Relaxation, Recuperation & Revision

Hello all, it has been a while since we last spoke and so I felt the need to post up a little update on life's progress of late. I have currently returned to Ireland for the Easter break, leaving my beloved boy behind in Wales whilst I have flown off to spend some much sought-after time with my family.

 

 I flew back early on Easter Sunday, arriving back just in time for a lovely Sunday Roast whipped up by my uncle for us all, before I joined my younger siblings for a good old Easter Egg Hunt out in the sunshine of my cousins' garden. At nearly 22 years of age I can add that you are never too old to find a chocolate egg gifted to you from those you love.

 

Whilst it has been nice to have a little recuperation over the past few days, it is now time to get back to the business of looming university deadlines. Whilst I want to enjoy my stay at home, the work won't go away and so I need to keep a level-head about how much time to deliver to each.

 

 On Easter Monday I made a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the buzzing seaside resort and made the drive south of the border to the wilds of rural Ireland and the mountainess regions of County Donegal. It all started with a small helping of a traditional Ulster Fry-up on the road, before a drive towards Derry where we crossed the border and hit-up an old-style American diner at the road-side for a morning coffee. However I opted for the sweeter option of a hot-chocolate with marshmallows and cream. Then we continued our drive along the Wild Atlantic Way, taking us along the scenic route through the mountains and hills of the northern-most region and then out along the rugged coastline that proves the jewel in the county's crown.

 

 We stopped for a bite to eat in a quaint little café, I browsed the craft shop across the road an tried to locate the dying art of the postcard which with regret proved unsuccessful. What's wrong with a good old fashioned picture-postcard via post!? Anyhow we then made toward the beach which to my surprise sat beyond expectation. A little rural fisherman's cottage adorned one end of the golden strand, whilst looking out into the water you caught the most stunning scenic views of the forest park located at the foothill of the valleys which surrounded the base of the over-looking mountain. It looked sublime. It honestly still surprises me how tropical this small isle can look against the surrounds of the often unforgiving Atlantic Ocean.

 

 Yesterday was a little more casual as I fired off a few work related emails and enjoyed a coffee with my mother in our hometown by the sea. It was nice to have a catch-up before I headed off again to spend an easy evening in-front of the TV for the remainder of the evening. I think I'd forgotten just how nice it could be to watch something spontaneously on an actual TV screen, as opposed to hunting down something on demand from my laptop when I find the time.

 

How have you been spending your Easter break? I hope regardless that you've all had hippy-hoppy Easter fun in some form!

 

Peace & Love til' next time.

Wild Winter Walks in Wales

This weekend was the most wonderful retreat away from city living as I got a true taste of the great outdoors. Saturday consisted of a practice navigation around part of the Gower Peninsula in Wales.

 

 

Whilst I like exploring out in the wild, I can admit that navigation isn't my strong point, and whilst I knew the forecast wasn't great, I hadn't quite prepared myself for the elements we'd face when we reached the cliff edge and eventually the summit. In honesty I leapt at a rock due to the high gale at one point to act as a wind-breaker. Yeah, not cool. However my partner coaxed me into reaching shelter further on round the path and on reaching the trig point we gained a little breather.

 

 

The trek descending was respectively safer and I was glad to be walking the path more comfortably aware of this. Despite the cloud and the winds, it was good prep for the following day which would prove ultimately more challenging in many respects, but equally exciting and far more rewarding.

 

Day 2 was the purpose for the quick trial along the coast, as I prepared myself to assist in leading a Gold level Duke of Ed. group around the wild and varied terrains of the Brecon Beacons. Snow however was forecast and such an effect was this that, as expected, it altered our plans and so we'd be taking to Gower once again but for a much longer and testing endurance. (I should note here that I never managed to do my Duke of Ed. award, nor have qualified as a leader, but it's always been a dream and with some kind assistance I was allowed to participate with helping out)

 

It was an early start, leaving on very little sleep, which isn't really an ideal recipe as one might expect for such an active day on the horizon. Never the less all went ahead and despite feeling a little uneasy on the journey out, the day started rather well and everyone I met seemed friendly enough.

 

Wild Mountain Horses

 

I was one of three leaders assisting half-a dozen young guys who it turned out were completely mental athletes, they were half way down a hill before we were half way up it and as a consequence we frequently lost sight of them throughout the duration. Although a certain level of fitness is required regardless, these adolescents were certainly keeping us quickening our paces and whilst some of the summit climbs proved gruelling the views from the top, even half way up were stunning

 

 

 

 

All round it was a terrific day and a wonderful experience, which I was truly quite privileged to be invited to be a part of. the D.O.E teams were like an extended family unit and were kind to have a new face joining the troops. From my taster day it is something I am certainly considering pursuing further in the future.

 

 

 

 

 

Love & Peace - til' next time!