After a further walk around the town we reached the bus stop, however before we looked at what time to the bus departed, the No 581 arrived (who needs a timetable) and we arrived back at the camp site just after 5:00 pm

Sorted!  The television that is, no more Irish channels, found out where the transmitter is near the village of Trefin and pointed it in that direction.  So today we are just watching the Turkish Grand Prix, updating the website, checking emails, bank, etc.  Won another £10 on the lottery that’s  3 wins in as many weeks, Granddad (I use his old tote numbers) must be looking down from his special place in the sky and thinking I need the money! Thanks Granddad, RIP.

Monday 9^th May 2011

Gosh that was a very windy night and we are sitting on the top of the headland not exactly sheltered from the strong Southerly wind.  The electric storms haven’t materialised,  though we did have some (though short) periods of heavy rain, pity really, still got a competition going with daughter Rhiain who can take the best lighting photograph.  Spent some time this morning deciding on our future destinations, mindful that another bank holiday looms shortly.  We have booked 4 days at Gwern-y-Bwlch (can spell it, can’t say it) near Llanbrynmair (likewise) and then we must think about returning towards England.  Jenny stayed at the campsite this afternoon while I walked down to Abereiddy , (noted that I put Abereidd(i) on Saturday, Welsh or English both are “correct”) then continued on the cliff path above the “Blue Lagoon” to take some photographs.  It was rather tricky in the very high winds and on two occasions I had to retake a shot when the wind blew me off balance just as I pressed the shutter.  Contradicting the last sentence the conditions were perfect sunny, interesting clouds, a very active sea running, with the waves crashing against the rocks and the scenery as I walked further along the coastal path was stunning, the yellow Gorse, Bluebells and grasses adding to the wonderful vista.  On returning to the motorhome I refused to allow Jenny to look at the photographs as I am sure in the next few day she will accompany me on the same walk and I don’t want spoil her first impressions of the scenery.

Tuesday 10^th May 2011

After a casual morning (read lazy) and with the showery morning giving way to  sunshine we decided to do the same walk as I did on my own yesterday.  We found a public footpath on our way back from Abereiddi on Friday so we walked through the fields down towards the coast rather than walk along the lane arriving at Abereiddi beach in less than 20 minutes.  We didn’t want to walk to far this afternoon so finding some shelter from the wind with an outstanding view of  Treath Llyfn a local beach, we sat and enjoyed drinks and fresh scones that Jenny made this morning.  On walking back we found a public footpath that appeared to be a more direct route back to the camp site,  we were wrong.  The footpath followed the overgrown track bed of the old quarry horse drawn tram-road, unfortunately it was obviously the chosen route for a herd of cattle to take as we had to  carefully  negotiate the many “cow pats” along the track.  We concluded when we  arrived back at Abereiddi beach that we should have re-traced our steps along the cliff top path it was far shorter,  prettier and cleaner!

Wednesday 11^th May 2011

After “housework” this morning we decided this afternoon to walk along the lanes to the village of Trefin approximately 2¼ miles away

and then walk back along the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path.  Within 55 minutes we joined the coastal path and discovered a “stone circle” which conjured up ancient  mystical Druid  rituals or some satanic sacrificial rites, looking on the internet they were put there by the farmer as a “folly”!  Continuing on, we passed a hedge of wild flowers which stretched for about 200 yards which included Bladder Campion and Sea Pink (Common Thrift) and with the colourful lichen on  the rock wall it was spectacular and coincidently, looking on the Internet for additional info’ on the area, I found the exact photograph as one that I took.  After about a hour’s walk we reached  Porthgain which was a prosperous industrial harbour in the early 1900’s from slate quarrying, brick making and granite, of which the ruins of the large brick hoppers still dominate the harbour.  The hoppers were used to store crushed granite before shipment and are now a ancient monument.  We sat on a seat at the harbour side for “afternoon tea” before climbing hundreds of steps (well, quite a few) back on to the coastal path stopping once again at the site of some ruined quarry buildings and being facinated by being able to still see some of the original wooden sleepers of the old tramway.  After more “photo stops” we eventually reached the spot we had stopped at yesterday and continued along the cliff track past the “Blue Lagoon” (definitely Green) instead of “Cow Pat Alley”.  Not suprisingly it took us just under 3 hours to walk back from Trefin with the number of times we stopped to take in the views, etc, and obviously the coastal path was rather more undulating than the lane.

Thursday 12^th May 2011

A quiet day after the walks of the last few days, although it has given Jenny the chance to do some laundry and for me to work on yesterday’s photographs.  Last night here, fingers crossed,  there may be a decent sunset tonight on two occasions this week when the sun has been out late in the day and going down, it has disappeared into low cloud over the sea.

Friday 13^th May 2011

Lleithyr Meadow Caravan Club Site, St David’s, 51 53 87 N, 05 16 74 W ( 6.4 Miles).

At last this week managed to get a photo of the sunset last night.  Did it a very lazy way though and regretted it afterwards, stuck the tripod out of the roof light and stood on the bed.  I should have walked down the meadows and got a picture with the Abereiddi watchtower closer and more prominent in the shot, would have made for a much better photograph.  An extremely short drive today as we wanted to visit Britain’s smallest City, St David’s and surrounding coast and although we could have caught the “Strumble Shuttle” the local bus that stops outside  the camp site we had already booked the Caravan Club site at St David’s for 4 days.  These Pembrokeshire Coastal buses are brilliant, during the summer they operate 7 days a week on a “Hail & Ride” basis all you do is signal the driver to stop.  They cover the whole 186 mile of the National Park coastline.  The names are amusing, “Poppit Rocket”, Celtic Coaster, Puffin Shuttle to name but three and are also timed to connect with normal services that serve other towns and villages.  We were soon “pitched” at our new camp site on a nice flat grass site with a great view of Carn Llidi the highest point in the area and other coastal crags.  Needing Bread and Milk we got printed directions from reception and walking along a bridle way and quiet lane we were in St David’s within 25 minutes. We hadn’t realised that the ruins of  St David’s Bishops Palace (in fact I had never heard of it) were adjacent to the cathedral and both worthy of time spent taking photographs as the light was particularly good, one photograph I personally think is one of the best I have taken for some time. (Above).

Saturday 14^th May 2011

Kept looking at Carn Llidi and decided I might attempt to climb it! Leaving Jenny to knit and read (and perhaps bake) and taking with me lunch and drinks I walked down to Whitesands Beach and joined the coastal path.  However seeing that St David’s Head was less than 2 mile away I headed in the direction of “The Head” first, along the undulating narrow path past picturesque bays and imposing black cliffs, before  climbing up the to the rock strewn grassy headland.  Found a comfortable “armchair” shaped rock out of the cold Westerly(ish) wind to eat lunch with a fantastic view of Whitesands Bay, Ramsey Island and Ramsey Sound.  After my “picnic” I re-traced my step along the coastal path before finding a path which appeared to fork off towards my original destination, Carn Llidi.  Although steep the first part of the climb was quite easy, although I did need to take a necessary diversion around a herd of wild horses (I don’t even like “tame” ones), no such problem with a lizard that skittered in front of me shortly afterwards!  Eventually reaching the lower crag of Carn Hen was disappointed there were concrete steps to the top, on which were the flattened remains of what was obviously a military building of some sort.  No such disappointment when I reached the final few feet to the top of Carn Llidi, Pitons, Carabineers and a length of rope came to mind, strangely, not having any of these in my rucksack a “free climb” was required  (it was a good job that Jenny wasn’t with me she would not have allowed me to do it), however, with ample hand and foot holds and a bit of careful climbing I reached the top. Fantastic views from the top along the Pembrokeshire coast as far as Skomer Island in one direction and Strumble Head in the other as well as inland.  After a chat with Jenny via our “Walkie Talkies” and waving (she could also see me through her binoculars) and taking some photographs I carefully (very carefully) descended from the top and walked back to the camp site along a much shorter and quicker path that I had spotted from the top, very satisfied that I had managed to achieve my aim,  Why?  as any intrepid explorer would say, “because it’s there”!

Sunday 15^th May 2011

A very lazy day!

Monday 16^th May 2011

Jenny had not seen Whitesands Beach and Bay since we have been here, so early afternoon we made that our destination choosing a circular walk past a rather comfortable looking Youth Hostel and on to the public footpath which skirted Carn Llidi and the lower Carn Ben which I climbed up Saturday, we then continued on to the open heathland above the coastal cliffs of St David’s Head.  Again I gave the herd of wild welsh ponies a wide berth, no such fear from Jenny she wanted to ride one!  After a short stop near the headland which gave us a wonderful view of the bay and the islands we reached Whitesands Beach and the lane which lead us back towards the camp site.  Had a laugh when we arrived back, there is a large flock of Rooks which use the camp site as a feeding ground and the Yew trees as a roost.  A couple with a motorhome and large Rottweiler had left the dogs feeding bowl outside and the Rooks were devouring his/her food.  When they eventually arrived back they were all (including the dog) staring at an empty bowl for quite some time.  Rooks, your secrets safe with me!

Tuesday 17^th May 2011

Cardigan Bay Camping and Caravan Club Site, Near New Quay, 52 11 04 N, 04 21 92 W, (56 Miles).

Cardigan was our first stop this morning as we needed to shop for grocery’s, luckily Tesco was just off the main road and although the car park was rather small we did find a space to park although we “stuck out” a bit.  Tip:  If Tesco are doing  fuel vouchers for purchases over £50 and you are spending over £100 ask them to stop the till when £50 is spent and start again, result 2 vouchers, (I think that the cashier originally lived in Walsall helped).

Wednesday 18^th May 2011

A quiet day catching up with a few tasks on the motorhome, checking emails. banking etc, plus working on the many photographs I have taken in the last few days on Adobe.

Thursday 19^th May 2011

Bought a “mud map” this morning from the reception (20p to the flower fund) which gave us directions to the small secluded cove at Cwmtudu, said to be once a secret haunt of pirates and smugglers.  With both written instructions and diagrams  the map was like going on a treasure hunt as we obviously didn’t know what “surprise”, like a double stile or herd of nosey young heifers, was around the next corner.  From camp to Cwmtudu the map suggested to allow 1¼  to 1½ walk with a note in brackets, “Not including stops to admire the views”, it took us just over 2 hours and we didn’t actually walk to the cove but stopped on the cliff top above to eat lunch and look at a splendid views over Cardigan Bay.  After our lunch we decided to walk along the coastal path towards New Quay stopping first at Castell Bach “Little Castle” a Celtic iron age settlement and promontory hill fort which dated back to about 300 BC, other than a double ditch and earthwork defences there wasn’t anything left of it (obviously a typical Wimpey build).  What made an attractive photograph was the small sandy beach and tiny cove sheltered by a rocky knoll (almost an island) immediately to the south west of the site.  Continuing our walk we came to another pretty cove and sat for a long time relaxing on the short grass above the shingle beach watching the gulls swooping down to land and swim in a fresh water lagoon at the back of the beach, where a tiny river reached the sea.  To late to continue to New Quay we returned from the coast via an alternative route before joining the track back to the camp site.  Tomorrow weather permitting we will extend our walk to New Quay.

Friday 20^th May 2011

At least this morning we didn’t miss the first directional note on the map, Jen’s fault yesterday admiring the Lupins in the border on the left hand side of the entrance to the camp site, we weren’t concentrating and missed the sharp turn up a track on the right, went a least 20 yards before we turned back!  Our route was the same as yesterday, 5 meadows, a steep bank and steps to a green lane, then a wooded track along a valley, before the open grassland to the coastal path at the cove we stopped at yesterday afternoon.  Downhill for most of the way it took us about a hour to get to this point, now (according to the map) we had another 1½  hour of undulating cliff walks from sea level to about 70 metres at Bird Rock (so named because of the  large number of sea birds that nest there at various times of the year and the highest point on our walk), however with  two rivers flowing out of the valleys at small inlets it was necessary on both  occasions to walk down to almost sea level and cross over wooden bridges before climbing up once again.   Just past Bird Rock was a Coast Guard Station and the Cardigan Bay Lookout Shelter, inside the shelter were identification boards for local wildlife as well as a panorama identifying places on the coast to the south.  Also the following extracts from the Coastguard log:

Christmas Day 1926 - Lifeboat called out to the wreck of schooner 'Guiding Star' of Plymouth which was found stranded under the cliffs at Tregynan Isaf Farm with all sail set, no-one on board. Search was made but no trace of crew was found.
29th January 1946 - Reported at 11.25 that a Spitfire Pilot had baled out over Tresaith and was drifting into Bay. Lifeboat searched extensively for parachute and returned at 15.40 having failed to locate pilot and aircraft.

4th and 5th February 1946 - H. M. submarine 'Universal' drifting casualty. Crew taken off by Fishguard and Aberystwyth lifeboats. Coastguard staff kept watch and stood by on being retired from watchman duties. Altogether a good show as far as readiness was concerned.

Leaving the Shelter of the Lookout and back out into the stiff Southerly wind we had two choices the path along the cliff edge or the sigh-posted alternative path to avoid it, no guesses to which way Jenny wanted to go and we re-joined the cliff path about 200 metres further along. After another 30 minutes we descended the steep path into New Quay, first stop was the Information Centre to find out where the bus stop was and the times back to Cross Inn, the nearest stop to the camp site.  Second stop?  Captains Rendezvous a Fish & Chip restaurant on the sea front, Haddock for me, Hake for Jenny and both were cooked to perfection and in clean surroundings and with excellent service a place to we would definitely recommend.  Suitably “fed & watered” we walked to the harbour to see if we could see the Bottle-Nosed Dolphins that are frequently scene in the bay, no luck, neither with seals or the rare Chough (note for Rhiain, not a Blackbird) that are also seen from time to time from the cliff tops, although the seals are more likely to be seen towards September.  After a steep walk up to the bus stop, (why it didn’t stop at the bottom near the harbour we don’t know), plus usefully a pharmacy where we managed to get our medical prescriptions made up, we caught the 550 bus to Cross Inn, which is about 3 mile (all uphill) from New Quay.  We only then had a 20 minute walk along the quiet country lane to the camp site arriving back at 5:00 pm having had a great day out.

Saturday 21^st May 2011

After 2 days when we have walked quite a few miles, today we have stayed relaxing at the motorhome.  Good idea to walk the last two days (although Grand prix qualifying and practice did help “sway” the decision) as the weather today is very wet and windy and the forecast for the next few day is not very good.

Sunday 22^nd May 2011

A relaxed day

Monday 23^rd May 2011

The intention today was to walk down to Castell Bach find a nice spot for Jenny to sit and read whilst I did some photography.  The weather didn’t “play ball”, high winds and pouring rain.  It did start to clear up at 3:00 pm but it was still very blustery and it was rather late for the hours walk to the coast, Reading, listening to music and organising  future camp sites was what we did for the day.  Tomorrow we move to Gwern-y-Bwlch in Mid Wales between Snowdonia and Old Montgomeryshire for 4 days before returning to England (sounds as though we’ve been abroad) through Shropshire.  We don’t think we will have Internet for a while so it may be some time before we are able to update the web site.

Tuesday 24^th May 2011

Gwern-y-Bwlch Camping and Caravan Club Site, Llanbrynmair, Near Machynlleth, 52 37 24 N, 03 39 52 W, (57 Miles). With a short distance to travel this morning we didn’t rush to leave the camp site. Our first stop was to “top up” with LPG, however when we reached the depot, luckily only 3 mile from the camp site there was nobody available to help us, “he, having left about 30 minutes ago”, according to the lady with about 20 cats! We continued on and found a Texaco filling station (why is theirs the most expensive fuel?), we only needed 12 litres to fill up, but at 83.9p it was the most we have paid since having the motorhome. A further stop was in a lay-by on a high point overlooking Cardigan Bay with extensive views both North and South, for a late morning “cuppa”. We were very warmly greeted by the camp wardens at Gwern-y-Bwlch and whilst I filled up water Jenny went to chose a pitch, good decision on my part as the site track is all uphill and as Jenny had taken the “walkie talkie” with her she just called me to drive up to the pitch she had chosen. Which was perfect,  flat, with a nice expanse of grass on the driver’s side and views of the hills through the windscreen, couldn’t have done better myself. After a late lunch I decided to explore, finding on the site a bird hide and small pool and had a very pleasant chat to a couple from Yorkshire whilst sitting on the bench (which we had moved outside of the hide into the sun) watching a pair of Pied Flycatchers which were feeding young in a nest box on a tree close-by. The small pool contained a couple of goldfish, tadpoles and more interestingly Smooth Newts, which I have not seen in the wild since I was a boy and now of course protected by law in Great Britain against being sold or traded in any way.

Wednesday 25^th May 2011

A very relaxed day, although I spent quite some time near the bird hide. I had noticed yesterday that the male Pied Flycatcher always perched on one particular branch as he flew both to and from the nest box and I wanted a decent photograph of him as they are not a species of bird that we have seen very often. Using my Nikon D70s with the 500mm Tamron zoom lens I positioned the tripod as close to the branch as I could using a cable remote control at its longest length whilst I hid behind a convenient bush, the light wasn’t in exactly the position I wanted but I was pleased with the result.

Thursday 26^th May 2011

A very wet and windy day, probably the wettest we have had since leaving Weston-Super-Mare in March we certainly won’t be venturing outside. Jenny knitted and read, while I read, listened to music and edited some photographs.

* * * Having a problem with the laptop the next few days have been taken from written notes on Sunday 5^th June 2011. * * *

Friday 27^th May 2011

Switched the laptop on this morning and found I could only get the message that a file was “corrupt or missing”. Both Jenny and I tried everything we could think of to try and get it working, but to no avail. We wonder if the “3^rd party” disc I was using yesterday for photography tutorials which was free with Digital Camera Magazine had a “virus”. It looks like we will have to find PC World when we get to Shrewsbury tomorrow. Another wet morning, however by lunch time it was dry and sunny so we both had a walk around the perimeter woods of the camp site and managed to find a pretty stream tumbling through the woods, I hadn’t noticed it the first time I walked nearby but I guess the rainfall in the last couple of days helped. We also bought a hanging clothes dryer from reception, which will be easier to use when we only need to dry our towels each morning. We hadn’t bought one before because we didn’t want to hang it from a window ledge, but having seen one hanging from a motorhome ladder thought it a good idea. We also exchanged a couple of our paperback books whilst we were at the reception.  Late afternoon I walked along the lane above the camp site and took some photos of the panoramic view down towards the camp site and along the valley, pity someone decided to put some power lines along it.

England

Saturday 28^th May 2011

 Ryton Farm CL, Condover, near Shrewsbury, 52 38 01 N, 02 44 74 W, (56 Miles). We had everything organised yesterday to leave Gwern-y-Bwlch early as we wanted to arrive at Ryton Farm before qualifying started for the Monaco F1 Grand Prix, we were at Tesco in Newtown at 9:30 am! A perfect place to top up with our now severely depleted larder a very large car park on the main road through the town and within 45 minutes we were once again “on the road”. Within about 20 miles we left Wales and entered Shropshire, then about 5 miles further at Churchstoke we again entered Shropshire??????? (Looked on a map later, very confusing!). Perfect timing we arrived at Ryton at 11.35 am (qualifying started at 12:10 pm) and parked on the same pitch as when we stayed here last year. After an “interesting” qualifying session we walked along the lanes to the farm complex to pay for a week’s stay with fishing and collect the padlock key for the electric power switch.

Sunday 29^th May 2011

A lazy day, watched the Monaco Grand Prix.

Monday 30^th May 2011

A very wet morning, but it gave me the opportunity to wash the van in between the heavier bursts of rain and the rain “rinsed” the suds off, as the weather improved towards lunch time I then managed to leather it dry. I then spent the afternoon fishing, whilst Jenny stayed at the motorhome reading and knitting, plus bringing me a nice cup of tea and a piece of freshly made Ginger cake to my fishing spot.

Tuesday 31^st May 2011

Our daughter Rhiain had checked on the internet to find where PC world was in Shrewsbury, to hopefully fix the problem with the laptop, surprisingly there wasn’t one, the nearest one being in Telford. We therefore thought we would catch the bus into Shrewsbury and hopefully locate a computer repair shop. We decided to catch the No 835 bus which stops (by waving your hand) at the top of the lane, however we misjudged the time it took to walk and were at the “top road” 20 minutes too early, rather than stand waiting we walked along the road and waited along a straight stretch of road where the driver could easily see us. Right on time the bus arrived and within 25 minutes we were in Shrewsbury town centre. An obvious place to ask about computer repairs was at Maplins and what a good choice,  explaining our problem to a very helpful sales assistant he told us that one of his colleagues repaired computers as “another business” and would be back in about 45 minutes. Café Nero was the place to wait (where else) and we enjoyed a mug of Coffee Latte before returning to Maplins. Sure enough “Dan” was back and after once again explaining the problem, he was sure he could fix the fault and we could collect the laptop tomorrow, unfortunately he told us that not all the programs and files could be recovered, luckily I take a back-up to an external drive and although not completely up to date we would at least have most of the information we required. After leaving Maplins we did some shopping before having lunch at “The Town Fryer” the fish and chip shop we went to last year, amazingly the owner recognised us and greeted us like long lost family and we thoroughly enjoyed  Haddock and Chips, the large Haddock (like our last visit) hanging off each side of the plate! After further “window shopping” we walked to the bus station to get the bus back to Condover, the driver (the same one as this morning) this time dropping us off at the top of the lane, we then just had the 15 minute walk down the quiet lane to the camp site. Not needing dinner tonight after a large lunch I fished until 8:30 pm at my favourite spot on the “Hugh’s” pool.

Wednesday 1^st June 2011

Caught the bus once again this morning at the top of the lane to Shrewsbury, we judged the 15 minute walk correctly and only had to wait for the bus to arrive for 5 minutes. Different bus, same annoying squeaks, must be a built in design fault! It was actually Dan’s day off but he arranged to meet us anyway at Maplins and we arrived about 10 minutes before him. He had managed to repair the laptop and also save the majority of the files, (including all the photos), although some of the programs were missing. Leaving Maplins, we stopped for a Coffee and Danish Pastry in the shopping precinct before catching the bus back to Condover. After spending some time on the laptop, sorting out some of the files and having lunch, I spent the rest of the afternoon fishing until early evening.

Thursday 2nd June 2011

A relaxed day.

* * * A Very Happy Birthday to my brother Brian * * *

* * * Get Well Soon to Nephew Ian after his motorbike accident. * * *

Friday 3rd June 2011

We decided this morning to spend some time once again in Shrewsbury, so at 11:12 am we caught the bus into the town, from the top of the lane.  The bus stopped in Shrewsbury close to the square, where the local  Friday Farmers Market was being held. After free sampling’s  of various cheeses, pies and ciders, we bought some freshly churned farm butter, a cottage loaf and some fruit loaf. We would have bought some of the cider, but the man only offered me a sampling of the various tastings and ignored Jenny and I didn’t like that, especially as Jenny does like cider, I think I annoyed him when I passed some of the sampling cups to her! Needing some fishing tackle we went to catch the “Park n’ Ride” bus to Tesco, Total Angling Centre is on the trading estate just behind the superstore. Now here’s a funny thing. Our free passes cannot be used on the park and ride (we could use them last year) and it is £1.60 each return from Tesco to Shrewsbury, but if you don’t have a car OR use the bus from Shrewsbury to Tesco it is £3.20 return! Evidently it is to encourage car owners to use the park and ride not “walkers”.  Solution? Walk 100 yards to the bus station and catch a “local bus” to Tesco and use our free passes and there was even a bus waiting for us when we got there. Confusing on the way back though, we couldn’t find the return bus stop, however we enquired of a young couple who explained it went down a parallel street on its return journey and after finding the bus stop we returned to the town centre. Just in time for lunch at ??????? You’ve guessed “The Town Fryer”, this time I had Donna Kebab, whilst Jenny enjoyed Scampi, there is nothing “posh” about this fish restaurant but it is clean and tidy, i.e. the tables are always wiped down each time a customer leaves, not just with a cloth but with a cleaning spray and the service is also first class.  After a further “window shop” we caught the late afternoon bus back to Condover.

Saturday 4^th June 2011

This morning we walked down to the farm, we have decided to stay an extra week at Ryton, same as last year we book for a short stay and stay longer, but with the peace and quiet, good views and excellent fishing this is the type of place we love to stay at.  We spent the hot afternoon fishing at least I fished, Jenny sat underneath the umbrella close by reading and listening to music, with Marguerites one side of her and Yellow Irises the other, a thorn between two roses? Slap, ouch that hurt! Unfortunately late afternoon (as promised by the Met’ Office) it clouded over and started to rain so we returned to the motorhome.

Sunday 5th June 2011

Another wet day, although I did fish in the afternoon.

Monday 6^th June 2011

A pleasant walk today to the village shop at Dorrington on the main road about 2½ miles away as we needed some milk. On the way back we stopped in at the farm office to collect the post that Rhiain had sent us, including the CD for my Adobe Elements computer programme. At last I will be able re-catalogue the photos back into Elements and edit the photos I have taken recently. Problem when we got back, the laptop would not read the Elements CD (nor any other CD) back to the drawing board!

Tuesday 7^th June 2011

A relaxed day.  At least I sorted the laptop out, I took a chance and cleaned the DVD/CD writer with the camera lens cleaner. I was most surprised, it worked!

Wednesday 8^th June 2011

A day out today to Ludlow catching the No 435 bus at top of the lane at 11:10 am, we are certainly getting our “monies worth” out of our free bus passes as the cost of the fare would normally be £3.00 one way. It was like a “mystery tour” turning off the main A49 down narrow lanes to small villages that we have never heard of or obviously been to before, the funny thing was nobody boarded the bus at any of the villages on the hour long journey. Alighting at Ludlow we walked towards the castle, along the castle walks and down to Dinham Bridge over the River Teme, unfortunately from the bridge there isn’t a clear view to take photograph of the castle and as it started to rain and rumble with thunder, we beat a hasty retreat back to the town and the shelter of the Information Centre. While we were there we enquired on the return bus times back to Condover evidently the bus departed from outside the “Assembly Rooms”, we then asked the rather unhelpful assistant “where are the Assembly Rooms”? She answered (without a smile), “You are standing in them”, well we thought it was funny! By the time we had enjoyed lunch, a “Steakwich with chips and salad the weather had improved so we once again walked down to the River Teme and after taking some photographs (by climbing over a fence into a field) of the castle and showing Jenny where I camped when canoeing the river when I was lad of 17, we continued our walk along picturesque Whitecliffe a riverside path which goes between the two River Teme town bridges. Walking back up to the town we “window shopped” for a time, had a Latte and Muffin at Costa Coffee, before catching the 3:50 pm bus back to Condover.

Thursday 9^th June 2011

A relaxed day. Saw something really amusing tonight, a young Rabbit, being chased by a Stoat, being chased by a Crow on the grass near the motorhome. They all survived to fight another day. It was so funny!

* * * A Very Happy Birthday to our wonderful Grandson Charlie * * *

Friday 10^th June 2011

Caught up with a few cleaning and tidying chores on the motorhome, fished and relaxed.

Saturday 11^th June 2011

Cathedral Grange Camping and Caravan Park, Lichfield, 52 41 86 N, 01 50 57 W, (52 Miles).

First stop this morning and almost on our way was “Toys  R’ Us” to collect Charlie’s Birthday present, the store is only about ½ mile from the A5 and the parking was very easy, in fact at 10:00 am we had the large car Park almost to ourselves. As Sainsbury’s was only 100 metres away, we left the motorhome in the car park and walked over to purchase a few groceries for the next few days, came out with 5 bags full! We were at Lichfield by lunchtime and found a hardstanding pitch available, not on the “prettier” part of the camp site, but we are only staying here for the weekend so it doesn’t really matter. After lunch we walked down to Lichfield intending to go to the bank, unfortunately they were closed, (Jenny thought they were open until 4:00pm) the walk was not wasted though, we went to the library for a reference book on Word 2007, the previous version we had on the lap top before our problem was Word (and Excel) 2002,  obviously a great deal has changed since then and we both want to understand the new functions on the later Microsoft program that Dan installed. Perfect timing back in time for final practice for the Canadian F1 Grand Prix, before qualifying 2 hours later, no guesses what I shall be doing tomorrow.

Sunday 12^th June 2011

A really wet morning and I had an appointment at Specsavers to see the Audiologist, getting soaked was inevitable as we walked into Lichfield from the camp site. After an important chat with Paul about this evenings Grand Prix, we got down to the mundane task of discussing my hearing and purchasing some filters and domes. Out of Specsavers and straight into Yeoman’s the camping shop for a(nother) pair of walking trousers, before walking back to “Cathedral Grange” Michael Sharon and Charlie arrived shortly afterwards, the first time we had seen them since February and we had a great afternoon with them. Marathon F1 session this evening started watching at 5:10 pm and because of rain interruption it finished at 10:20 pm and there was a fantastic win for our own Jenson Button, brilliant!

Monday 13^th June 2011

Elvaston Castle Caravan Club Site, Borrowash, 52 53 62 N, 01 23 32 W, (43 Miles). 

Our first destination this morning was Leisure Furnishings at Long Eaton in Nottinghamshire. We had arranged through West Country Motorhomes for Leisure Furnishings, who make the bed mattress for Autocruise, to investigate and rectify our concern with our uncomfortable mattress. As Julie at Leisure Furnishings had suggested that it would take 4 days to solve the problem we had decided to stay at Elvaston Castle until we could collect it back from them. However when Julie and then Dave examined the mattress they decided they would make a new “improved” one for us, which will take about 3 weeks to manufacture, a great result for us which we are very pleased about. Not having been to Elvaston Castle and Country Park we didn’t alter our plans and as Elvaston is only 5 mile away from Long Eaton (albeit in Derbyshire) we arrived there at 11:00 am. After a light lunch we decided to walk to the village of Borrowash to purchase a Daily Mail newspaper and went to the large Co-operative Supermarket there, How come I walked back with a carry-bag in each hand? Happy memories on the way to the village, crossing the bridge over the River Derwent, remembering a great fishing day I had on the “Earl of Harrington” waters there many years ago, with Dave Jennings, his son Darren and his mate Pete. RIP, Dave hope you’re still catching them in that great lake in the sky. A pleasant visit this evening from my brother Brian who was returning from visiting a model show in Doncaster and our relatives in Yorkshire.  Well planned (read luck) the campsite is only about 5 miles from Junction 25 of the M1 so it was easy for him (if he hadn’t missed the park entrance) to call in to have tea with us and we hadn’t even told him tea was Cottage Pie, followed by Summer Fruits Crumble! Tomorrow we are going to explore Elvaston Castle and the Park.

Tuesday 14^th June 2011

After breakfast on a beautiful sunny morning we walked along the pleasant wooded track into the adjacent Elvaston Castle Country Park and explored around the formal gardens and empty castle. Not truly a castle in the “fortified fortress” sense, more of a “turreted” country house. We are completely ignorant of the castle’s history although we have seen a part of the house with the date 1633  carved into a stone lintel, we had intend purchasing the £1 booklet which tells of the history castle, if only we had taken some money with us! As well as the “castle walk” there is also a “lake walk” so after returning to the motorhome for lunch we decided to walk around the lake. Again a wonderful picturesque walk through wood to the lakeside and we followed the track around it’s perimeter before once again reaching the castle buildings, after taking some more photographs and walking through the Elvaston church grounds we continued past the formal garden and strolled back to the campsite via, what we presume to be the castle’s main drive. Unfortunately the sun was not in the correct place for a decent photograph of the drive and castle front, weather permitting I will walk down first thing in the morning to take some photo’s, when hopefully the sun will be out and in a better position. We spent the rest of the afternoon and early evening relaxing outside listening to music and reading.

Wednesday 15^th June 2011

Before 8:00 am this morning and even before showering I walked through the woods to the main castle drive and took some photographs, disposing of a Grey Squirrel on the way back, which for some reason had met his maker! Deciding to visit the City of Derby today we left the campsite to catch the 11:00am bus from Borrowash. We caught the 12:00 pm one! The cycle track which appeared to run parallel to the main road seemed to be a quieter and prettier option than the pavement to the village and we had seen the same National Cycle path No5 further along the road near Borrowash Bridge. However after about ½ mile it turned away from the road and through the woods and then after about a mile we lost the signs altogether. We did find Elvaston Nature Reserve and the information board seemed to indicate that it went close to the river walk and as we had also seen a path near the river we decided to follow that instead, 30 minutes later we were back at the start of the Nature Reserve track. We gave in, re-traced our steps and returned along the cycle track to the road and continued along the pavement to Borrowash. Nice bus, “The Indigo” and a very posh lady shouted in our ears through a loudspeaker, the name of the next stop, plus the next stop was also shown on an illuminated board. After 22 minutes (so the sign said) we reached the very impressive Derby Bus Station and walked the short distance (thank goodness after this morning’s episode) to the shopping centre. It was now 12:30 pm and not surprisingly we were both thirsty, so as it was near lunchtime we opted to eat as well and enjoyed an “Aberdeen Angus” in a bun at Burger King. After lunch we strolled through the indoor market to the shopping centre and window shopped before looking for a pair of shoes and bra for Jenny, with no success, both being either too small or too big, or was it too big or too small!!!!!!!  We then spotted “Appyfeet” a shop that provides Pedicures with a difference. They have those fish called Garra Rufa also known as doctor fish, nibble fish or little dermatologist, which “eat dead skin”, well I couldn’t resist it and “pushed” Jenny into the shop, 5 minutes later she was sitting with her bare feet in a tank of very hungry fish. I asked the assistant if I could pay extra and have them substituted for Piranha or a Great White, unfortunately they were not available! Jenny suggested I also have a session. With my ticklish feet?  She must be joking, if just one touched my feet I would have been through the plate-glass window head first. After Jenny’s experience I needed a strong cup of coffee and Muffin, whilst Jenny had coffee and a toasted tea cake,  we then made our way back to the bus station and returned to the camp site.

* * * Congratulation to Rhiain and Ian on the birth of Kura Lily Amelia we are very proud Grandparents * * *

Thursday 16^th June 2011

Kingsbury Water Park Camping and Caravan Club Site, Kingsbury, 52 34 10 N, o1 42 24 W, (38 miles).

After a phone call last night and an early phone call this morning from Rhiain’s partner Ian we had a major change in our plans today. Rhiain is in St Michael’s Hospital Bristol and she is in labour 6 weeks early! After phone calls to Kingsbury Camping and Caravan Club to enquire if we could arrive today and also Enterprise Car Rental to see if we could also collect the rental car a day early we left  Elvaston Castle, the Nature Reserve will have to wait for another visit, probably just as well as Jenny got a lot of insect bites on her ankles and legs when we unintentionally walked the trail yesterday.   Jenny had already explained our situation to the site manager at Kingsbury and they very kindly allowed us in before the normal 12 noon arrival time. After getting ourselves organised we were collected by Martyn from Enterprise and driven to their Sutton Coldfield depot to do the necessary paperwork and within 20 minutes we were on our way to Bristol stopping at Asda in Minworth to fill with fuel and purchase sandwiches and drinks for lunch. We were just near Tewkesbury when Ian rang again, Rhiain had given birth to Kura Lily Amelia at 1:26 pm. Betty didn’t let us down and we were at the hospital at just after 3pm to see our new granddaughter.

Friday 17^th June 2011-Saturday 18^th June 2011

Two days doing what new grandparents do. We were very pleased on Saturday to meet Ian’s parents, Brian and Deana and Ian’s 11 year old Niece Emma whom we met at visiting time at the hospital.

Sunday 19^th June 2011

A busy morning at Rhiain & Ian’s home before driving into Bristol to visit Rhiain, Ian & Kura at St Michael’s Hospital. Kura needed to be in an incubator today as she slightly jaundiced, however the nurses seem to be extremely pleased with her and a late evening text from Rhiain informed us she was back in her normal crib. Leaving at the end of visiting time we drove back to Kingsbury Water Park arriving just after 7:00 pm.

Monday 20^th June 2011

Appointment, appointment and another appointment. We Jenny also caught up with a heap of washing, Jenny we had made a mistake when we were at Elvaston Castle assuming that there was a laundry there, there wasn’t!

Tuesday 21^st June 2011

More appointments today, fasting blood tests at the Health centre, no breakfast before we left, but as is our habit, a delicious “Full English” at “The Causeway”.  Then a visit to the library to return our books before our eye tests appointments at Specsavers, Jenny eyes surprisingly after her appointments at Good Hope on Monday were OK, unfortunately I do need another pair of spectacles, very boringly I am having exactly the same type as I have got now, the difference being I will see further! Michael, Sharon and Charlie spent the afternoon with us, although I left them in the mid afternoon to meet Brother Brian at Powell’s pool in Sutton Coldfield, where he was, with other members of his Model Club, sailing his model yacht. His mate Sid left me “at the helm” of his “Victoria” whilst he made the member’s tea, I made a right “pig’s ear” of it, colliding with another members yacht in the middle of the lake, which resulted in the riggings becoming entangled, eventually both yachts limped back to the pool side and we were able to separate them. Bet I won’t be asked to Captain one again!

Wednesday 22^nd June 2011

A short drive to the storage unit at Tamworth this morning to sort out a few items, as usual we took items we no longer need and conversely bought other items back. This time though we bought back our two suitcases of clothes for a “trying on session”,  good news some items we can now wear now we have both lost weight, other clothes will have to wait a bit longer whilst unfortunately others will be taken to the charity shop. We also were pleased to receive from Christine at Anker Storage a £20 Marks and Spencer voucher for a customer introduction. We decided late morning to visit Rhiain and Kura at the Maternity Hospital in Bristol, so we left at 1:00pm and arrived just before visiting time started at 3:00pm. Both mum and baby are doing well. Leaving at 5:00pm during the “rush hour” we were pleasantly surprised how easy it was to drive through Bristol City centre and onto the M32 urban motorway and we were soon back on the M5 motorway, reaching the camp site at a few minutes after seven, which included stopping at our favourite “Fish n Chip” in Kingsbury for freshly cooked Haddock and Chips.

Thursday 23^rd June 2011

At Lichfield this morning for the results of our “fasting” blood tests, mixed results, both our Cholesterol’s have reduced, however not as low that we would have liked, more exercise and healthy eating required! We had intended to do a “big” shop at Tesco but we are now staying at Kingsbury Water Park at least until next Wednesday so having extended our hire of the car we will do it later next week. We had a short visit from my brother Brian this afternoon he wanted to try his new mountain bike around the country park, he did get some exercise then spoilt it by eating a home-made scone. Michael, Sharon and Charlie came for tea and I enjoyed taking Charlie to the playground and down to the pool to feed the ducks, one piece of bread for the ducks and two for Charlie!

Friday 24^th June 2011

Returned two (significantly lighter) suitcases to our storage unit this morning and while we were there we also had a “sort out” of other items, we have also “lost” a holdall, or is it at Rhiain’s or Michael’s?????  Spent the afternoon “ripping” CD’s to iTunes, still trying to recover all the files and programs to the Laptop after it’s “crash”,  I am still finding I am missing, information, music and other files after almost a month.

Saturday 25^th June 2011

Joined Brian this morning at Huddlesford Junction on the Grand Union Canal to visit the open day of the model boat club of Burton-upon-Trent, but because of the miserable wet morning there didn’t seem to be much to see or enjoy. We didn’t stop long as we wanted to get back to the campsite before the qualifying of the European F1 Grand Prix started on the television.

Sunday 26^th June 2011

Michael came over this morning in the works van to bring our bicycles, think he’s got fed up with them taking up room in his shedJ. Spent the afternoon watching the Grand Prix, unlike the Canadian Grand Prix of 2 weeks ago this one was rather boring, looking forward now to the British Grand Prix at Silverstone in a fortnight’s time.

Monday 27^th June 2011

A short drive this morning to Asda in Tamworth to purchase some BBQ food as Michael, Sharon & Charlie are coming over for lunch. Quite funny when we arrived at the store, we hadn’t got any BBQ coals or lighters so we put them in the trolley first, then I had an idea, why not just buy a disposable BBQ to save cleaning ours? Out went the coals and lighters, in went the disposable BBQ. Jenny then went looking for the BBQ meats, chicken, sausages, etc, I wondered about and spotted the cooked food counter, another idea (yes, two from me in one day). Back went the disposable BBQ, into the trolley went, and ready cooked, BBQ Chicken, Garlic Chicken, Sausages, BBQ Ribs and Potato wedges. Told Michael and Sharon when they arrived that we had pre-cooked it this morning……They didn’t believe us!

Tuesday 28^th June 2011

A relaxed morning. This afternoon I drove to Sutton Coldfield and met Brian at the Sutton Park, Powell’s Pool, where he was sailing his model yachts with the Birmingham Model Yacht Club. Nice to see my nephew Ian had come with his Dad, recovering well after his motorbike accident. We spent the evening with Brian and Linda at their house in Great Barr, Brian very proudly showing me his “boat yard” the extension he had built on his workshop to house his model boat building activities.

Wednesday 29^th June 2011

Appointment’s this afternoon.  Jenny and Ian, a couple we had made friends with when staying at Kingsbury Water Park  last year “popped” in to see us, Unfortunately because of a prior appointment we couldn’t spend a great deal of time with them. Pity I wanted to hear of their adventure’s camping in NZ and Aus’. However as they are taking up an appointment as Assistant Warders at a campsite in Leicestershire we will endeavour to visit them over there in the near future.

Thursday 30^th June 2011

After a final trip to the storage unit this morning at Tamworth to take some “bits & pieces”  we spent the early afternoon cleaning the motorhome, before relaxing reading and listening to music outside in the sun.