Shrewsbury - The Dana Prison

Just for a change from all the mountains, oceans and forests, I decided to visit a prison. In Shrewsbury we have the Dana Prison, first built in 1791 and closed in 2013 and has got to be one of the most interesting and unnerving places I have ever visited.

We had a guided tour first with a retired guard who was incredibly informative and very entertaining and I was then left to my own devices to wander at will.

We followed the path a new prisoner would take, from being "welcomed" to the prison all the way through accommodation, healthcare, exercise, regulations, punishments and finally leaving the prison, whether on foot, or otherwise, or in some cases, not at all!

Going in February, the prison was extremely cold and there is a real damp/mould problem going on, I can't imagine how much it would cost to put all that right. But this does all add to the most extraordinary atmosphere.

At the end of the prison's working life, 2 men were housed in each cell with minimal furniture but there were toilets and handbasins. 

I have no idea what it must have been like but the discussion on crime and punishment is for a whole other time and place!

After the tour, on my solitary wander, I wanted the photos to try to show the stillness and the isolation of the prison now, bearing in mind just a few years ago it would have been full, bustling and noisy. It was easy to pick up the ambience, because as I explored, I didn't come across another soul throughout the whole prison! On the self-tour you are allowed to go everywhere that isn't signed otherwise and there was so much to photograph. Luckily I took a tripod as it was really quite dark in places.

They apparently run zombie escape themed parties or something similar here and I can understand how scary they would be. At one point I was setting up the tripod to take a particularly challenging shot, when one of the huge metal doors swung shut with a clang and I spent the next 2 minutes trying to get my heartbeat back to normal, and the next 2 trying to actually open the door as it had wedged shut!

And lets not even talk about the numerous mannequins they had dotted about in order to scare the unsuspecting visitor half to death! We were regaled with various spectral sightings on the tour which didn't help as I have always been troubled with an over vivid imagination!

And on that note, let me mention the final room in the prison, the execution room. I was expecting to go in and feel chills or a heavy atmosphere, but it wasn't like that at all. It was a sobering thought that people had died in that room, and in the 1800's for some very inconsequential crimes, but it just felt like it was too far removed, maybe because the last hanging there was before I was born. Just. 

I have no idea what they intend to do with the prison, but if there is anyway you can get to it before then, I certainly would.

Lessons Learned: My only New Year's resolution this year was to stay out of jail and this visit, which by the way doesn't count as it was voluntary, has reinforced the determination. So having spent most of my life accepting that everything I secretly enjoy is immoral, illegal or fattening, I guess I am going to have to go with 2 out of 3!

Diet Diary: Damn, 1 out of 3 then!

Rambling Record: That little behind is getting a bit bigger! Need to get my act together or else I will be doing an awful lot of walking in December!

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)).

New Year, New Challenges

Apologies for leaving such a gap since my last post, but I do hope you all had a fabulous Christmas and New Year, and that at least one of you has some adventures planned within your New Year's Resolutions. 

I just have the one made, as suggested by a work colleague. That is to endeavour to stay out of jail in 2017! No promises, but will give it a go.

One fabulous thing that happened is that I got another photo printed in the Observer New Review. 

The subject was "memories" and this was a picture of my late Father's treasure tins! Tobacco, plasters, mints, all sorts of tins filled with all sorts of odds and ends which were bound to come in handy one day!

So onto 2017. I think it is more of the same. I had a fantastic 2016 and did some incredible things, so this year I intend to carry on with that, but to really make an effort to explore new places as well as revisit my favourites. 

To this end, on my first solo trip of the year, I headed to Anglesey but on a new walk.

I found a circular walk in one of my many Anglesey Walk books that started in Aberffraw and took in part of the Anglesey Coastal Walk.

As with many of these walks, they start you off with a possibly false sense of confidence. The first few instructions are spot on and you begin to relax until you come to the gate that isn't mentioned, or the right hand turn that isn't actually there! Then when you navigate those, you end up in the field that is actually a swamp. Been there, done that often!

So the walk I followed probably wasn't the official one, but it was still pretty fabulous.

This church is St Cwyfan's and it is completely cut off by the high tide. 

This fabulous winch mechanism was situated on the top of a cliff edge. There was something very life affirming about standing there in very strong winds, near freezing temperatures, being completely alone and doing something I love. 

Much of the walk back was actually on the shore and with the tide being very high, this involved quite a lot of rock scrambling, which although was enjoyable in a perverse kind of way, it also caused a few injuries to joints and muscles that I didn't find out about until trying to get out of bed this morning! 

The coastline around Anglesey is incredibly dramatic, which is probably why I love it there so much. Definitely the go to place for the zen top up!

Lessons Learned: Treat the guidebooks as "suggestions" and an opportunity to improvise. Life is nothing without creativity and I've not managed to get myself irretrievably lost. Yet!

Diet Diary: OMG, what has happened? Where did it all come from? Surely I didn't eat that much! 
To which the answers are: I ate too much. Cake and chocolate. And yes I did!

Rambling Record: I am having another go at the 1000 miles challenge, but doing it a bit differently this year. Instead of counting all my walking which included work and shopping, I am just counting designated proper hikes. Going to be a bit more difficult but I reckon I can do this.

Another Anglesey Adventure

I was lucky enough to be able to organise another mini trip away this week. Thought it ideal to get away while I still can, before this arctic winter they keep promising us arrives!
Timing seemed perfect as it coincided with the Super Moon, so I thought I could position myself perfectly to get a cracking shot. Funny how things never work out how you want them to, but more on that later!
I decided to head to Anglesey again, and explore some bits I had never been to before as well as some favourites too.
I have downloaded the Photographers Ephemeris App which shows you the direction and times of sunrises and sunsets, plus moonrises and moonsets from anywhere in the world so you can be assured of getting a good view. (At least that is the theory.)
I figured that Amlwch would be a good place to set up but had all day to explore before then.

So I headed to Penmon.

I just love the lighthouse here, looking over Puffin Island. Never managed to get there in the right season for the boat trips across, maybe next year.
With this picture, I wanted to get some of the pebble shore to add a bit of depth, hence getting down flat on the ground to get the shot, but don't worry, I am used to the quizzical looks by now!

After then exploring the countryside a bit (OK, I got lost again) I eventually ended up in Amlwch and realised that I had left my tripod at home! Not ideal for night time shots, still, I took it as a test to my creativity. On a recent night photography workshop, at one point I was balancing the camera on a borrowed hat, so I am nothing if not flexible!

It was a very cloudy evening and although I had views across the sea, couldn't actually see the moon. Also, it wasn't a very interesting location so I wasn't confident the pictures would be any good anyway. As the trip wasn't originally about the moon, I decided to explore further and head to South Stack where I was staying.

However, en route, the most amazing sunset swept across the sky, turning everything in it's path either a deep pink or fiery red.

I accidentally stumbled across Cemaes Bay which was just incredible.

Yet again, there wasn't a soul around and I could just wander along the beach and across the cliff edges surrounding it. Just a wonderful experience. Bearing in mind I was tripodless, I was pleased with how the pics came out. High ISO and a wide open aperture meant I could get some fast enough shutter speeds.

I headed to the Potting Shed where I was to stay overnight, stopping off at Morrisons to get tea. Although I am much braver with many things, I still don't feel comfortable going out for an evening meal by myself. So wandered around the shelves and it occurred to me that I could have whatever I wanted, however unconventional and not have to justify its nutritional benefits to anyone. Therefore, the evening found me in my pj's, sitting crosslegged on the bed watching Tom Hanks in Big munching on a peperoni wrap, doritos, a cherry scone and a double decker! Yum!

The next morning, there was exploring to be done and calories to be walked off!

South Stack Lighthouse. An amazing sight and with some fabulous cliff edges to scamper across.

A view down to Holyhead Marina and one of the longest breakwaters in Europe snaking towards Ireland. A closer look is pencilled in for the next trip!

 Overlooking the marina was the burnt out shell of a beautiful hotel. I could get up to the walls, but not really any further safely. Need to be braver if I am going to have a go at Urbex photography!

Then onto the part of the trip I was most looking forward to. Sunset on Llandwyn. I had this urge to take a picture of the Lighthouse silhouetted against a beautiful sky, and nature didn't disappoint!
Firstly, before the sun set, it cast a golden glow across the island. 

Before erupting into a thousand shades of gold across the sky. Just mesmerising.

So a very happy soul then began the weary trek home. I didn't get to see the supermoon, but with 2 glorious sunsets, I couldn't complain.

Until driving through Betws-y-Coed. Turned a corner and there is was in front of me, huge, golden, unobscured and beautiful. I decided against trying to get a photo as was difficult to stop in the right place and I knew there would be 100's of much better offerings on-line anyway. So I just enjoyed seeing it and having the memory.

Lessons Learned: Tattoos hurt. And "how do you know this" I hear you ask. Because I have one!!!

Never had one before, but I have been thinking about it for a while. The swan is significant for many reasons. Partly the whole Ugly Ducking thing as I feel I have transformed myself over the past couple of years, also the flying aspect, feeling I am soaring through life at the moment and have never felt so free. Also it signifies where I live as there are always swans on the Mere and they have provided me with many photo opportunities.

It is on the top of my left arm, about 10cm across and is just beautiful, I am so pleased with it, but it is and will always be the one and only!

Diet Diary: Not going well. One day it will happen, I have faith!

Rambling Record: Going to stop this now having reached the 1000. Still walking a lot, but that's not the most important thing. Will restart it with next year's challenge!

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!