Amroth to Colby

Although it doesn't look like it, this Strollers walk started in the sunshine and it was very warm, a welcome change for all the cold and rain of late.

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Our Strollers walks are usually fairly short, 1 to 1½ miles for those unable to do the longer ones.

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We started off in Amroth car park - already set up for summer picnics.

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Rupert posed for his portrait. Rupert has been very ill and his Mum and Dad are so happy to still be bringing him on walks. His vet was astonished to see him so well at his check-up this morning as he was not expected to last into the new year. In spite of being completely blind, he doesn't look his age and outruns everyone as well as looking and being extremely fit and lean!

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Past leafy hedgerows.

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Only two members wanted to kiss this fellow that we espied crossing our path!

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The path took us into Colby Gardens with the daffodils appearing in the background, but not yet in bloom.

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One 'arty' member thought this tree stump 'looked just like a flake' so I zoomed in to get the effect!!

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Running water is always tranquil.

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Signs of spring beginning to appear

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On our return to Amroth, the Pirate cafe and shop were already getting ready for the 'season' or perhaps they had never been unready!

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Gratefuls:

1. Warm and happy friends.

2. Ham and pineapple toasties.

3. My trusty SLR.

~

Ann x

Dale, Pembrokeshire

Dale is an unspoilt village in the heart of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. The traditional activities of agriculture and fishing still take place and have been joined by tourism as a major aspect of the area. ~ Yesterday (Valentine's Day) our U3A Walking Group set off in some rather misty weather! ~

Our walk is part of the Pembrokeshire Coast path and took us up to the headland

looking towards Milford Haven docks where vast tankers load up

with LPG and oil.

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The coastal fields are already ploughed, ready for some spring planting (don't know what in this exposed place) and the soil is looking rich, dark and healthy.

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When we reached the halfway point our romantic leader produced a heart-shaped box of chocolates for everyone to share (bless!)

Naturally no-one refused!

We all had a jolly, happy walk and ended with drinks and lunch at ...

The Griffin Inn, on the harbour front in Dale Village.

~

Hope you had a lovely Valentine's Day.

~

Ann x

(if you click on the photos you will get a larger, better image)

New Laptop ...

Just making sure that I can still upload pics to blogger.

Still learning to use my new 'wonder' laptop with Windows 7 and Office 2010.

Although I have used computers for years (over 20!), then I knew what I was doing, now I am miles behind, so have been trying to understand the many tutorials.

I try to keep up with modern technology, but don't have close access to a 10 year old!

My young grandsons don't live nearby unfortunately!

Can you keep up with it all?

~

Gratefuls:

1. Internet tutorials

2. Long-suffering Other Half.

3. Faster internet speed!

~

P.S. Just burnt the top of the apple crumble and set the smoke alarm off!

Popped it under the grill to brown up the top and spent too long on the tutorials!

~

Oh well! Ann x

Disruptions!

Arrgh!! They're back again.

The road/traffic disruptions.

Digging up roads and pavements, wielding loud, vibrating, pneumatic drills.

Bending your ears with noise and filling your eyes with dust!

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Does it happen in your town?

There was so much going on I turned it into a photographic session!

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The more it goes on, the worse it gets!

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I'll be glad when they've used up their Council quota and got it all finished!

~

Ann x

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Gratefuls :

1. Lunch in front of afternoon TV bowls!

2. Getting rid of frustration to my lovely bloggers!

3. Camomile tea!

Remember Warmer Days!

As its only -1 degrees here, I thought it would be nice to remember

some sunnier and warmer days!

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Coffee and brandy by Fuerteventura Harbour

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Can't get much fresher fish!

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Lobos Island

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Happy holiday memories.

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Gratefuls:

1. Cinema trip with friends (War Horse)

2. Central heating

3. Homemade soup

~

Ann x

Out of Pembrokeshire!

We have been visiting the very Victorian Llandrindod Wells,

Builth Wells and Elan Valley in Powys,

come with us .....

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We stayed in the Hotel Metropole, Llandrindod Wells,

rather faded, plush, Victorian (part updated) and very comfortable

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Lots of interesting buildings

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Holy Trinity Church

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Town Centre shops

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Down a side street

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Victorian columns

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Row of Victorian houses

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This vine had completely engulfed the railings outside the hotel.

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Elan Village, Elan Valley, Powys

A wonderful walk up to the snow line.

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The snow line

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Above the snow line in the hills

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Moss struggling through the snow.

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Builth Wells, Powys (formerly Brecknockshire)

On the lovely River Wye

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An unusual memorial bench - dragon included!

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Lovely avenues of trees

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Power blasting the all-weather pitch after the footballers had gone!

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Still quite a lot of snow about.

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Hope you have had a good few days and are not suffering from the cold too much.

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Gratefuls :

1. Special hotel offers

2. Lovely sunny weather (but cold)

3. Cosy bed and duvets

4. Warm partner

~

Ann x