Click here to sign up to our mailing list!

Saturday 29 June 2024

29 June Back to England

After breakfast I did my final bits of sorting, emptying the fridge and turning everything off (gas, electric and water) before packing up Rolo. This included 2 hoovers! Mum's hoover is running out of oomph so I thought I'd bring the ones I have in the van to see if they can help out. When I do my Mrs Hinch tomorrow I'll let you know.

As I hadn't planned to get to Mum and Dad's until the afternoon I decided on a retail therapy stop in Aberystwyth. It made a nice break and I managed to pick up a few things for the van - a new duster mop!!! (Don't get too excited. I'm not going to suddenly turn into a domestic goddess, I just thought anything to make my life easier is a benefit 😃).

A new addition to the milk dispenser which has been in Aberystwyth for a while. Now eggs!!

Before having a spot of lunch I had a walk down the prom. Not a particularly pretty beach but I'm sure it's well used by the university students when the sun is out.

After a pleasant drive along mountain sides, over hills and mostly under 50mph (as the speed limit in Wales fluctuates, it was mainly between 20-50mph for most of the trip with the occasional 60mph splurge), I arrived at Mum and Dad's. Just in time for tea so that was well timed.

With the evening still young and fairly warm Mum and I took the dogs for a walk out the back. Unusually the field is growing mayflowers and clover instead of the usual crops. Possibly to revitalise the soil with nutrients from the plants. It won't be mown until July so currently the walk is through the undergrowth. However the New Zealand crew have managed to create a bit of a path after their recent walks which helps.

Mum led the way as it's not very obvious where the footpath goes in the undergrowth. A bit like a secret garden or a maze.

This evening we've been getting down with the youth and watching/listening to Glastonbury. I've been sat in the conservatory putting the crochet project together whilst listening as Mum has been watching it on the TV. If this project doesn't work out it can be made into a blanket. Still a bit of a way to go but I hopefully should get it completed tomorrow in between my hoovering 😃.

Friday 28 June 2024

28 June Leaping Dolphins

A great dolphin spotting day today and the coffee machine in the Owners Lounge, that's been waiting for parts since I arrived, is now at least partially working (more parts needed!).

Anyway with a cloudy start to the day I thought about putting on a thicker jumper but decided against it as I always warm up. It did! With quite a few walkers out I ended up giving directions to join the the coastal path a few times and there was plenty of chat about the weather (well we're a country renowned for discussing our cloud conditions and heat - too hot or too cold 😃).

First stop today was the Memorial Hall as it hosts a small craft market and refreshments. I had popped into the OL to see if the coffee machine had been fixed on my way by, but at that point it still had an 'out of order' sign on it. 

I had thought about grabbing a coffee there but decided to wait until I got down by the harbour for a cuppa. And just as well I did.

I tried out Giovanni's for my coffee as there were vacant seats by the wall in the sunshine overlooking the other beach which is outside the harbour. The sea looked a bit choppy with breaking waves and the tour boats were definitely a bumpy ride (not my sort of enjoyment 🤢). 

It was a brilliant spot as after a few minutes there were dolphins jumping and leaping.  About 6 performing for the on lookers. They were obviously in a happy mood as they were all frolicking about for a good 15 minutes - I made my coffee last to keep my viewing spot. They could still be jumping about now but I decided to head back up the hill passing a very green looking lady with her young family. On telling them that the dolphins were jumping she nodded and said in hindsight she'd have been better enjoying a coffee on the harbour wall - they'd just come off a dolphin spotting trip!! 

From chatting to a local I found out that the Aberaeron sea defences will take 2 years to finish with the big rocks needed for it's build being shipped from Argentina! She was telling me how in the winter months that the houses on the front have waves coming over them when there's a high tide and strong winds. I suppose when I'm here it's always idyllic so I'm totally oblivious to what it can be like in the harsher months.


After stopping off to read the papers in the OL I found the coffee machine back in action. Yippee! Then I took the beach route, but only half way back as it was high tide. The pebbly route is a bit more cumbersome and not as scenic. Because you only look at your feet to make sure you don't trip over! The remaining bit was on the country road.

This afternoon was pretty quiet spent back at the van. Getting myself ready as I'm off tomorrow to see Mum and Dad for a few days en route to Scotland. With a change in weather coming I think it's going to be a bit different to what we've had here the last few days. It'll be back to a normal British summer 😃. Jumpers at the ready!


Thursday 27 June 2024

27 June Out to Aberaeron

I thought I'd have a bit of a change this morning and took Rolo out for a spin to Aberaeron just down the coast.

It was quite warm as I headed off but on arriving at Aberaeron there was quite a westerly breeze coming straight up the harbour. So I had to put on another layer against the chill, as I went for a potter.

The footbridge was closed today which I thought was a bit odd. But I soon found out why.

The inner harbour has been dried out and is being used to store materials for new flood defences and extension of the harbour wall.

The wall where you normally sit with your honey ice cream has gone! Normally this is a busy prom with holiday makers crabbing and enjoying the view. 

There were workmen abseiling on the harbour wall!

Still a few good views without all the fences and workmen. The town was definitely much quieter than it normally is. I doubt the local businesses are impressed by their reduced trade.

Once I'd enjoyed my little wander round town and made a few purchases I drove back to the main site to go and read the papers. Then I walked into New Quay just in case there were dolphins about.

The sea was a lovely colour in the harbour when the sun broke through. No dolphins today, but with the sea being slightly choppy in the breeze I wasn't really expecting to be able to see them.

Once back at the van I settled in to finish a detective book and made a start on another out in my sun spot. Another lovely afternoon.

Tomorrow is market day up in New Quay Memorial Hall so guess where I'm heading 😃.