Wednesday, 9 April 2008

Welsh Adventure

I went down to Cardiff to visit Charline for the weekend, and within 3 minutes of arriving was being whisked off to go sailing!

Our boat, The Amber, piloted by Captain Chaos!

Charline

Me doing some driving while Captain Chaos takes a breather to snuggle up next to confirmed Doctor Who fan, Jane.

As mentioned previously, Cardiff has the second highest tidal fluctuations in the world, so you have to go through the barrage to get out to sea. Going out was fine, but getting back was embarrassing. The barrage was full of boats, and we had untied the rope from the front morring, but Chaos couldn't get the back one out, and the front of the boat swung out and smashed into the opposite wall, almost taking out a smaller boat behind, and needing the other sailors to jump out and pull our boat straight. And to top it all, as the barrage is a great tourist attraction, the walls up above were lined with interested tourists to laugh at our predicament! Cringe!!

Leaving the barrage

Penarth cliffs in the background

The tide was really low in the channel out to sea, and we were in danger of getting stuck high and dry, like this bouy.

Heading out to sea

Errrr, I think we are being followed

In the harbour, we spotted this wounded looking fox, lurking at the waters edge. We werent sure if she was looking for a cub which got swept away, but it seems she was trying to drink the sea water - perhaps good for her wounded leg. Shame!
Next day it was hiking up to Pen y Fan in the Brecon Becons reserve, the highest peak in southern Britain.

A photo with a view is always a good excuse to disguise ones lack of fitness!

Heading up.
Julie, Me and Paul - missing from the photo is Pete, and the intrepid pooch, Jake.

Anyone who throws a snowball at me is gonna get it!


At the top, and its time for some Myburghian Leaps

Charlines kitty, Pushkie/whiskey
All in all a most adventurous weekend, so a big thanks to Charline and all her fantastic and very kind friends!

1 comment:

Graeme said...

ah, that poor fox... makes my heart sad it does. looks like a good day out saling. very impressed by the leap - great height and the outstretched arms adds excellent impact!!!