working together with the elements. I'm not sure, and if I ever come up with something that makes sense, I'll let you know.

And just to finish the day off perfectly, sunset! Don't know who the man is, but he stopped at exactly the right time and place!

2nd fabulous day out this week was to Llandudno, but I've wittered on too much about Aberystwyth to bore you with many details apart from to say that I had my climbing head on again and got up to the Great Orme Hill Fort and this is the view from it!

Lessons learned: I have learned this way, way, way too late, but photographing surfers is a very good way to meet handsome young men. Darn!

Diet Diary: Doing well, 7lb down! Combining the diet with the walking does seem to be doing the trick. Lets hope it continues for at least another few pounds!

Rambling Record: My target is to walk 20miles a week. At the end of week 3, with a target of 60miles, I have walked 74! Yay me!

Mini Adventure Part 2. Aberdyfi and Borth

Working my way along the coast and have found a walk from Aberdyfi on my Snowdonia App called the Gwelfor Walk, promising great views and a secluded bay. However, although it was still very warm, I could see storm clouds approaching over the sea and so decided not to venture too far.
Aberdyfi, or Aberdovey, they seem to spell it both ways, is completely gorgeous. The beach is very wide and sandy and the sea sheltered and so calm.

So off came the shoes and some intensive paddling was done. I had actually ventured out in shorts in the morning so the flash of white seen in the distance wasn't lightning, just my legs seeing the sun for the first time!
The beach was a little strange, the sand very uneven. Not sure at all what caused it, but it made it look very interesting.

I walked for quite a way but could see storm clouds rolling in from the sea. It was very dramatic, but unfortunately none of the pics came out. Decided it might be prudent to head back to the car. Didn't quite make it and got a bit wet, but not too bad.

So decided to head to Borth and my hotel room. I had booked the last remaining room in the premises and it was the family room, so I had 4 beds to choose from, a double, a single and bunks! The room was incredible. There were boxes of toys, full book cases and a crate of teddies in case I needed something to hug during the night!

Mine was the yellow one.

This unfortunately was the highlight of Borth. It is a surfing hotspot and I'm not really sure what I was expecting, but it wasn't what I found. I think I envisaged something like Abersoch which is very pretty and has a chic lively feel about it. Borth on the other hand felt shut! 

To be fair to it, the weather was horrible and the tide was right in so I didn't see it at its best, but I can't see it being much better in the sunshine.

However, determined to make the best of it, I decided to walk the beach and just give it the benefit of the doubt. There were a few light showers but they were manageable until I got as far as I could and decided to turn back. Then the heavens opened and I got completely drenched. The water was literally running down my legs and I zigzagged all the way back between shop awnings and bus stops! It was only when I was about 50yds from the hotel that I remembered I had a brolly in my camera bag!

Needless to say that I didn't take any photos at the time but took this the following the morning. Seen at its best from a distance!

There was no way I was going to be spending the evening in Borth so headed to Aberystwyth which is fabulous! Headed to the sea front. The waves were wild and the sun was breaking through the clouds doing some very beautiful things.

Aberystwyth is a very beautiful place. I think because it is a University town it has a certain artistic chic feel to it. They really seem to have made an effort to make it appealing. At one end is a small harbour with many yachts moored and a fabulous array of what I think are lobster pots.

This is the sea front and I just love the colours of the buildings. The evening was getting quite dark by this point so I have had to edit a bit, but this is what it looked like.

The pier took a bit of a hammering during the storms earlier in the year and you can't go too far on it. It does unfortunately look a little sorry for itself! Thought the black and white looked more dramatic.

When you get a place that has so much character it is easy to find loads of things to photograph. I'm not saying they are all good photos but I find them very interesting. I loved the shabby bench within an alcove in the wall. There were a series of them picking out different aspects of the city.

The following pic shows stairs leading from the prom area down to the beach, but because the tide was in so far they only led to the sea and the sea was wild!

The rain held off all evening and just when I didn't think the evening could get any better, I spotted surfers! 4 brave souls in the water

They were very good and it was a challenge trying to photograph them. Had to have the speed as fast as possible but because it was dusky, had to have the ISO up high and keep the aperture open, but didn't want to risk losing too much depth of field. So if you look really closely, they are a bit grainy, but why would you want to do that!

I was very interested to see how one chap surfed in flippers, but according to an expert (thanks Stewart) he was body boarding, which if I understood correctly, is surfing for beginners!

So all in all a pretty good day. Walked over 10 miles and finished up with chips on the sea front!

Lessons Learned: Things will always get better. If you don't like the situation you find yourself in, move!

Chips taste so much better from a chippy and to eat them at the seaside is perfection.

Diet Diary: Ok I realise that I have just admitted to eating chips, but I did hike a lot during the day and a girls got to eat!