Frampton RSPB Reserve.

 We met up with Malcolm and Maureen today. Frampton is an ideal spot; about half way between us. We were fortunate with the weather; warm at 23C and often sunny. As always there were large numbers of birds and the highlights for us were the black-winged stilts. We saw two adults and at least two juveniles. Sadly the adults were quite a distance away - too far for photography - but one of the juveniles came very close to East hide. We also were pleased to see a curlew sandpiper, whooper swan and a late willow warbler. Large numbers of black-tailed godwit and ruff were also present, some of the godwits still in summer plumage.

Avocet juvenile.

Avocet

Black-tailed godwit

Black-tailed godwit

Black-tailed godwit

Black-tailed godwit

Black-winged stilt juvenile

Black-winged stilt juvenile

Black-winged stilt juvenile

Black-winged stilt juvenile

Little egret

Little egret

Ruff

Ruff

Spoonbill

Spoonbill

Sunflower

Sunflower

Sunflower

Sunflower and peacock

Whooper Swan

Llanfendigaid, Day 6

It was a warm but strong head wind as the wrinklies rode down the lane towards Tonfannau. The sun was out and the sea sparkled. Sadly it was our last day for this visit and we had chosen to ride to the Talyllyn Railway for tea and cake. The station was busy as a train was due in and Sir Hadyn arrived just as we were finishing. Of course, photography was obligatory. The return journey was back wind and we bowled along effortlessly. At  Tonfannau we diverted across the field to the beach for some nostalgic beach combing and photography. Once back at the house it was time for a quick lunch before catching up with the younger generation in Aberdovey for crabbing and a walk along the beach. Sadly all that remains is a final meal and some packing before going our separate ways tomorrow.

Llanfendigaid, Day 5.

Out on the bike early this morning for a ride round the running circuit with Bekki running. A bit radical today; we did the route in reverse. This turned out to be easier on the bike and I managed without climbing off on the big hill. Having got back and showered I then went out again with the wrinklies to bike down to the estuary. Suitably exercised we had a light lunch and set out for Aberdovey yet again, sadly having said our goodbyes to some of the party and taken team photographs in front of the house. Aberdovey was the busiest we have seen it but there was still room for crabbing, even catching a couple of blennies. As the pier was so crowded, swimming was from the beach today before heading back to the house for giant omlette and salad accompanied by Emily's marvelous pulled garlic and mozzarella loaf, followed by roast figs with honey, greek yogurt and blue cheese. Delicious, especially as the figs had been picked from the tree in the garden.

Llanfendigaid, Day 4

Today started with my first Llanfendigaid run - well, jog/walk - accompanied by my coach on her bike. Despite the hillier nature of the route than I am used to, I was pleased that my time was comparable to the flat run from home. However, I finished with a sore achilles!! My first 'come back' running injury. Possibly the hill, but aided and abetted by totally clapped out shoes. Perhaps some heel wedges are in order. Run and lunchtime bacon butties dispatched it was time to head off to Aberdovey, crabbing and swimming. I braved swimming from the pier, not once but twice. I have to admit, though that it was from under the pier by the Time and Tide Bell not leaping off from the top of the pier like the youngsters were doing - not sure my back would have coped. Swimming done it was time for a portion of chips and then wandering round the shops with Heather before returning to the house.

Llanfendigaid Day 3

A  lazy morning this morning. Generally relaxing with a yoga session with Barbara and The Matlock Girls. A healthy lunch was partaken of honey ice cream in Tywyn before continuing to Aberdovey to find the rest of the team. The town was buzzing with people wandering around the shops, Outward Bound activity groups busy sailing and canoeing, pier jumping into the limpid waters of high tide and crabbing. It was wonderful to see so many people crabbing including our group, the third generation of Llanfendigaid crabbers. As usual many crabs were caught and released on the beach in time honoured fashion. Some of the team went off to Fairbourne pitch and putting or provision shopping while Heather and I wandered round the fleshpots of Aberdovey and had a quiet cup of tea. Another wonderful day.

Llanfendigaid, Day 2

The trail was surprisingly dry as we pedalled away from the cars into the head wind. The youngsters - children and grand children - had set off to walk up Cadair Idris while we wrinklies opted to ride along the Mawddach Trail from Penmaenpool near Dolgellau along the Mawddach estuary to Barmouth  crossing over the railway viaduct at the end. The views of the estuary as we rode along in the sun were magnificent; the tide was in and the mountains were enticing. Arriving at the viaduct we were soon onto the loose, uneven, planked path making pedalling challenging. The views across the head of the estuary to Barmouth were fascinating: jade sea with myriad boats anchored in the sheltered waters and ferries buzzing back and forth. Barmouth was busy so we locked up our bikes as we arrived and explored on foot enjoying lunch in the 'hippy cafe' which we love. The ride back was faster going; with the wind behind us we made good time and significantly improved our overall average speed. Having racked the bikes on the cars we settled down outside the excellent George III in the sun for some welcome Robinson rehydration. Returning to the house the final two members of our party had arrived and we settled down for tea and conversation before bustling about to prepare supper, it being our turn. The meal was a convivial affair and followed by monoply, film watching and, for me, and early night.

Llanfendigaid Day 1

The hill doesn't get any easier. I still had to get off and walk the last 50 yards. We are staying at Llanfendigaid,  a large house near Aberdovey in the south of Eryri or the Snowdonia National Park.. Heather and I had a good start yesterday and the journey went well despite having to do battle with the torrential rain of storm Antoni. We drove out of the rain as we entered Wales and as we crested the shoulder of Cadair Idris we enjoyed spectacular views down to Tal-y-llyn and the coast beyond. As we approached our destination there were fabulous views up the valley to Bird Rock and the summit of Cadair. 

Driving past the gate to The Cowshed where we wrinklies normally stay was strange but, as we pulled up in front of the big house, we were enveloped by the famille NOG as they all came out to greet us.

This morning Bekki and myself set out to tackle the traditional 6 mile run, Bekki running while I opted for the mountain bike. Hence I came to be walking the final slopes of the big hill. The views from this route are expansive and captivating - down to the Dysynni estuary and Broadwater, full on the big spring tide, and up the valley past Bird Rock and up to the summit of Cadair. A magnificent start to the week.

After an early lunch, the party divided each to follow their own plan. Heather and I opted to walk down to the estuary birding and butterflying. It was like being back home - our second one at least. We did well on the butterfly and bird front, although the best sighting was the flock of fieldfares earlier on the bike. As we walked down the hill from the house the jade sea sparkled ahead of us and to the south we could see St David's head in the far distance while to the north west were the hills of the Llyn peninsular with Bardsey Island at the end. The tide was in when we arrived at the estuary preventing us walking under the railway bridge to reach the short coast path so we contented ourselves with walking out onto the Broadwater saltmarsh to sit watching birds and drawing (Heather). Wandering back up the road we were soon sitting in the sun with a cup of tea. Once the other parties returned it was time for tea and then 'les jeunes' organised us to go up the the headland firepit to watch the sunset and toast marshmallows around the campfire. A perfect end to a perfect day.