Wales

A few weeks back, we spent some time at Bala Lake in Wales, putting in a sail or two when the weather was good. It was rather cold, but still lots of fun.

The site.

First morning. Note the texture of the water's edge: it's ice. And no, there was no central heating in the tent.

Cute lambs.

The calm lake.

When wind is needed, use your brains.

Kelsey on the way into Bala town, for Welsh cakes and coffee.

Two is company.

Sailing in Scotland

We drove to Scotland over the bank holiday weekend to pick up our newly acquired 14 foot dinghy sailboat. On the way we stopped in Durham then stayed overnight just outside of Edinburgh with the couple we bought the boat from. We then camped at St. Mary's Loch in the middle of nowhere in Scotland. We camped at Tibbie Shiels campground, located loch-side and also conveniently next to a pub and sailing club. Aside from that, there was nothing else for miles around. I camped only a few nights until I had to go back to work, but Richard stayed on in Scotland for more fun and sailing.

Durham cathedral

Entering Scotland

Trailing the boat to St Mary's Loch

Campsite at Tibbie Shiels

Our first sail - we just managed to put it all together,
with some help from the friendly sailers at the club

It floats! Success.

I even managed to skipper for a little bit

Stonehenge / Plymouth / Devon and Cornwall

Over the four day Jubilee weekend we went camping on the south coast of Devon near Beesands. Without realising it, our trip took us right past Stonehenge, so of course we diverted our plans slightly to pay a visit. We also visited friends Patric and Julia and stayed at their house for one night in Plymouth. While camping we did several hikes and took a day trip to Padstow in Cornwall.

Stonehenge. Built before 2000 BC! Some of the stones weigh 50 tons.

Plymouth

Where the Mayflower left from Plymouth harbour

The farm where we camped

Campsite at Lower Beeson Farm

Hiking from Redlap to Dartmouth

Decorations in Dartmouth for the Queen's Jubilee

Padstow harbour

Beaches north of Padstow

Hiking north of Padstow- looking out to the Celtic Sea

Camping into my third decade

I've entered my third decade.  For celebration number one, Richard and I went camping on Lough Ree in County Roscommon.  The camping was not very rustic but fun nevertheless.  The only campgrounds we could find were also caravan parks so were complete with bathrooms, hedges and plenty of other campers. 

The second (and more blockbuster) celebration will be in a few weeks in the Basque region of Spain.  Stay tuned!

Birthday cake at book club made by Carrie  

Our proud camp site

Camping dessert, chez Steve Adams (butter crackers with butter and Mom's jam)

Lough Ree

Lough Ree

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