Steve & Rosemary Blasdale

Portmeirion in Winter

Posted on November 13, 2023 by SteveJanuary 7, 2024

13th November 2023

We embarked on another winter adventure, returning to the charming Portmeirion Hotel. The food is delicious, the scenery stunning, and there’s always something new to discover. While I dream of seeing the gardens in bloom or catching a ride on the mountain railway, a winter visit offers its own unique charm.

Our journey began with a quick lunch and “splash and dash” charge (electric vehicle top-up) at Tesco in Welshpool. Next stop: Porthmadog, where we parked at Tesco again for a slower, cheaper than the hotel charge. We explored the town, browsed charity shops, and enjoyed tea and cake at the Portmeirion Kitchen Shop. A visit to the Purple Moose Brewery is definitely on the list for next time!

Reaching the hotel, we checked in at Castell Deudraeth and drove to the residents’ parking. I wanted a full charge for a later outing, which slightly delayed the porter (who doesn’t love an extra task?). To my surprise, I ended up helping other residents who weren’t as prepared with charging apps as I was!

Our room, Neptune 1, felt familiar and comforting – a first for us to stay in the same room twice. That evening, we savoured a fantastic meal at the Portmeirion Hotel.

The next day, we spent the morning wandering the extensive gardens and woods – a full day adventure if you wish. In the evening, we opted for dinner at Castell Deudraeth. A buggy ride sounded tempting, but we chose to walk along the lit pathways. The roaring fire in the foyer and another excellent meal warmed us from the inside out. As we strolled back to our room under a star-studded sky, the silence and peacefulness were blissful. Who says it always rains in Wales? Despite the gloomy forecast, we were blessed with sunshine and barely a drop of rain.

Exploring the surrounding area was our plan for the third day. Blaenau Ffestiniog and Cwmorthin Waterfall were first on the list. But upon arrival, a sea of school buses and excited children convinced us to find a quieter spot. Undeterred, we attempted another waterfall, only to encounter even narrower roads. Zip World and the slate mines, promised as being open on their website, remained frustratingly closed with only a handwritten note on the actual door (several hundred yards from the entrance). Pah!

Seeking sustenance and local charm, we found ourselves at the Lakeside Cafe, bustling with friendly locals and a few tourists. Their delicious soup and bread hit the spot. Apparently, a walk to the waterfalls is possible from here, though parking for the waterfalls was forbidden.

Our afternoon drive was a scenic treat, taking us through Betws-y-Coed (outdoor gear galore!), Capel Curig, Beddgelert, Porthmadog, and back to Portmeirion. The sun peeking through the clouds cast a magical light on the extremely cold landscape.

Back at the hotel, we enjoyed a final delicious meal before charging the car for the journey home. The drive was uneventful, except for a free charge at a Starbucks in West Bromwich! My card wouldn’t work, and a kind man rescued me from my embarrassment. It turned out he was from IONITY and was maintaining the chargers.

Our winter escape to Portmeirion was a delightful mix of familiar comfort, unexpected challenges, and stunning scenery. It’s a reminder that even the “off-season” holds its own unique beauty and adventures. Until next time, Portmeirion!

Red Kite Taking a Bath

Posted on October 30, 2023 by SteveDecember 9, 2023

30th October 2023

With its rufous body, angled wings and forked tail, this majestic raptor is easy to identify. I was lucky enough to spot this Red Kite in our field, doing something unusual. It was splashing in a puddle, bathing itself. It stayed there long enough for me to grab my camera and capture its image and a short video.

Southwold

Posted on October 24, 2023 by SteveJanuary 7, 2024

24th October 2023

My birthday was on the horizon, campsite had been booked, and Rosemary had been working behind the scenes organising a surprise or two for me. We then had rain, and the rain fell heavily in Norfolk and Suffolk as Storm Babet passed through. Sure enough, we received the expected call from the campsite to say our pitch was flooded. A little hasty reorganisation, and we booked a hotel for a couple of nights. The Blyth.

We set off for Southwold, making one stop at Diss to charge the car, not really needed, but if we wanted to use the car for an outing, then better safe than sorry. We arrived in Southwold, parked the car at the hotel and walked into the centre. We had a lighthouse tour booked. This was the first time in several years that tours were on offer. Adnams brewery ran the tours. We asked why, the guide said because they had the guiding resource, it had been agreed by Trinity House they could run the tours. Not surprising really, as Adnams seems to own pretty much all of Southwold.

Southwold Lighthouse was inaugurated in 1890. Since then, it has stood witness to the evolution of technology. Originally equipped with an oil lamp system, it was then modernized with electric lights with the bulbs changing over the years from filament lamps to halogen lamps and metal halide lamps. Those ended up being unreliable and a new solution was sought. Step in MSM, which provided a new light based on their MFR LED reflector, custom-made according to the specifications given by Trinity House. Its light source is composed of high-efficiency acrylic reflectors with dioptric and catadioptric elements and high intensity LED diodes, with an average life of 100,000 hours.

From near the top of the lighthouse, there were good views of Southwold itself, wind farms and Sizewell. The campsite was in full view and there appeared to be many vans parked there. Mmmm??

After the tour, we checked into the hotel, and then I went for a short walk out to the pier, and then up the north shore.

We had a small room at the top of the hotel, rather rotting windows that would not close completely, and a toilet that required a knack to flush which R never grasped.

We met up with Phil and Selina (my surpise; the other surprise being friends joining us at the campsite, but that didn’t come off obviously), they were staying in The Swan, a much more salubrious hotel where my grandmother and Great Aunt Hetty used to stay. It was here we were going to have my birthday lunch the next day. We had a drink with them at the Swan. They nobly arrived with a plate of birthday sweeties the hotel had placed in their room, thinking they were the birthday guests. After a drink, we headed out on our own for a meal; they were booked for dinner, bed & breakfast. We had spotted a nice-looking restaurant called Coasters. We should have booked, because as we walked up to it, we spied a piece of paper in the window saying, “Fully Booked'” Damn. I suggested the Sail Loft, so we headed off to that. Thankfully, as we later discovered, we were waylaid by the Red Lion and popped in there for supper. Excellent choice of good pub grub.

The next day, breakfast in the hotel and then we drove over to Covehithe to see the church and walk to the coast. The Covehithe church is a small church in the ruins of a larger older one. Some of the walls and bell tower of the original church are still used. We then walked down to Covehithe beach where there were a few people exercising their pooches. There is a small stretch of water separated from the sea by sand. Some interesting tree stumps and driftwood.

Driving back, we drove through a flooded road. We had noticed the amount of sand on the local roads, the result of Storm Babet washing off the light soil from the fields.

Back in Southwold, we dressed for lunch and met up with Phil and Selina in The Swan. A lovely lunch was eaten. We bade the others goodbye (bet they went to their room for a snooze) then had a walk to the view campsite, and decided we could probably have camped there. East Suffolk Council was being a tad too risk adverse. But the Sail Loft pub was closed, due to floods. We thought probably in the kitchen which is at the rear nearer the marshes. Walked back along the beach on a lovely starlit evening and back to the hotel.

We again met up with S&P in the evening for a drink. When the waiter came to take their dinner orders, he joked that they probably wouldn’t want much after lunch! He was correct. and we too weren’t that hungry!

The next day we checked out and drove home, stopping at Scole for a small charge, and then Ickworh House for a quick look, and lunch. The place was heaving with people, and we had to park in the reserve car park. I suddenly realised I had something rather large in my pocket. Oh. The hotel room key. Thankfully the restaurant there is well organised. We ate outside, it was so warm and dry in the sun. he next day we posted back the room key, having phoned to apologize for taking it away.

Stowe Gardens

Posted on October 17, 2023 by SteveDecember 31, 2023

17th October 2023

Wanting to escape the boredom of same-old, same-old days, R and I have embarked on a self-proclaimed “Odyssey.” Every week, we vow to venture out, taking turns in choosing our destination. Last week, we meandered through the tranquil hues of College Lake in Tring. This week, our second expedition on this self-imposed odyssey, we went to the grand expanse of the National Trust’s Stowe Gardens. (Usually, Stowe beckons us in early spring to view Snowdrops, but this year, that season had slipped through our fingers.)

A brisk stroll led us around the lake, past the imposing house (now a private school), viewing poignant poppy decorations, each a silent tribute to fallen soldiers in conflicts past, as well as large silhouettes of soldiers standing stoic as stark reminders of sacrifice and valour. Our exploration complete, we sought the NT cafe for lunch.

The Soggy Symphony: A Wetland Awakening

Posted on October 12, 2023 by SteveDecember 31, 2023

18th October 2023

The relentless drizzle had transformed our field into a patchwork of glistening puddles. Few green blades of grass, just grey puddles reflecting the leaden sky. A new habitat perhaps?

Drawn by the waters, flocks of starlings arrived, their speckled plumage gleaming against the grey backdrop. They alighted with a flurry of wings onto the makeshift islands, their chatter livening up the drabness. Their beady eyes darted, scanning the water’s surface for morsels, their movements a blur of avian industry.

But the stars of this soggy symphony were the Egrets and Grey Herons. Tall and elegant, they stalked the flooded fields with an air of regal entitlement. Their long, sinuous necks dipped and probed, their sharp beaks spearing unsuspecting invertebrates from the murky depths. Each successful strike elicited a guttural croak, a triumphant fanfare echoing through the wet air.

Their movements were almost balletic. The Egrets, poised and delicate, walked across the water, their snowy plumage a stark contrast to the muddy green canvas. The Grey Herons, larger and more imposing, waded with measured steps, their piercing yellow eyes missing nothing.

This soggy interlude, born from the whims of the weather, has transformed our familiar field into a vibrant wetland teeming with life. It was a reminder that even the most mundane corners have the potential for unexpected beauty.

BBOWT College Lake Tring

Posted on October 10, 2023 by SteveDecember 12, 2023

10th October 2023

The College Lake, near Tring, but in Buckinghamshire, serves as the flagship location for the Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT), of which we are members. Apparently, the acquisition of this quarry by BBOWT is steeped in historical significance. Originally a working chalk quarry, the site underwent transformation in the mid-20th century into a nature reserve due to the collective efforts of conservationists and the local community. This shift from industrial use to a conservation area marked a pivotal moment in the history of BBOWT, signifying their dedication to preserving natural habitats and fostering biodiversity.

Returning from our holiday in France, we intended to make Tuesdays special with an outing. Our first visit would be to College Lake, an attraction long overlooked despite our longstanding membership and support of BBOWT. The day boasted ideal conditions—abundant sunshine and warmth—perfect for a leisurely walk around the lake, an exploration chosen for its length, preceding a well-deserved lunch break.

The trail predominantly comprises cement pathways, ensuring accessibility even during soggy weather in the winter months. However, the paths unfortunately veer away from the lake’s edge, posing challenges for wildlife observation and photography. Though hides offering closer proximity to potential wader sightings were present, the allure of lunch prompted a deferment of this exploration.

On the far side of the lake stood a collection of antiquated farming machinery, serving as an intriguing interlude during the walk.

Upon our return to the BBOWT shop, we had lunch outdoors.

French Camping 2023, Day 28

Posted on September 26, 2023 by SteveNovember 7, 2023

26th September 2023

We headed on home, stopping at Reimes, just off the toll road at an Leclerc. Here we bought some Ricard. It was a huge shop, but strangely not that well stocked, and difficult to find items. Wine appeared to be in three different places. One drink we never saw on the shelves during the whole holiday was Campari. Don’t the French drink Negronis?

Topped up the diesel, didn’t think I would make it home, it was 1.92 a litre. The days of cheaper fuel in France are gone.

Back on the road again, and to the chunnel. Check in was quick, ran to the duty free, purchased some Cointreau and Jack Daniels, making use of Boris Johnsons world beating duty free allowances.

Then French Customs, 3 minutes wait in queue. The French officers spent more time chatting amongst themselves and showing each other social media shots on their phones, than stamping the passports.

Then it was the English passports, a five-minute wait, we seemed to have hit a shift change.

Then a little wait to load and we were off. So convenient and quick. There is no other way I will travel across the channel. I must take the Polestar to France one day. There are so many chargers on the autoroutes.

Back in England, even the dreaded Blackwall tunnel crossing failed to delay us for long, yes, we had to stop but it was a pretty good trip home. The rest of the nNorthern M25 failed to delay us. 70 all the way around, except for a small section where a car had been stranded on the verge.

All in all a pretty perfect trip today.

French Camping 2023, Day 27 Camping Nature

Posted on September 25, 2023 by SteveNovember 7, 2023

25th September 2023

Another sunny day, just wish the nights were a little warmer. The site is well shaded by trees, so ideal for a hot sunny day. The trouble is at this time of year you need as much sun as possible. We didn’t get the sun until quite late, so breakfast was a little chilly. The afternoon was better, we were in the sun for this. As evening came around the sun also started to be hidden by hedges.

In the morning we walked up the canal in the opposite direction to the lock. They were working on it. Was this the reason the water was low in the canal?

We checked out of the campsite and took down the awning (shed). I pumped the air out of the struts, and with a lovely dry canvas was able to get the awning into its bag and was even able to do up the compression straps, and tighten them by several inches. A real success.

French Camping 2023, Day 26 Camping Nature

Posted on September 24, 2023 by SteveNovember 7, 2023

24 September 2023

Another lovely day.

We wished our daughter a very happy birthday

The English couple left today, the German woman on her own was going South, she was interested in Flamingos, so we suggested Saint Maries. She wondered if the poor tabby cat had had his tail trimmed in the French poodle style. R not amused.

a red VW campervan turned up with a v clever registration> One of the owners said it was an easy one to remember.

We walked along the canal in the morning, much more traffic today, quite a few out on their Sunday constitutionals. Though why have music blaring as you cycle along the path? We walked to the grain silo, and then back by the road to home. On the road back we passed a new poplar tree plantation, maize and sorghum.

In the afternoon I went for a walk to the campsite lake, spent a little time snoozing in the sun, and then played with the camera. I experimented with photo stacking for different focus points. Eventually that worked out so I was able to take some reasonable flower shots which were in focus.

Walked back up to the campsite, passing the football site.

Lovely evening with blue sky and vapour trains. The sparrows were in full volume, and some bats came out to play.

Some Germans arrived in their van after dark at 20.38, directed in by R.

Tonight’s dinner was green beans, sausages, tomato and onion, and a bottle of fizzy pink.

French Camping 2023, Day 25 Camping Nature

Posted on September 23, 2023 by SteveNovember 5, 2023

23 September 2023

Rather chilly during the night, Winter is definitely on its way. Today looks to be a gorgeous day. The weather managed a very short shower before we left the campsite. Various other campers, including an English couple, were walking or cycling to the nearest large village for the market. We ambled over to the lakes. Much more formal now, signs prohibiting non campers’ entry to them. The lake division had been completed, and there were fences not allowing further access to the next lake.

We wandered around the grassy areas. Plenty of wildflowers and weeds, the little grass there was short. Not many birds around other than a couple of swans arguing and flying between the ponds. Plenty of insect life which we photographed.

Back to the tent for lunch, then I took a walk to the nearby village to visit a supermarket. Lovely walk along the canal side, saw a few bikes going either way. Excellent cycling path, so smooth. The canal was very low in water. Seeing the grain silo on the bank side, it does seem the canal is still used for commercial traffic.

I found the supermarket and purchased the next three days of provisions. Hopefully, the ample supply of not-French-baguette type sliced bread will last longer.

Walked back by the road instead of the canal which was slightly shorter. On my 30-minute walk, I was passed by only three cars.

Campsite was a bit fuller today, Rosemary narrated about the German couple who came, used the toilets and one had a shower and then they left after lecturing her about the cold shower water. She showed them how to turn it to hot.

Thankfully the Dutch couple who pitched nearby were much nicer. Turned out they had worked in Kenya in the 70s. They had a BMW car towing a very cute old caravan. It was more than 60 years old, had a popup roof with bright orange canvas. They said it was so hard to find replacement canvas of the same color. R had a tour of it, while the chap tried out his Swahili on me.

After supper we took a short walk around the village. Some nice areas, but also derelict buildings around by the church. Looks like a proper renovation will be happening there some time.