Knowsley Safari Park, part 2

 After my Big Cats encounter (see previous post) I was able to enjoy the rest of my day at the safari park at my leisure. There is a walk around part and a drive through. 

Although it was December, the weather was actually quite reasonable so I made the most of it.

And they have meerkats! Forget Sergei and chums, these are the real deal and are the cutest things ever! (sorry, sounded like an American teenager there)

During lockdown I decided that I was going to experiment more with photoshop. Didn't get too far but this is one image I played around with a bit...

Nothing too radical just yet!

Then on to the wolves enclosure. Pretty scary stuff as the wall and ditch between us didn't look nearly big enough!

So on to the drive through portion of this journey.

Downside of driving through there are no name signs so I can't wow you with my knowledge of what these gorgeous creatures are. But this photo was split second timing. They were all walking along and suddenly just stopped and looked over! I have definitely found that with my photography, it's often a lot more luck than judgement!

Talking of a lack of judgement. Driving along and stop alongside the rhinos to take a couple of shots.

After taking this one, the rhino looked in my direction and apparently didn't like what he saw. He started walking very slowly towards me, but I was a good 50m away so wasn't too worried, until it got to about 10m away, never taking his eyes off me! He then started to trot and I will admit to being a little worried at this point!

During my big cat safari Janet had said that if a large animal approaches, drive away very slowly so I do that and the rhino trots a little faster. I now have a Vauxhall Astra (drove the Fiesta into a pond but that's a whole other story) and it is covered in dents and scratches (one not so careful previous lady owner) but I figured a rhino shaped indentation would be a bit too much of a challenge for the body shop!

So I speed up slightly and so does he and he follows me within about 2ft of the car for around 50m and I am shaking and muttering "omg, omg" under my breath as a cross between a prayer and a mantra.

Luckily he then decides that I am not worth the exercise and slowly turns back to his feeding station. I drive on a fair way and pull over to take a few deep breaths, thank whoever or whatever is watching over me and calm myself down.

Luckily the camels didn't find me as interesting!

So all in all, an absolutely fabulous day, mostly.

Lessons learned: Don't forget, that just because you are in your car in a park in England, the wildlife can be pretty wild still!

Also that I need a better telephoto lens, which I now have, but need to work on my upper body strength so that I can actually pick the thing up!

Diet Diary Still a work in progress

Knowsley Safari Park Big Cats Dec 2020

I have decided that it's about time that the blog got reawakened! Since losing all my photos a couple of years ago, I kind of lost interest, but a new fan has encouraged me to relook at it and maybe start it up again. I have been working on uploading as many photos as I still possess and I have actually been enjoying it, looking at the pictures and rereading my adventures. Sometimes, whilst sitting at home being safe in my jogging bottoms and cardi, I find it hard to believe that I am the same person that climbed Snowdon in the snow with Pink Hair!

So here goes, Dramatic and Dangerous Places to photograph for the Terminally Unfit and Navigationally Challenged Mark 2!

Well, it's been a funny old year hasn't it! Not too many dramatic and dangerous places visited since the beginning of 2020 but there have been a few, when restrictions permitted. I will over the next couple of posts chronicle some of my favourites. To misquote Eric, all the right places, but not necessarily in the right order!

First Stop, Knowsley Safari Park. For my birthday last year the girls bought me a Photography experience with the Big Cats at Knowsley. Had to postpone it a few times due to restrictions but finally I managed to get there December 2020.

On arrival I was given instructions on how to behave around the lions and also talked through some photography advise which was very useful. Then Janet, my guide, and I drove in her 4x4 to the lion enclosure. As I was part of the tour I was allowed to open my windows but she kept control of them in case I was so distracted by the photography that I missed one sneakily approaching for a look at the buffet! She spent most of the time counting lions to make sure they were all accounted for!

It was exhilarating and quite unnerving to be so close to the lions. I asked Janet what would happen if I got out of the car. She said that they would be curious at first and come have a look and then probably play with me a little! However, if 2 of them liked the look of me, I might end up being divided between them! So I stayed in the car.

This is Ted and is a fine example of why you don't upset the ladies! Looking a bit battle scarred!

He doesn't have a mane because he had to be neutered and apparently without the testosterone, the mane doesn't grow.

The tour was brilliant, we spent over half an hour in the lion enclosure with Janet continually moving the car to get the best views of the lions whilst telling me about their history. It was truly fascinating and a completely magical experience.

Part of the tour should have included the tigers too. They have 2 females at Knowsley but on the day I was there, a male was being brought in for a bit of romance so the ladies had more important things on their mind than posing for this amateur photographer! So, I get to go back, once everything is open again and I can't wait!

Lessons Learned: Apparently if you run a hand through a lion's mane not only will you probably not get your hand back, but it feels bristly and not as fab and fluffy as it looks. Might not try it then.

Diet Diary Yup it's back and lockdown has not been kind. So I am back to needing to lose at least 3 camera bags and as I now have a shiny new camera and lens which both weigh an absolute ton, a camera bag is a lot heavier than it used to be!

An Old Friend revisited

I have missed writing the blog. The unfortunate loss of all my photos was heartbreaking but I know why it happened and it was basically because of me not understanding how these things work. Most of the pics are still on the pc somewhere and I will try to add a few back in every now and then. There are hundreds missing so it may take a while!

Anyway, onwards. Decided, with some encouragement, so start sharing my nonsense again to anyone daft enough to want to read it.

It has been an absolute age since I have had a proper day out, for a whole host of reasons, so Tuesday saw me suited and booted and ready for the off.

Beddgelert was my destination this trip. It's a lovely little town with an amazing walk following the river cascading through the Aberglaslyn Gorge.

Firstly you walk through a bit of parkland dotted with sheep via the alleged burial place of Gelert, misunderstood dog of Prince Llewellyn.

Then a gentle stroll by the river.

Leading to the Aberglaslyn Gorge which is incredibly beautiful. A series of tumbling waterfalls leading away from the town which you follow on a rough and stony path.

It's really quite challenging underfoot and I would certainly advise wearing more than the pair of flipflops I saw one young lady wearing! Don't be mislead by the bridge, it's only a tiny part of the journey!

At the end of the Gorge you can follow the woodland quite steeply up to Cwm Bychan to get some breathtaking views of Snowdon and the surrounding area.

It is probably worth pointing out now that both my fitness levels and my weight have gone in the opposite direction that they should have. It's been a while since i have done any serious hiking and I will admit to struggling a fair bit with this trek. It's a steep climb and a very uneven sort of path but I thought that as long as I take my time, I should be ok. Best thing about being a photographer, whenever you need to catch your breath you can pretend you are taking a photo. 

So onwards and very much upwards, past the old rope pulley system.

And the beautifully romantic bench.

I have only been here once before and I got hopelessly and completely lost on the way down. This time I was more prepared. I waited for a couple of dog walkers and then followed them. Yes, I know it probably wasn't the best idea, especially as it turned out they were headed somewhere else, but I didn't know that at the time.

Started off fine. Picked up the sign for the National Trust Pathway. Followed soon after by a sign back to Beddgelert which was apparently not where the dogwalkers were aiming for. So, on my own then.

But the views were completely breathtaking, looking across to Snowdon. Not the best of photos as it was quite a hazy day with one of those undefined grey skies, but it was like looking at a bleak otherworldly landscape. Well worth the hard climb. Was it worth the even harder descent? I will let you know when I stop hurting!

So I am following the sort of path back to Beddgelert when it sneaks off and hides under some bracken. I think I see it a little way off so I very carefully pick my way through the gorse and catch up with it. But it's toying with me. It leads me up a steep rocky incline, checks I am following it and then darts off into a swamp leaving me with wet and muddy boots only to reappear in the middle of a large patch of charred hillside, challenging me to keep up.

We played this game of cat and mouse for what seemed like miles. Climbing up, scrambling down, the path never staying with me for more than a few metres at a time. No signposts to keep it in check and me with absolutely no sense of direction to do anything about it.

Having not hiked for ages, my knees and legs just don't have the strength in them for this type of activity. Although I had plenty of water, I was hungry as it is very difficult to eat your healthy and sustaining overnight oats off the end of a biro because you have left your spoon at home.

But then, finally, I see Beddgelert. A long way down and a long way off and I figure that if I just keep heading downwards, I can't go too far wrong so I scramble over the charred remains of trees, slip and slide down small wannabe waterfalls, stab myself repeatedly on needles of bracken, tumble over loose rocks and spend an inordinate and unladylike amount of time shuffling along on my bottom.

The path, maybe sensing that I was now in no mood to play, came to rejoin me but was determined not to make it too easy for me. The descent was really steep, uneven with the occasional 6ft drop to navigate. My knees were shrieking at me to stop for heavens sake with my legs joining in quite vociferously. Even my beloved camera in the backpack was trying to topple me over as I lost my balance several times and nearly came a cropper.

But I didn't. I got there and I got home, and only had to stop 3 times on the way to walk and stretch off the excrutiating cramp that seemed to be my body's way of telling me not to be so stupid next time! I think I will listen to it. Perhaps.

Lessons Learned: Pack a spoon. And a map. Oh and don't follow people if you don't know where they are going. 

Diet Diary: I guess it wouldn't be my blog if I didn't document the struggle with weight I have. I lost a lot before, put some back on but not all, so need to keep myself in check. We are off to Florida in the Autumn so I have a few months to shed the extra bulk and I won't do that by going on a hike so strenuous that I have to lie down for the next 3 days!

Disappearing photos

Not sure why, but all my pictures have disappeared from the blog. I will try to get to the bottom of this and also try and replace a few beforehand. Please bear with me on this.

Criccieth

Yes, I know what you are thinking. Doesn't she know how to get to anywhere else!? Well you may have a point, the blog is called Navigationally Challenged for a reason! However, on this occasion it was because I wanted to take the new kit there for the first time and the weather conditions made it just perfect.

This is taken from the Castle. Me and a solitary blackbird looking down over the beach. I am finding the new kit brings so much more life to my photos and I am loving that.

The crazy thing was that although it was the hottest day of the year so far, gloriously sunny with only a balmy breeze, there was still hardly anyone around. I am making the most of that because we all know how much I dislike crowds on my hikes!
The chap above was having a great time skimming stones and he was actually quite good at it too.

I joined Cadw last year so i get to go in an assortment of Welsh Heritage sites as often as I want and I have been into the Castle a couple of times. There isn't actually a lot left of it, just a few walls, but it is worth it for the views.

This side of the town tends to get a bit neglected, but the beach is fabulous and you can walk for miles along the coastal path, but I do love the parade of beautifully colourful houses.

Now I do know that there are regular readers who only want to know about one thing on my trips to Criccieth. Nice views? Whatever. Sandy beaches? Yada yada yada. Important Welsh Heritage? Yawn! Cadwaladers? Finally, now we're getting somewhere!

Of course I had to stop for breakfast and because I haven't been for ages, a simple toasted tea cake wasn't going to cut it. So Breakfast waffle with fresh fruit and a drizzle of maple syrup. Not too bad and got to be at least 2 of my 5 a day! And by heck it was lovely, and sitting in Cadwaladers looking out over the sea with the sun streaming in and warming my face, it was simply idyllic. 

Only criticism of Cadwaladers is that they have stopped doing the rhubarb and cherry cake and I do really miss that!

So, suitably refreshed, on with the walk.

There were quite a few people with dogs playing on the beach. I believe dogs are not permitted after the 1st of May so they were all probably making the most of the time they had left, and there is little else that is as joyful to watch as a dog playing in the sea, chasing a stick.

Its a fair trek to the end of the beach, and being mostly stone is a good work out for the legs, but you are rewarded with a beautifully sweeping view and if you are brave and clamber up the rocks you have just walked to, you are rewarded with a peek at somewhere very special. Black rock sands. Seen this view many times and it still takes my breath away.

Something else that takes my breath away, but for completely different reasons is this...

And this..

Marine debris is still a terrible problem at Criccieth and although groups like The Plastic Project and "2 minute beach clean" are doing a fabulous job of raising awareness, there is still an awful long way to go.

And this gentleman, standing at the end of the jetty, watching the mist rising over the sea is certainly giving this matter some thought!

Lessons Learned: If I seriously want to get back on track with my diet, don't go anywhere near a Cadwaladers!

Diet Diary: See above!

No excuses

Yes, I know, it's been ages and I really have no defence. This poor excuse for a blog has been woefully neglected and I need to make amends.

So firstly, quick catch up. Still working at Mountain Warehouse, still getting out as much as horrendous weather will allow and still battling, currently unsuccessfully, with my weight! Same Old.

Major change however is that I now have a shiny new camera. Upgraded the trusty Canon 700D to a lovely new 6D mark 2. Taken the plunge and gone full frame! Eek! And the difference to the quality of the photos is just staggering. I am loving it.

Got a chance to take it out for a full days outing yesterday taking advantage of the most glorious day we have had this year. Headed to Bala in crisp sunlight but with occasional low mists.

The mist dropped over Llyn Tegid just as I stopped there, and I just loved the washed out ethereal look it gave.

But I am getting such clarity and depth of colour with the new kit, I am having to do very little editing which is fabulous.

On then to Llyn Celyn. The small settlement of Celyn was flooded in the early 1960's to create a reservoir to supply Merseyside with water. It's a beautiful place with a very quiet and slightly haunting atmosphere, knowing that people's homes are now buried below 140ft of water.

And it would appear that the ghost of someone's pet bunny has come back as a cloud to watch over it's former home. Or is that just me?

The water was like a mirror and the reflections just gorgeous. There wasn't a sound in the air apart from birdsong and I was standing in warm sunlight with a beautiful tranquil lake in front of me, backed by forests and mountains and I asked myself is there a better place on earth to be. Of course the answer came back yes, so I then went to Criccieth. Will show you those pics shortly.

So I am driving around the lake and for most of the journey, this is my view. Blue skies, wispy clouds and a very definite landscape. Go round the next bend and then...

..the mist drops and is reflected in the lake, shrouding the hills in a delicate floaty robe. Just gorgeous. I almost expected a hand to rise from the centre of the lake holding a sword! (I should here be making a Game of Thrones reference, but I am one of the 5 people in the UK who have never watched it!)

Lessons Learned: I must not leave it so long between outings and blogs. On my trip I remembered just why I love getting out there. It's all too easy to get stuck back in the rut of not doing anything and I don't want that. And now I have some fabulous new kit, there really is no excuse. The hair is a bit tame at the moment too, so that needs pinking up a bit and then there is no stopping me!

Diet Diary: I have worked out that my downfall is actually weighing myself. If i don't see dramatic weight loss then I tend to get downhearted and console myself in Cadwaladers. So new plan is not to weigh but just go on how my clothes feel. Wish me luck!

Catch Up

Heavens where did the last 2 months go! Anyone would think I haven't been anywhere worth blogging!

I certainly have, but by golly it's been busy!

So lots to tell, but generally I think I am going to let the photos speak for themselves.

First was an amazing trip to somewhere I had never been before. Blenheim Palace. Accompanied by a good family friend and master of international espionage, known only as "the manager with a small m".

Being a regular visitor to Blenheim, the manager knew the perfect place to get that amazing first view of the glory that is Blenheim. We approached the gates and then led me with my eyes closed so stand in exactly the right spot. When I opened them, this is what I saw:

Pretty darn fabulous is all I can say.

So we wandered and explored and had a completely wonderful day.

So much to see that I actually went back the next day to explore some more. Their current offer is that if you buy a full day ticket to explore house and grounds, they will, at no extra cost extend it to an annual pass. Such a great deal.

I made the decision not to go inside this trip, there was so much to see outside and the day was gorgeous, so save that for next time.

It truly is an awe inspiring sight and there are miles of grounds to saunter through.

This was the lake on the edge of the grounds after a beautiful woodland walk. It is so easy to get swept up in the idea of a magnificent stately home and completely miss the incredibly beautiful grounds that surround it. Because that is what most people do, I barely met a soul away from the tourist hub that is the Palace tea room!

But a highlight not to miss is the butterfly house. Located in the Pleasure Gardens, a short train ride away from the Palace (I kid you not!).

It took about 20 minutes once inside the butterfly house for my lens to stop steaming up! I don't miss my old bespectacled days before I had laser surgery for that and many other reasons! I clearly remember walking into a warm shop on a cold winters day and being unable to see anything for at least 5 minutes!

Anyway, I digress. Butterflies. Hundreds of them, flying around, it is a beautiful experience, especially when they land on you. That is a special moment.

So much to see at Blenheim and ok it will be full of tourists (I am not a tourist, I am a visiting serious photographer, there is a difference), but if you leave the house and just do the grounds it will be so worth it.

I am going to try to catch up with the blog, but currently exploring other projects. I have just opened up my own Etsy shop:

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Maisiebethcrafts 

The idea is to create and then sell some of my creations, in order to keep me out of trouble in the cold and wet winter months when I can't get out! Some treasures on the site already, do go check it out. Go on, you know you want to ;-)

Lessons Learned: When a butterfly lands on your rear end, don't get so excited that you hand your camera to a strange man and ask him to take a photo of your bum! It doesn't tend to go down well!

Diet diary: I knew there was an underlying reason I hadn't blogged recently!