Waterfall Country

For our 5 year wedding anniversary we booked into a favourite hotel of ours in the heart of the Brecon Beacons.  After a relaxing morning taking advantage of the spar facilities I decided to take Hannah for a trek to see some waterfalls...

A few miles down the track and we come to Sgwd Clun-Gwyn falls.  With the last three months being the wettest on record there was a fair bit of water flowing over the ledge.  From here you can either take the 'recommended' path (missing two other waterfalls) or the off track route I remember from coming down here as a child with my parents.

The track took us along sheer cliffs, 50ft drops, mud and slippery rocks, Hannah wasn't best pleased but then we got to see this (above and bellow)...

We had the place to ourselves, well worth the climb.  Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn falls.

Next is Sgwyd y Pannwr Falls, Hannah was bricking it in this shot, it doesn't look it but it's a big drop behind.

Back on the track through the Oak woods.

Fox Gloves in bloom.

Saved the best till last.  Hannah was tiring now but I promised her this was worth it, Sqwd yr Eira.  It is possible to walk behind this waterfall if you are prepared to get an absolute soaking.

I nearly went in here.

See, well pleased.

But not impressed with the climb back up.

We followed the red route to Sgwd Clun-Gwyn then went off on to the green route to Sgwd y Pannwr then on to Sqwd yr Eira and back up the red route.  Here's a little video of Sgwd yr Eira...

More Surf Fun

It's hardly been great weather lately for kayaking so I joined up with Taran and Gareth again at Aberavon for another thrashing.  

I think force 6 was forecast across the beach and about 5ft surf at 8 sec intervals.  At least the sun was out.

Not as messy as our last visit and we all managed to paddle out through the breakers for a clean run back in.

Still far from clean however.

I took a swim and another couple of rolls so took a time out to clear the salt water from my head.  My dry suite had filled with water probably from the neck seal and was slowly filling up from the feet.

Gareth took a swim and if you got good eyesight I don't think Taran is attached to his boat either in the left of the picture....

Nope I was right.

Time it wrong and your likely to get and absolute beating heading back out.

Taran makes a few more clean runs while me and Gareth decide to call it a day.

Back to the cafe for a coffee on Taran.

Irish Sea Crossing Update

The date for the crossing is fast approaching with a possible weather window next week.  This may be a last chance to donate, please click DONATE bellow or text KAYK50 £1 to 70070.  All donations go to Ty-Hafan children's hospice.  Thank you.

Smack My Bitch Up... accompanying video

Here is the video for the Bank Holiday Surf session...

Bank Holiday Surfing

A surf session at Aberavon beach was planned for toady due to a poor forecast over the next few days.  On arrival strong winds, rain and messy surf conditions drowned our hopes somewhat but we didn't come all this way just for a walk on the beach.  Apart from a lone lifeguard van patrolling the beach the place was deserted.  The coastguard peering out of their warm lookout somewhat amused by our intentions. 

I left my kayak on the van and we dragged Taran and Jules plastic Etain and Delphin down to the surf.  Each taking it in turn to take pictures and video.  Here's my pictures from my camera, a video to follow shortly.

Beyond the shallows the wave were intimidatingly large, 7.5ft forecast, and with only a short 6-7 sec gap it was a challenge to turn the kayak around to surf.

More often than not the surfing was done backwards, usually ending up the wrong way up.

I wouldn't really call it surfing but good bit of rough water practice and rolling in choppy conditions.  We finish the day off with a warm coffee in the warmth of the beach coffee shop.