Up and Around the Wall

A dry start to the day… and the South Wales Valley looks good, and ready for a days riding. I set off from my base at Gwyncorrweg and rode 6 miles along an old railway track, now a cycle path to Afan visitor centre, and ready to do another Red route ‘Yr Wal’ http://mbwales.com/en/content/cms/Centres/Afan_Forest_Park/The_Wall/The_Wall.aspx , better known by it’s old name ‘The Wall’, at one time reputed to be the best MTB route in Wales, and graded ‘Black’ (Extreme !).

I started by looking round the visitor centre at Afan, where old mining equipment was maintained and exhibited.

Then off and onto the wall …up the side of the valley, deep into the woods, where trees were being cut down and harvested – the sound of chain saws, and trees crashing to the ground was an unusual accompaniment to most of my ride.

The climb, although fairly high was mainly along Forest fire roads, and so reasonable, with occasional technical sections as I went along.

Eventually I got to the top plateau, and having posed for the obligatory photo, started towards the tricky descent… what was to come ?, I soon came across this warning , and no, they weren’t warning about pirates on the trail !

Undeterred I flew down, towards my destiny….the Wall….

I traversed the hillside, with many steep drops alongside to accompany me, although I happily sped along, enjoying myself as I thundered through the woods, and pounded over hard rock and scrub, flying around through the ‘Graveyard’ and around the death defying ‘Wall’, and down to the valley floor below, where I turned left and rode the 6 miles back to my camp, showered….and collapsed !!

The sunny glimpses during the afternoon found me lying around most of the afternoon recovering, and ultimately getting my blog up to date !

So, there we are, the South Wales Valleys, great biking, I shall return, and on my way again tomorrow…sleep tight !

Into the Valleys of the Rhonda

I was up reasonably early for my travels into South Wales – having decided to go home via Wales, and what Mountain Bike trails I could find.

Having left Gerard and the family- Sarah giving me a bumper packed lunch and Lemon Tart, which would last me two days,thanks Sarah !), and stocking up at a nearby Sainsbury's I travelled through Bristol, and across the new Severn Bridge, and having to pay £5-70 to enter Wales (some may wonder whether it’s worth it !?)

I then traversed South Wales passing Newport and Cardiff, and to Afan Forest http://www.afanforestpark.co.uk/ , and park. I went to the second of two centres – Glyncorrweg http://www.forestry.gov.uk/website/recreation.nsf/LUWebDocsByKey/WalesNeathPortTalbotAfanForestParkAfanForestParkGlyncorrwgMountainBikeCentre, where I found the basic campsite – with electric hook up, for the princely sum of £5 per night !, although a shower would cost me £1 extra !

Having got there early afternoon, I decided to have a ride this afternoon, and so decided to go on a Red trail ‘White’s levels’ http://mbwales.com/en/content/cms/Centres/Afan_Forest_Park/Whites_Level/Whites_Level.aspx , which seemed to follow old miners tracks, and rocky tracks uphill or quite some distance (actually 550 mts +), and as I neared the top I was reminded of ?

Who wishes to own up ?

I did get ‘slightly lost for a while, but managed to re-find the trail, with some local help, and continued crashing up, across, and finally down the tortuous Rocky descent 

My wrists were really aching, as I held on for dear life, and the rocks continued to pound at me and the bike, and just as I thought it was easing slightly, I ended up having to cross a long length of boardwalk, with quite severe drops off to one side , Oops ! Then it was back through the trees, and rocks towards the Valley base, and home for the night !

and what a night…. the stars came out in glorious fashion, very little light pollution, clear skies and loads to see…although not for long, bed beckons !

Bank Holiday Travels

A beautiful day in South Devon, as I packed Wally and headed off up North, and to Shrivenham http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrivenham to see Gerard,Sarah,Ethan and Elijah.

I had set off before 10 a.m. and so arrived there shortly after 1 p.m., for an afternoon of ‘Jenga’ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jenga (Ethan was today's ‘Champ’), lunch and a trip to the swimming baths to watch the two little ones have their weekly swimming lessons – Yes, even on a  Bank Holiday.

Then back to their home for a Roast Beef Dinner prepared by Sarah, some glasses of wine, and an ‘early’ish night’ the journey having taken more from me than I thought.

Spluttering Around on the Dart

Up bright and early, on a nice sunny Sunday morning, as me and Dot went to our respective churches in Brixham.

I was slightly disappointed that I wasn’t able to hear the wonderful sermon of the Priest at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church http://www.stellamarisbrixham.org.uk/ , and instead had to listen to a pastoral letter from the bishop !

After mass I had a brief walk around Brixham shops http://www.brixham.com/(that’s all it takes) and meeting Dot after her service had a quick drink and biscuits in the hall with Aubrey ( 81 years, day before) and Eileen ( ?? years 2 days before) -Susan’s Godmother, then it was up the hill for the car, and a dash back, change and across to Kingsweir to go sailing on the River Dart…http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/River_Dart

I was joined on the River by ‘Captain Matt’, and deck hands Phillippa and Jen, for an experience not to be missed. The moorings were extremely busy with lots of yacht crews coming and going, as we got to ‘Lulu’- Lesley and David's latest addition – I’m not sure how it should be described , a flat bottomed boat, with an outboard engine, should be sufficient !

Matt and Jen had already had the morning out on the River, with no incidents reported – if only things stayed the same ! As we weaved our way from the moorings, around what appeared to be quite expensive yachts and motor boats we happily chugged into the body of the River, splashing through the watery waves. The plan was to get up the River to a pub, for a drink, however , best laid plans etc…

The engine started sputtering, and cut out, just after Jen, much to Matt’s surprise said ‘Your Dad says, it keeps cutting out !’. Well, what to do now ? Captain Matt, unflustered calmly restarted the engine, with some deft pulls on the starter cable, and off we continued –right into the centre of the River, as – guess what? – Yes, spluttered out again, and again coaxed into action by Matt, although it sounded worse than before. We continued up River towards our destination, but, after several more ‘splutters’ of inaction Matt,rightly decided to turn around, and try to get back…. easier said than done !

At one stage we had to refuel in mid River, Leslie having thoughtfully provided extra fuel, which seemed to do the trick, as we dodged the car ferry crossing the River, and back towards Kingsweir, passing the Royal Naval College http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/operations-and-support/establishments/training-establishments/brnc-dartmouth/ , and several Navy ships .

Captain Matt safely brought us to shore, and as we speedily walked up the hill to Leslies, we realised we were ‘just’ in time ( surprise, surprise) , to watch Manchester United thrash Arsenal 8 (yes EIGHT) –2, what a result ,and a great start to the season, especially as we overtook Manchester City ! (as usual)

Then it was back to Dot’s for a quiet dinner, and watching spy thrillers on the television !

My sojourn in Devon was at an end, and further travels beckoned….thanks everyone !

Fireworks Ahoy !

What a start to the day…. Tea and toast (with chunky marmalade) in bed, at a leisurely 8-30 a.m., shortly afterwards followed by TWO newspapers…. this is the life ! (thanks Dot !)

However, we couldn’t stay in all day, and were soon out into Brixham, and a great lunch, in amongst the jet set (and a wedding party) at the Berry Head Hotel http://www.berryheadhotel.com/, followed by a bracing walk up and over Berry Head, looking out across the still waters, and the birds wheeling up and over us.http://www.berryhead.org.uk/

After that it was back to Dots for Devon cream tea’s and a light dinner, before it was back to Lesley’s at Kingsweir for the big firework display from Dartmouth Regatta.

Promptly at 9 p.m. the sky was lit up with all differing Fireworks…

 

 

 

 

 

…and once again back for an early’ish night.

In Dartmouth for the Regatta

When we eventually surfaced mid morning, after a late night, we were soon off to the local garden centre, and I was introduced to the full ‘Farmers’ for Breakfast , including Hog’s pudding…(white pudding, I would normally call it), a great filler for the day.

Then it was off and across to Kingsweir, to park the car and meet up with Leslie for a trip along the River Dart, and ultimately across it, and into Dartmouth…. very busy, with the hordes in for the Regattahttp://www.dartmouthregatta.co.uk/  – although there were probably fewer there than usual, as the star attraction the Red Arrows http://www.raf.mod.uk/reds/ would not be flying, due to the recent crash of one of their planes, and death of a pilot.

Still, there was plenty going on, in reasonable weather, with rain threatening, but dry as we walked…I even did some shopping- purchasing some slippers for use inside ‘Wally’ (and not for publication!), cider champagne and some very startling (and half price shoes- guess what colour!).

Then it was back across the River to Kingsweir, and Leslies home, by now the rain had started, and we were getting soaked, although we were rescued by Matthew (in my old car), and driven up to the top of the hill.

There we were properly introduced (or I was ) to Willow Honor Searle, recently born and her mother Hayley (who’s wedding I had been at last year, see 2010 blog) 

As you can see, I’ve not lost the touch, and she was soon smiling with me !

Then it was a quick dash outside to see a Tocano aeroplane doing somersaults and aerobatics over the River Dart, and which we were afforded a superb view of, being in the ‘Danger Zone’ !

Then, back inside for a lovely dinner, and home to Dot’s for an ‘early’ish’ night, worn out ! Good night …

Ants doesn’t look 50……but he used to !!

 

Journeys start in funny ways, mine started by travelling from home to Bolton, on a beautiful afternoon to collect Dot, the beloved MIL, from Andrews, and after a pleasant afternoon in Bolton sunshine (yes, and in summer as well !),and dinner, we set off for the big city, arriving in Levenshulme, to that famous function venue M19 http://www.m19bar.com/ , to celebrate my brother Anthony's (now known as ‘Tony H’) 50th Birthday,famous for his founding of YGG http://www.stbedescollege.co.uk/news/2008/03/young-gifted-and-green-irish-night and their wonderful charity events which have raised thousands of £’s for local charities. 

Who Who would have thought ?, from these humble beginnings on the streets of Levenshulme, Manchester, we could all end up here….. Levenshulme !,not 200 yards from where this picture was taken almost 50 years ago !

All the clan were there, anxiously awaiting my ‘mystery guest’ to be greeted by Dot !, that fooled them! However I couldn’t stay too long as a journey to the South East of England awaited, and after the Birthday boy made his speech….We were off, me, Wally and Dot, heading for the coast of Brixham , Devon, 5 hours drive away. A reasonable journey saw us arriving in Brixham just before 3 a.m. !- …and a quick drink, and bed !

Summers Nearly Over…time to get going again !

Well, I’ve been home for two months, although not at home all the time.

I’ve managed to watch all the Tour de France, from the comfort of my living room.

Been to Otley for a night under the stars to watch Joe Wilkins, famous actor, in ‘Midsummer Nights Dream, in which ,incidentally he acted brilliantly, the best yet – he’s got to be ‘discovered’ soon, and then there’ll be no stopping him! http://www.digyorkshire.com/EventListing.aspx?event=61889&pdate=15/07/2011&tickets=show&name=Midsummer+Night&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1

Hosted son Joseph and Nicola, on a brief stop from New York, and a great curry at the ‘Simply Indian’ restaurant in New Mills

Had a few days in Wales, where I went from the sublime, climbing Snowdon via Crib Goch, on what must have been one of the hottest days of the summer, to the ridiculous, swimming in the sea of Cardigan Bay, lovely warm water, and lots of fishes swimming around me !

Had my two little Grandchildren Tristan and Lincoln,on various occasions, adventuring in Lyme Park, climbing Lantern Pike, and swimming in NM pool.

Had a quick visit to Ireland for the funeral of Patricia Basquille, RIP, sister to my SIL Mary, and stopping in the palatial surroundings (!) of Ballycong.

and, last ,but certainly not least, welcoming my son and his family back from Germany to Shrivenham, Wiltshire, as Gerard got promoted to Major !,what an achievement, topping his (very proud)Dad. I did manage to get to Wiltshire to see Gerard,Sarah,Ethan and Elijah, and properly welcome them back to the UK.

I’ve also managed to get the odd bit of biking in,stopped on the top of hills for the Perseids meteor showers http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perseids…and having fun.

So, now time to get ‘Wally’ ready for the Road, and start my Autumn travels, which will last until……I come home !

Come and join me on the journey !!

Don’t forget,comments always Welcome !!