Pontcysyllte aqueduct and Chirk Castle

I had hoped that as I get out more that my enthusiasm would be boundless, but I must confess to almost having a bit of a lapse yesterday.

I had the day planned, aqueduct then Chirk Castle. Got to the former and was sitting in the car listening to the radio, Josh Groban singing February Song live and I had to wait until it had finished. It had got a bit chilly outside, but the car was warm and comfy, the music great and I had a flow of laziness wash over me. I had planned to walk the aqueduct as the gardens at Chirk don't open until 10am, so it was sort of killing time, and the thought did cross my mind that I could kill time just as well at home with my feet up and a nice cup of coffee and a biscuit!

Not sure what finally convinced me to get up off my seat, whether it was the thought that I have 2 camera bags in weight to lose, or that I knew I'd regret it if I didn't, but with a burst, I got out of the car and walked to the aqueduct. So glad I did, as I always enjoy the walks.

I am getting used to the height now and actually enjoy the walk. I have visited many times and the challenge today was to try to make the pictures look a bit different to all the others.

Took this with the telephoto, leaning against the railings to steady the camera. Bit of cropping but not too much processing.

This one however, I have processed with vigour! Cropped, straightened, tinted, aged and generally enhanced and am really pleased with it. What do you all think? Could I have gone further or is it too much.

So off to Chirk Castle. I decided as it was a lovely bright day, if a little breezy, that I would concentrate on the grounds rather than the castle itself and there are some hidden gems.

This gate led from one part of the gardens into deep woodlands and it gave me the impression that things would be completely different the other side. Unfortunately it was locked, so I will never know.

On my travels I have found some benches in the most gorgeous settings. I think I will have to start a Facebook page of Benches in Interesting or Beautiful Places. This might be my cover pic.

I have an opinion to share and I am not sure how many will agree, but I detest topiary with a passion. There is a gorgeous form and beauty in nature, so why would you want to make it square.

There was what looked like a random planting of daffodils in front of those hideous boxes and I know which I would rather look at.

There are many parts to the gardens at Chirk, with many secluded walled gardens which were sheltered and delightful where I found these.

I know its all very chocolate box and probably not "art" but I thought they were really pretty.

I did have a quick walk around the Castle and the state rooms are gorgeous of course, but that's not really where my interests lie at the moment. Although I did notice a lamp and the gorgeous patterns it threw out.

Lessons Learned: Sometimes I need to give myself a stern talking to so that I get up off my bottom and don't slip back into old ways. I realise now that it could happen all too easily. But I also have to accept that there are some times when I really won't feel like it and so mustn't beat myself up too much! Its all about getting the right balance.

When exploring, get off the beaten track and explore all the nooks and crannies, and don't forget to look up!

Avoid listening to Josh Groban.

Diet Update: I am thinking that if I have to post how the diet is going, it might help me stick to it better, so this will be a regular bit at the end of a post.

My camera bag weighs 10lb and I reckon I have 2 to lose, so this is my progress.

Camera Bag 1 (10lb) 4.5lb down, 5.5lb to go.
Camera Bag 2 (10lb) Not started.

Wish me luck!

Precipice Walk and Harlech

Managed to gain back control of the camera and the blog. I think Beth got a liking for both and I love what she wrote so I am sure I will be persuading her to do another guest spot over the Summer!

Had another opportunity for a day out today so decided to revisit the Precipice Walk near Dolgellau.

For those who have read my earlier posts, you will remember that I got completely lost finding the start of this walk when in fact it is totally straightforward. So with new confidence I set out. So confident in fact that when a couple of hikers asked for directions to the start, I was able to give them. Poor things are probably still wandering around the Precipice with mutterings of "now which way did she say?"

The walk starts off following the lake, as before, but there is a lot more lake than there was last time so I guess it is a seasonal thing. 

Most of the walk is quite gentle, with no really serious inclines, but the paths are incredibly uneven so no good for someone not too steady on their feet. I just about managed, even with my serious lack of balance!

Once you get past the lake and start to climb, the views just open up and it is incredible. Today I had the most amazing clouds literally rolling over the mountains and you can see for miles.

I had packed my ND lenses today and was going to play around with long exposures, but was so entranced by the walk and the scenery, I completely forgot to get them out. Call myself a serious photographer!?

You turn the first corner and there is the Mawddach Estuary in front of you. The photos will never do justice to the scenery, so all I can do is recommend you try this walk if you are in the area. Apparently there is a 9 mile walk following the estuary, but it is one way and I always wonder where you park and if you have to walk the 9 miles back to get to the car again. Anyone know?

And isn't this the best place in the World for a bench!

Last time I did this walk I came across a sign pointing to the Glasdir Copper Mine. I am liking derelict industrial buildings at the moment so thought this time I would go find it. Copper Mine, got to at least be a big hole in the ground with abandoned buildings, surely. Well if it was, I couldn't find it. Walked for about 2 miles through forestry land, mostly steeply downhill, until I came to a closed farm gate. After Anglesey I am a little wary of farmers, so decided to relinquish my search. Will have to google it later to see what it actually is. The climb back up was no fun at all, making me realise yet again that I am nowhere near fit enough for Snowdon.

Because it was cloudy all day, the colours in almost all photographs have needed a little tweaking, but don't think they have come out too bad. Kept the camera on around f11 most of the time to hopefully get a good depth of field and found I was doing a lot of "point and click" which was quite nice for a change.

So back to the car for a quick snack of black coffee and a banana. Diet started today so no Cadwaladers! Decided I want to start by losing 10lb which is the weight of my backpack. For those interested, I will do a very brief progress report each post.

Felt the need for a beach, so as I was revisiting places today, I decided to head back to the beach near Harlech. Took a lovely sunset photo there last time so not been there in proper daylight.

Its a beautiful beach, almost divided in two. You walk from the car park and on the right there are stones and huge rocks, on the left there is a gorgeous sandy beach. Investigated the rocks first with a view of doing a 2 minute beach clean. Harlech is actually a very clean beach which is probably just as well as I had forgotten to take a bag and had to put everything I found into my hat!

Found this incredible piece of beach art.

I walked up to the sandy beach and did what I have been wanting to do for absolutely ages. Took my wellies off, rolled my trousers up and paddled barefoot! And I wasn't the only one.

So happy, weary (17,589 steps) and every so slightly hungry made my way home.

Lessons Learned: Got to do my research first before going off exploring.

Its still too darn cold to paddle, feet went a lovely bluish tinge!

Black coffee and a banana doesn't fill you up like a Cadwaladers snack does.

Beth Take Over

Hi everyone! So this one is going to be a little bit different as I'm afraid I've hijacked mum's blog for this entry. My name's Beth and I'm Sharon's eldest, some may even say best, daughter and wanted to see what all the fuss was about with this photography malarkey. So Bank Holiday Monday mum decided to take us all out on one of her crazy adventures to Llangollen, but this time I commandeered the camera. And I'm afraid that this entry will contain no Cadwaladers or men clad in lycra, please don't be too disappointed in me mum!

I'm not even going to pretend like I knew what I was doing, preferring the method of simply point and click, and somehow a few pictures actually turned out ok! Mum's done some magic with lightroom to enhance and optimize, but I think the raw material actually was not too bad.

I really enjoyed the whole experience, it really makes you take in your surroundings and actually look at things. Not just glance over whilst you're thinking about how good the pizza you're having for tea will be, but actually see things. Suddenly it felt like my life depended on getting a good picture, and I spent about half an hour trying to get a very stubborn, yet pretty fish to move itself into plain view. Needless to say that didn't work!

The day was beautiful which really helped as everywhere you looked it was such a pleasure to capture.

The Mushy Bit

I know there's always a highly in demand 'lessons learned' section (Don't worry, I'm getting to it!) but before that I just wanted to let you all know the amazing transformation I've seen in my mum. I've never seen her this brave, and full of life, and I really couldn't be more proud of everything she's achieved since taking up photography. I'm trying not to take it personally as it seems that as soon as I leave for university she's a changed woman, and it's only now she's realised that there's more to life than garden centers and shopping after 20 years dragging me round them ;) Love you mum, and we all can't wait to see how far you can take this!

Lessons Learned

-That age should never restrict you in trying something new

-That walking can be fun, who knew!

-That my sister takes a truly beautiful photo, if anyone is need of a model, don't hesitate to get in touch :-)

Chepstow Castle

On a recent visit to my daughter at Uni in Gloucester, we decided to have a day out visiting somewhere a bit different. I have been doing a lot of landscape photography recently so thought for a change we would try buildings, so we headed for Chepstow Castle.

Apparently the new unofficial motto for Chepstow Castle is "It's bigger than it looks from the car park" and this is certainly true. There is a definite tardis element about it. Although having said that, it is still pretty impressive from the car park.

This post is picture heavy because I am really pleased with the photos and to be honest, we walked around the Castle with nothing exciting, funny or newsworthy happening!

It was a very dull and overcast day with occasional rain but that seemed to add to the atmosphere. The wetness of the grass and stones enlivened the colour and the dark dramatic skies worked so well with that.

There really is a lot of castle still standing, with some gorgeous detail still visible on archways and walls. You can get a lot of the way around the walls and up into many towers and it is a truly fascinating place.

I believe that this door survives from the 1100's. Can't see too much being built these days that is going to survive for 900 years.

The view from the high towers is again quite amazing and you could almost picture the guards looking out for those marauding English! At least they welcome the English now, for a small fee of course!

Most of the pictures have had very little Lightroom treatment. Maybe just a bit of tweaking to bring out a bit of definition in contrasts and colours but generally they are as I saw. 

Amazing place. Would definitely recommend a visit.

Lessons Learned: I have to accept that something funny isn't going to happen every time I go out. I didn't get lost, fall over, get shouted at or trespass anywhere. Guess I am starting to get better at this exploring lark!

Criccieth, Morfa Nefyn and Llyn Ogwen

So now that I have a willing, if occasional, companion on my walks, I decide to share with Carl some of my favourite places. 

So we headed off to start our day. Morfa Nefyn. Carl had played golf at the club there way, way in the past and could remember there being a pub on the beach. Funny what sticks in the memory!

The day was beautifully bright and sunny so I took a chance and left the tripod in the car. I can't actually believe how glorious the weather was. The sky was pure blue and the sea a proper mediterranean sea colour.

You can follow the beach for a long way and most of it was reasonably empty, bearing in mind that it was sunny and in the holidays. All except for the tiny bit of beach around the pub which was packed. Funny that! Think of the pictures of the beach that usually accompany The Sun's "Its a Scorcher" headlines and you'd be heading in the right direction.

However, we still managed to find some pretty beautiful tranquility a bit further around. We followed the path which climbed up the cliffs to the golf course. However, there were people playing so we thought it prudent not to be in the line of fire! Although after watching a couple of people play, the safest place on the course was probably by the pin! Tho I shouldn't mock as it was never anything I was any good at, but with this new found determination, maybe I should have another go!

After Nefyn we decided to head for the mountains. Tryfan to be specific and to see the waterfall near Cwm Idwal. Quite a lot of people around again. I really do think I am going to struggle through the summer when everyone else is out and about too. 

I love this waterfall. If any of you remember my icicle picture, that was taken of the tree sticking out the middle during the winter.

I have been here many times now but never managed to get all the way around the lake. Didn't on this trip either, but got further than I had before, all the way to Devil's Kitchen. Quite impressive. Then the sun dropped below one of the peaks and lit the sides in the most beautiful way.

It was starting to get a bit darker in the shade and I didn't have my tripod, so I upped the ISO a bit but I have realised that although it may be a bit cumbersome, I really should have the tripod with me at all times. I would have liked to have a long exposure attempt on the water, maybe next time when I do finally get all the way round!

So home via Llangollen for a gorgeous curry at The Simla. Its been a long, eventful and completely fabulous day!

Lessons Learned: I must try not to get territorial as just because I have been the only person in many of these places at times, it doesn't make them mine!

Moel Famau and The Loggerheads

It's a beautiful day so I manage to persuade my husband Carl to come on one of my hikes with me. He seemed willing enough (he'll learn!) so we head out. Nice gentle stroll through the Loggerheads Country Park, near Mold.

At least that was the idea until we could barely get into the car park, never mind park. Tourist Season! So change of plan. Just along the road we had seen the sign for Moel Famau and although my previous experience with it hadn't been overly pleasant (see earlier blog post) we decided to go for it.

We start our ascent until we come to a fork in the path. To the left is a gradually sloping tarmac'd path. To the right, a steep gravelly track so no prizes for guessing which way he wanted to go! Still, the weather was gorgeous with a light cooling wind so I thought it wouldn't be too bad. It was steep but manageable with a few strategic pauses. 

However when we later came to another fork with a sign pointing to the left saying "slightly longer but more pleasant route" as opposed to the near vertical climb straight on, there was nearly a mutiny. I was eventually persuaded by the insistence that it was good training for Snowdon and "wouldn't I feel a huge sense of achievement that I had done the ascent the hard way!"

He was right on both counts of course, but it didn't make me like him any more at the time!

But eventually we got to the Jubilee Tower at the top and the views were incredible. 

The top was very busy of course, it being a beautiful day in the Easter Holidays. However, what amazed me was the number of pushchairs. I could barely push myself to the top, never mind a pram complete with infant. Takes a brave soul to attempt that!

I had decided not to take my camera bag with spare lenses, gadgets and tripod as the day was very bright and I thought I would be ok and its amazing how much difference not having a 10lb bag strapped to my back made with the hike. Made me realise that if I can lose this bit of excess weight I have, it will be even easier. I think the only way I can do that is never to go anywhere with a Cadwaladers!

So with a "huge sense of achievement that I had done the ascent the hard way" we headed down. Much easier of course.

When we finally got to the bottom, we decided to have another go at the Loggerheads and luckily were able to park this time. So after a refreshing iced coffee (and no cake) we set off again for another hike. This time a 4m round trip to the Devil's Gorge which wasn't overly impressive at Gorge's go, but a lovely walk all the same.

Not overly inspired by the photographs today as it was mainly forest walks and flat vistas, but they are ok. Can't be art every trip! Still, a total of over 14,500 steps and 6 1/2 miles today. Can't be bad!

Lessons Learned: Its annoying to have to, but every now and then you have to listen to your husband as very occasionally, he is actually right!

New Places

With this new found sense of adventure, I decided to go somewhere new today, even if there wasn't a Cadwaladers there!

I had seen a few pics on Facebook of places that intrigued me. The first was the abandoned ship near Flint.

It was originally going to be a retail and leisure centre called the Funship and the story of this can be found on this website http://www.dukeoflancaster.net/

The picture below is from that site and shows what the ship used to look like. It is very sad.

You can't get very close to the ship, but the North Wales Coastal Path takes you past it so you can see a great deal.

The graffitti covering it is quite incredible, but I am not sure the story behind that. One rumour is that it is an art project for local students. I don't know if that is true, but what a fabulous canvas to work on if it is.

Shot the pics handheld and just bumped the colours and clarity a bit on Lightroom. I have found that now I am shooting in RAW, the pics come out quite a bit lighter so almost all need adjusting. Not sure if that is the process, or just me!

Next stop, Talacre. The pictures of the lighthouse that I had seen looked beautiful and I am quite into lighthouses at the moment. I believe it is no longer operational, and is in a bit of a state, but somehow that adds to the attraction. 

The beach is vast and you can (and I did) walk for miles on the sands. 

The beach is beautiful with sand dunes all down the side. There are thousands of beautiful shells too, and I only picked up a few. Honest!

By the time I had walked back along the beach, the tide had gone right out and you could walk all the way around the Lighthouse and even climb the steps up to the door, which unfortunately is barricaded.

Final stop of the day, Aber Falls. This is just by the unpronounceable town Abergwyngreyn which is just up from Conwy. Had got as far as the car park a few months ago, but today I was going to get to the falls. Its not too bad a walk, a bit steep to start, but easily manageable. Fitness is definitely improving! 

Sadly I seem to have lost all my photos from Aber Falls, sorry

The walk to the falls is just under 2 miles on a pretty good path and you can hear the falls long before you see them.

I had been told there was another waterfall over the bridge, through the gate, past the sheep and a bit further on which I found. Not quite as impressive as the first, but lovely nonetheless. On the way back, the people before me had left the gate open and 2 of the sheep had made a bid for freedom. I closed the gate, but then thought, how will the sheep get back. This side of the gate was a bit near the waterfall and I had a vision of kamikaze sheep! So I reopened the gate and stood back. One of the sheep seemed to understand what was going on and trotted back through it but its fellow escapee had other ideas and ran off. So there was I trying to round the sheep up and get it through the gate while making sure more sheep didn't come through. After a few minutes of pleading and arm waving I had to admit defeat and closed the gate hoping that the sheep would have the sense to stay away from the edge. Not sure what the countryside code says about those situations! So slightly troubled at leaving it I walked back to the car, but as luck would have it, passed a farmer in his tractor with 2 dogs herding sheep towards the field, so hopefully the sheep will be reunited with its flock.

So a long and eventful day. Over 17500 steps and 7.75 miles! 

Lessons Learned: If I am going to take a picture of a beautiful lighthouse reflection, don't walk through the water first and then have to wait 5 mins for the ripples to stop!

Leave the sheep herding to One Man and His Dog!