Ynyslas Beach

This evening we went to Ynyslas Beach (Jon says it is an SSSI managed by CCW and he put the PVs on the visitor centre - I have no idea what all those letters mean but they sound impressive). I like the beach, the sand, the space, the sea! There were several cars racing up and down the beach which seemed all wrong, boy racers in pimped up cars showing off to each other. Later I hear there is dogging which i like the sound of, but Jon and Amanda were keen to get away....

Everybody has a cause

I've driven past this sign 3 times now. Today I had my camera with me.

I think it's important to stand up for what you believe in and protect the things that you hold dear.

Such as the Erwood public toilets.

I don't know what the toilets are under threat from. Any suggestions?

Forest of Dean

This week Amanda and I went to the Forest of Dean to learn about Forestry.

We stayed in Symonds Yat at the Royal Lodge, great location at the end of a twisty and steep country lane, right next to the river Wye. Went for long walks along the river bank first thing each morning.

Each afternoon we went on a site visit to look at different forestry techniques, such as: scarification, chainsaw felling, big harvesters, continuous cover and clearfell.

We were also taught how to identify trees and work out how much timber they contain.

The Forest of Dean has some good sculptures, such as this giant chair looking out across the forest.

Sunday Workday

Sunday is supposed to be a day of rest.

But once a month we ignore this edict and organise a community work day!

There are six families living here in this 100-year-old mansion. 11 adults, 9 children, 2 dogs, 2 cats and a rabbit.

Thankfully we all have our own flats.

So today was community work day:

We cleared up all the crap that we'd been throwing over the wall in front of the house and built a bonfire.

Billy and Jon tried to find the drain that runs under the carpark, so they could clean it. They failed (again). Channan is now dowsing for it.

Michael and Morgan chopped up the wood from the old staircase, now we all have some more firewood.

Letter to the management

Dear Amanda and Jon

I am tired today.

I was just settling into sleep last night when you came home bringing lots of drunk people with you - and another dog - all without checking with me that this might be acceptable behaviour.

Four hours later everyone was still here, talking nonsense and playing poker.

Both my sofas were occupied this morning.

This is something we need to talk about.

Big sticks

A new table has arrived in the front room. It is made from very big sticks.

I must not chew it.

Jon gave this to Amanda for her birthday. She is very happy.

Jon earned the table by building a website for the South African woodworkers who live at the top of the Dulas valley. You can see more of their work at www.sylvantutch.co.uk

Jon is not happy

His computer has crashed AND he has lost his phone. I am cheering him up by reminding him of the simpler things in life .... like taking me for a long walk in the woods.

Mystery meat

I like dinner.

It is always a surprise. Today I get leftover curry and a selection of bargain-bin mystery meat from the shop.

beautiful day

This is the view from my front room this morning.

It's going to be another beautiful day!

Hog roast

Another good place to hang around was by this pig.

They seem to like dogs much better than they like pigs around here.

It was tasty!

little big voice

This weekend I went to Cardigan.

I Spent the weekend in a field full of tipis with lots of lovely people who took me for walks and fed me tasty tidbits of Welshcake.

The weekend was called Little Big Voice and it was organised by howies (great jeans and Tshirts).

I quickly worked out that lying under the food table at lunch time would get me lots of treats. It was a cunning plan.