This years winners are the Brunt family 21 days on Monks corner, a close second Strats with 19 days on Buzzards perch. Thanks to all the other lovely people who camped with us this year, its a joy to share our little bit of Snowdonia with you.
On Saturday I took part in the 27th Race the Train, a 14 mile race against a steam train across fields, streams and up and down steep valley slopes. This was a first for me as I have never been in a race before and normally my running consists of me and the dog, so being surrounded by hundreds of others was a little bit strange.
Sarah and family came along to support, they got to ride on the train, when they left me with the other competitors I was thinking that maybe they had made the sensible choice. The elite athletes with their massive thigh muscles and small shorts where a little daunting so I made my way to the middle of the field, seemed like an age before we started but with a blow of the steam engine the field was off.
The first section of the race through Twyn and then out on to the flat fields seemed to me like I was going to be alright. The first train, which the elites were racing was well ahead, but my race was with the second train of the day. After about half an hour I could hear it in the distance, at this point I had to make the decision to try to beat the train or concentrate on my own challenge to finish the course. At the six mile point the train passed me and I was sure that I could here Sarah shouting encouragement.
This left me with the remaining 8 miles to complete in my target of two and half hours, I had read that at the 7 mile mark the course became a lot tougher. I ran on.
At the half way point the course swung back towards the coast, which also meant the driving rain and head wind were going to be with me to the finish. The next five miles of slipping, falling and sliding through mud made me regret the shoe choice, cushioning had won over grip and I was paying the price. The marshals all offered encouragement all of them seemed to be saying this was the last hill, that was until the next one.
I finally made it through to the two miles to go mark, this last section that I had run on the way out went on for ever and made my legs feel like lead weights. I was glad to make it back to the streets of Twyn and the crowds on the road side, near the finish line I ran past Sarah and put on my final sprint. I crossed the line in two hours and thirty minutes and two seconds.
Thanks to all those who sponsored me- £285 raised for cancer research, and I know my Mum would have been proud of me.
Yesterday we took ourselves to the Dolgellau sheep dog trials. It was one of those events that sum up why living in this part of Wales is so special. No corporate sponsorship , no branded merchandise just locals and tourists enjoying a skill that has been handed down through generations.
The shepherd and dog where in perfect harmony, man in full control of beast. A whistle to go right, one to turn left and then two sharp blows for the dog to freeze on the spot. Now add to this three of the most uncooperative sheep you can find and all of the shepherd’s skills are called upon to master the sheep through the course. Through three separate gates, and then finally to be penned by the shepherd.
We also got to watch the hand shearing competition, a slightly more relaxed affair than the world championships we had seen at the royal welsh, but the welsh hill farmers made a difficult job look easy. Add to this a nice tea tent with home made cakes and you couldn’t ask for a better afternoon out. Grace and Jasper watched the proceedings with interest but felt there skills at rolling, spinning and sleeping where not to be called upon.
Add to this on our return home, the local steam roller heading at3 mph past the front of the house and then RAF rescues at 11pm on the estuary, a colourful day.
This last week Ben has been round every morning to say Bore Da and pick up his familys order of crossiants. He is only little and its a big thing at that age.
from oven to tent
Week 1 of the school holidays…
Most campers’ croissants cooked in one morning - 24
Bags of marshmallows consumed - 60
Campers towed off field after driving where they shouldn’t - 2
Small boy locked in lavatory - 1
A couple of years ago I planted a few raspberry canes on a area of the veg patch. I remember when I planted these funny looking sticks how nice it would be to have fresh fruit to eat when I desired and to preserve that freshness through the art of jam.
In all honesty the first years crop was somewhat meger, what the birds didnt eat was left on the canes and then fell to the ground for the slugs and snails. A lesson learnt in prevention of predation and finding more time to get with the veg.
Year two couldnt be more different. In early spring I created a post and net cage to keep the birds of and have been able to spend a bit more time looking after the crop. The harvest is here and we have been offering fresh raspberrys, yoghurt and home made granola for breakfast as well as some of the best jam I have ever made.
I sat down the other day and enjoyed a welsh cake with jam and cream and thought you cant get better than this. If anyone has any prunning tips I will exchange a pot of jam for your wisdom.
Just back from riding the north loop of the Mawddach Big Eight , click the link for all the details. The route takes you to some truly amazing places. I should really be doing the south loop tomorrow but duty calls. Hope to clear a day next week.
It took me 6 hours and 40 mins, sure it could be done faster but spent time just looking at the views. As any true athlete knows recovery is very important, feet up and a large slice of banoffee pie.
The financial reference in the title? Dont forget to take some loose change for the toll bridges.
Over the last few weeks Jonny has used the odd hour here and there to sort out our recycling area. From bits and pieces left over from the building of the tree bog and then a few bits of cedar bought in locally he has fashioned a magnificent structure.
So when you visit, there is no excuse not to recycle your glass, cans and plastic - you will have Jonny to answer to if you dont!
