We got up early and packed the car, before bidding our farewells to Gordon who had been a great host with Liz.
We then headed for home, it seemed strange being able to see some of the places we passed through as on our way up we had travelled at night to avoid most of the traffic.
We arrived home early evening, not looking forward to all the unpacking.
Today we had a relaxing day to prepare for the journey home tomorrow. We went into Aberystwyth for supplies and some fuel for the car. Before making our way back to the cottage for a relaxing evening listening to music, before an early night.
Today we made our way via Aberystwyth to Ponterwyd and the Bwlch Nant-yr-Arian Forest Visitors Center. We first had a look around at the views and a look in the visitors center.
We then made our way round the lake for a short stroll trying to decide where would be best to base ourselves to take photos of the kites at feeding time. The Red Kites are fed daily at 15.00 in summer and 14.00 in winter. On our way round we asked a member of the RSPB staff where the best place to take some photos was and he very kindly told us this and where they would be fed.
We set up in the area he told us and waited for the feeding to start, as the time got nearer the Kites started circling above us providing the first photo opportunities. As the feeding started we took loads of photos in the hope of getting one or two good ones as the birds move very quickly. Light levels were a bit low so we struggled a bit but got a few that were ok.
Red Kite
Another Red Kite
After an enjoyable hour or so watching these glorious birds we returned back to the cottage.
Today we made our way via Tregaron onto minor roads to Llyn Brianne, the weather was not very nice being overcast with some rain and drizzle. This meant that the views were not that good, we still took some photos on route and at Llyn Brianne.
The Start Of Llyn Brianne
With the weather being not too good we decided to head back to the cottage early and spend some time nude for the remainder of the afternoon.
The weather brightened up as we headed back and the sun even came out for a while, this was great as we were able to spend some nice nude time in the grounds relaxing.
Jon Relaxing
Cas Wandering In Grounds
Feeling relaxed we retired to the cottage as it started to cool off.
Woke up to rain this morning with no sign of it stopping, decided to spend some nude time around the cottage until it dried up around 15.30.
We then made our way to Aberaeron to have a look round the harbour area and visit the tourist information office. They were very friendly and helpful and told us of some dolphin sightings along the coast at New Quay.
Aberaeron Harbour
After hearing this we decided we had to have a look for ourselves. We therefore made our way to New Quay.
We were not lucky enough to see any dolphins while we were there but we had a look round the harbour, pier and town. May have to return to try again another day.
New Quay Harbour
We then returned back to our cottage.
Today we went to Aberystwyth, to stock up on a few things and replenish the fuel tank on the car.
Not quite as nice a day as yesterday so stayed mainly in town.
We spent a while wondering around the castle ruins taking yet more photos, before making our way into the town. Had a wonder around some of the shops avoiding the usual chain stores trying to use the smaller ones.
We made our way down to the marina and had a look around then had a short stroll on the beach, before returning back to the cottage.
Today after breakfast we decided to have a trip up into the mountains we set off towards Tregaron then onto Pontrhydfendigaid then up to Bryn where we turned off onto minor roads. We headed towards Craig Goch Reservoir stopping to take photos on route. We were lucky enough to see some red kites and buzzards near Glan Fedwen.
Red Kite
We stopped at Pont ar Elan to have some lunch before continuing along the side of the reservoir.
We made our way to Pen-y-garreg reservoir and then to Garreg Ddu Reservoir we crossed the dam between it and the Cabam Coch Reservoir travelling along the side and continuing along the river until we got to Claerwen Reservoir.Where it was lovely and quiet with no one around, it gave us a chance to strip off for a while.
Cas at Reservoir
We made our way back along the same route stopping at Tregaron for some food. Returning to rest and process the many photos taken during the day.
Today we left for our holiday at Tan-y-ffordd, we have booked into the cottage Twll Llygoden, which means mousehole.
We had a lovely journey taking a rather scenic route once in Wales. We went from the M4 to Carmarthen on the A48 then onto Haverfordwest from there we made our way to St. Davids and onto Fishguard. Then along the A487 up the coast to our turn off in Aberath, towards Penuwch. Along the way we made many stops to take photos of the lovely views.
Solva Harbour
On arriving we were met by Gordon with a warm welcome, after showing us around he left us to settle in.
We unpacked freshened up then went into Aberaeron for some wonderful fish and chips.
We returned to the cottage for a much deserved rest.
On the 13th September 2009 we attended the 10th anniversary Essex Air Ambulance motrocycle run from Ford Dunton to Harwich. This was a great day out with over 5000 motorcycles taking part. Many non bikers like us also attended to support those taking part.
On arrival there were signs to a free park and ride carpark which was well used during the day, with the only complaint being the lack of buses provided for the amount of people. When we arrived there were two 20 seater minibuses running about every 15 mins, apparently better than earlirer in the day when only one had been available. Unfortunately this meant that the queue for the buses out numbered the amount of seats available so people frequently had to wait while the buses dropped off their loads and returned to pick them up, this was not ideal especially for the older people or those with young children.
Once we arrived in Harwich its self things picked up, with the thousands of bikes parked up all round the streets for everybody to wander around and look at. Unfortunately a few carelessly parked cars made things difficult in places for others. We made our way round the streets looking at the wide range of bikes that had turned up. Everything from brand new bikes to old ones, from standard to custom as well as trikes of all desciptions.
On the green there were plenty of stalls including food, tombola type, merchandise, motorbikes and insurance not forgetting the air ambulance stall. Also on the green was the Heart radio road show entertaining everyone, this was really good and enjoyed by all.
This all added up to a great day out and a record year for the Essex Air Ambulance with an amazing amount of over £40,000 being raised.
We look forward to the next one.
