The same gang of us who went to Lake District almost exactly two years ago again assembled for a quick weekend road trip, through the beautiful scenic countryside, deep into Wales. I enjoyed every minute of it, although the way was beset with little disappointments. For years I had been wanting to see the puffins, which can only be found in a couple of islands off the coast of the UK, and I thought this was it - that I (we) were finally going to nail them for sure. We were close. So very close - just a queue and a 15min boat ride away. We were told that it was no-go for that day… winds too strong, waters too rough for a landing. Curses up and down along the queue, for there were others, aside from ourselves, who travelled great distances just for this opportunity. Sigh, bad luck, I guess. *shrugs*

So we walked around the cliffs and tried to look for the grey seals that were said to frequent the coast. After waiting and looking long and hard, we spotted a pair, frolicking in the water. I had expected to see them basking under the sun on the rocks, but they stuck to the water.

And then there’s the ocean - a deep, blue, vast expanse of water. That, the blue skies, the lush green of the cliffside bushes, the horses, the gulls, choughs, shags, and oystercatchers… it made it worthwhile. Totally.

~ 600 miles’ journey across and back

Brecon Beacons National Park

Horses at Martin’s Haven

The Pembrokeshire coast