Sunset South Wales

Coming home to South Wales is always special. It comes from living in Cumbria away from your home and family. Although attached to Cumbria as a county nothing beats the feeling of driving past the sign 'Croeso i Gymru' to feel comforted that you are back where you belong! This September weekend was one to forget and remember.When family members die the experience is very different when 320miles away from the comfort of Wales and family!

We were home to comfort family for the loss of Bren on the Monday. Bren was H's auntie who had lived with H's parents for the past 30 years. She was the person who always knew the weather, football scores and what the neighbours were up to ! You could set your watch by her routine and if you tried to deviate her from this you were for it!!

The spectacular sunset was what was needed to comfort saddened hearts which were tested further when news of Gramps dieing filtered through that morning. What was going on ?

The beach was always a great place for reflection and it was a given that this would be the place to ask the usual questions about life and death and everything else that runs through your mind during desperate times. It was also a photographers dream when conditions were as they were.



It is always said that a sunset represents the end of something and this was certainly the case as we all came to terms with two family losses in a week. The lone surfer did not realise how useful he was in creating a set of pictures that would comfort us at such a sad time.

The view over to Porthcawl pier was outstanding and captured all the beauty that the South Wales coast has to offer. It was a time where you wanted time to stand still to ensure that every moment was savoured and remembered.

If you do believe that there is life after death then you would have thought that the sunset was planned by those who had gone for those who were left!

It is true what they say, you can take the girls out of Wales but you can't take the Wales out of the girls!

Dedicated to Bren and Gramps

Arisaig and North Lismore Sea Kayaking

The weather was fantastic and conditions perfect for the first outing in the new boat. The plan was to paddle two of the trips given in the scottish sea kayaking book around the skerries at Arisaig and the second being Castle Stalker and North Lismore.

We had invested in a Tahe Marine Reval Duo courtesy of excellent service from Brockbank Carlisle .

Day 1

We camped at Glen Nevis which was about an 1 hour away from Arisaig. The new road link and fantastic scenary make it a very enjoyable journey! We launched just around the corner from Arisaig on a lovely white sandy beach.

Very excited to try out the new machine it was not long before we were effortlessly paddling around the headland towards the skerries. The Isle of Eigg was visable throughout the trip and looked magnificant.

The tidal flow was negligable and so we had plenty of time to explore. We went past numerous nosy seals !
The tide was on its way out and it started to reveal the secret beneath ! White sandy beaches and complete solitude ! (apart from the seals!)

The boat was running so smooth through the waveless water and we were loving it! It was soon time to bid the seals goodbye and head for a lunch spot. In typical scottish fashion the weather was about to change with a squall ahead! The outer skerries was the guides recommendation for a lunch spot. We quickly nestled under the storm shelter and braved the weather happily eating and discussing the mornings adventure.

The weather soon past and we were back on our way towards Arisaig and its harbour. First there was more exploring of the skerries to do. The sea life was rich and so clear. The white sandy beaches were just beckoning for exploration. It was a photographers dream !
Back in the boat we headed for Arisaig harbour. The scenary was fantastic all the way in and conditions were perfect, although we both agreed that we would look forward to a bit of chop to see what the boat could really do !!


As we made our way through the moored boats we found ourselves bouncing our paddles off a field of moon jellyfish. It was incredible and quite unnerving !

Discussing how brave we were soon was put to an end once we had googled the sea creatures to find that they would not kill us like other jellyfish, still I would not like to take a swim amongst them or receive one on the face from H's paddle!!

We soon left the harbour spotting more seals as we made our way back around the headland to out secret white sandy beach. We had both agreed that there are some days that you will savour forever and this was certainly one of them !

Day 2

The second trip was around the Island of Shuna to North Lismore and visit Castle Stalker on the way home.

The launch point was a layby on the A828, right on Loch Linnhe. The island of Shuna was clearly visable and the weather was again fantastic. We loaded up the sea kayak with the traditional stove, soup and tea and took off on yet another scottish sea kayaking adventure! As we around the tip of the island we encountered hundreds of moon jellyfish, H was convinced they were following us! The scenary was mind blowing, the loch hemmed in by numerous imposing munros.
Once Shuna had been explored and the remains of the castle on the south side visited we headed for Port Ramsay on the Northern tip of Lismore. 2 weeks earlier we were watching the Lismore lighthouse from the Calmac Ferry to Mull. The lunch spot was perfect, great views back down the loch and the safety of the inner harbour. It was time to put the kettle on.




Having satisfied the Welsh need for a cuppa it was time to head across to Castle Stalker. The views on the way up were clear and interesting, especially the little observatory/ lighthouse that we decided to check out.

Castle Stalker was the main attaction on this route. Having had a lovely tea and scone in the cafe overlooking the castle earlier in the year we were determined to look the non tourist way next time! And so to the castle and yet again a perfect place for a cuppa !!


Having circumnavigated it several times to get numerous photos we headed back to the layby. On reflection the sea kayaking and the weather was perfect all weekend. We always believe that an outdoor adventure in Scotland never disappoints !

(for more pics on this trip check out http://www.flickr.com/photos/kathel-creations/sets/72157619780688380/)

Ben More on the Isle of Mull

We caught the 22.30 Calmac ferry from Oban to Craignure. Getting this ferry at this time of night guarantees the most fantastic of sunsets. After a stressful week in work there is no better release and reminder about what life is really about!

After the hour to Fidden Farm we jumped in the back of the van for a well deserved nights sleep. This was less eventful than last time when I was wrestling with the tent in the sea breeze! Once again we awoke to the most amazing view of turquoise seas and white sand.

The plan for the weekend was to circumnavigate Iona by Sea Kayak and climb Ben More for a spot of 'Munro Bagging'. The weather had other ideas. We decided to go for Ben More and hope that the weather improved for the next day.
We decided to park at the finishing point in the Cicerone guide to walking the Munros. This has to be one of the best guide books I have used in terms of clarity and accuracy. A short walk along the road it wasn't long before the ascent began.



The views out towards the Treshnish Isles were spectacular and well worth the effort. The wind was blowing quite strong at this point and the idea of scrambling the east ridge became an exciting prospect! Once on the ridge the route was clear and very enjoyable.



This was a walk with a quality 360 degree view throughout. The last scramble section became more exciting and route choice was interesting! The views took our minds off the constant howl of the wind. Compared to the tourist path which we descended, this was like being on a different mountain.

At the top we were rewarded with an even better view. As we had left late it was early evening when we topped out.

The descent was down the ever popular tourist route yet for the whole walk we saw no one. We had had the mountain and views to ourselves. This is definitely a walk to do again if given the chance. This for me epitomised why I like to climb mountains.

Fell Running Fun

Pen Y Fan

Ascent: 530m

Miles: 5

Going home always starts with the same ordeal, M6 traffic from Cumbria to South Wales! It was in the queue that I had the urge to run up Pen Y Fan the highest mountain in the Brecon Beacons. H agreed that this would be good to blow out the Saturday morning cobwebs. It was then time to convince Neil (my brother). So after much selling it was a 9am pick up to avoid the crowds up the most popular mountain in South Wales. The ascent was more tough as you could see the path all the way up.



A small respite on the ridge before tackling some steep rock steps. Then on to the summit. It was quite busy already on the mountain and this meant lots of words of encouragement and looks of 'you must be mad!'. Standing on the summit was unreal, a feeling of personal accomplishment!



After admiring the view it was time to descend. Back at the car all decided that it was well worth the effort! Bring on the next one!

CatBells and Maiden Moor

Ascent: 1032m

Miles: 10 miles

This was a last minute Sunday afternoon decision. I have always wanted to run CatBells as the view is always stunning from that side of the Lakes. We started at Portinscale for a warm up before hitting the first fell. H did not listen to the distance or ascent figures until she asked getting out of the car, this prompted her not speaking to me until we hit Catbells!



The ascent was steep but you gained height quickly. The view over Keswick and Derwent water was stunning and well worth the effort. Soon we hit the top and spent time admiring the view.



It was then time to head for Maiden Moor. A small section of descent followed by gentle ascent.



Just before the top we decided to drop off the side and explore the steep grassy slope! It wasn't long before we were on the Lake path on the way home. Legs were starting to feel tired now and we still had a fair distance back!

back at the car we were buzzing! 3 hours of great views and physical challenge were an excellent way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Blencathra

Ascent: 687m
Miles: 5.5m

It was decided that Blencathra would be the target after a weekend of work. We decided to go the scenic route to Scales Tarn and tackle the steep side to the summit. The first stage was Mousthwaite Comb.

After encouragement from the groups on their way up it wasn't long before we topped out on the comb. Scales Tarn was the next target. A welcomed relief along the valley.

The ascent to the top was steep from the tarn. Again the view was well worth effort. Getting to the summit is always a great part of the run.

After the usual team pic it was time to descend. A great run and excellent views, just what is needed after a weekend of work!

Sea Kayaking Mull

We left work at 4pm and made our way for the Ferry at Oban. It was a special day for H turning 30! We celebrated with a meal at the Inn at Inverbeg on the way up. The steak is worth every penny!

After a great meal we headed for Oban to catch the 22.30 ferry. This was a great time to sail with the sun setting over Oban and the small Isles. We boarded the Caledonian Macbrayne ferry heading for Craignure on the Isle of Mull.

40 minutes later we were driving the single track roads to Fidden Farm campsite on the Ross of Mull. We were greeted with a fairly strong coastal wind which did not help putting the tent up! As it was H's birthday and she was suffering from severe sun burn she elected to stay in the van and laugh at me and my Dad holding on for dear life to the tent! Soon it was off to bed at 1.00. Learning about the golden hours of light off Colin Prior I could not resist setting the alarm for a 4.00 shoot. So I did and it was totally worth it!

Back to bed for a couple of hours hoping the wind would drop for our paddle. After breakfast it was time to assess. Having ordered a double sea kayak it had not arrived in time for the trip so we were in singles. H elected to take the ferry across to Iona not fancying the trip in a force 4-5. So it was me and my Dad to brave the crossing to the Abbey. It was fun!

Once across the other side we put on our tourist clothes and had a guided tour around the Abbey. Although not religious I felt that there was something special about this place. The history of St Columba is fascinating. Soon it was time to head back to the campsite. Surfing all the way wind against tide! Back at the campsite the rain visited, so it was tea then off to bed to catch up from my early morning shoot. Dad was very proud of his shelter that proved invaluable when cooking tea in the rain!

When we awoke from our evening siesta we could not believe the conditions or the view. H was itching to go for a paddle so we decided to visit the southern tip of Iona for the sunset.

We were not disappointed. I decided to take the DSLR on land for a view over the western side of Iona only to find myself lost with fading light! The picture was worth it ! We made our way back under moon light, marks and head torch light. It was an experience to remember!

It had been one of those days you live for! In the morning it was time to visit Tinkers Hole. A popular mooring place for any sailor in these waters.

Dad decided to do a bit of fishing and as usual caught nothing. The sun was beating down so me and H made the most of it!

Soon it was time to head back to pack up and catch the ferry at 17.00 from Craignure. Dad had fond memories of the chocolate cake at Duart Castle so we had to visit! A cup of tea and cake later we headed for the ferry home.

On the ferry we all agreed that Mull would hold many adventures in the future.

Dedicated to H and her milestone of a birthday!