Camping in Wales

I spent last weekend camping in Wales with my boyfriend's family and family friends. We stayed in the historic market town of 'Rhayader' in Powys, Mid Wales for two nights. Having only been to Wales once before and being too young to really remember much of it, I was quite looking forward to the trip. The last time i'd been camping was probably around ten years ago, a long time before straighteners were introduced into my life! Nevertheless, I was looking forward to what the weekend had to bring. 

We set off on the long road trip down to Wales. Living in Yorkshire it took us around four hours (and a short pit stop to refuel on KFC) before we reached our destination. We arrived quite late at night, so popped into the local pub to show our faces to everyone who had already arrived, before heading back to our tent (our late arrival meant our tent has already been pitched - bonus!) we crashed out right away. 

We awoke on Saturday to beautiful sunshine, the tent soon became too hot to bear, so we ventured outside to the smell of bacon sandwiches cooking on the BBQ. Is there really a better smell to wake up to? 

I had previously been told there might be a chance of us going on a walk, little did I know what I was in store for. Sandwiches scoffed and tea drank we set off to the Elan Valley visitor centre, which marked the start of our walk. I'm all smiles here at the start of the walk, maybe I should have taken a picture of me at the end - i'm sure that would have been more entertaining!

Our group set off, walking sticks in hand and backpacks on their backs, I sheepishly looked down at my jelly shoes and cursed myself for not thinking trainers would have been a good idea. 

I spent most of the walk out of breath and willing my legs to carry me on, it's safe to say i'm not the most healthiest or fittest person going (something I definitely need to change) but I made it to the end! My shoes didn't rub me or give me blisters once - hoorah! Something else that kept me going on the walk, (other than the fact that once i'd reached halfway point, there wasn't much point in turning back now), was the stunning views I got to see. 

I love views of the natural landscape like this, it really makes me appreciate being able to see such things.  When asked if i'd enjoyed the walk my reply was "..I enjoyed the scenery!" much to everybody's amusement. I think it's time I got in shape!

As soon as we'd all made it back to the car park, we headed back to Rhayader, the sun still beating down on us, we set our sights on a beer garden. The dogs came too, after all they'd done the walk too it was only fair that they got their own refreshing drink!

I really wish I had taken more photo's of Rhayader itself, the town as a whole was really pretty, especially basking in the summer heat. On our walk to the pub we passed the River Wye where children and their families were all paddling and cooling down, I wish I could have jumped right into the water there, but I knew there'd be plenty of time for that later. 

A few drinks later we made our way back to the campsite, where we decided it was our turn to paddle in the river. Lots of other campers and their dogs had the same idea, I thought it'd best if I didn't bring my phone in to take pictures, downside I don't have any pictures of us in the river, upside I still have a dry and working iPhone! We ended the night with a feast of food from the BBQ,  burgers, skewers and chicken galore! I ate quite a lot and made a bit of a name for myself as everyone tried to feed me more food! A satisfied stomach later and my legs beginning to ache from the day, I decided to hit the hay and soon drifted off...

Carly x

A Weekend Away

After many years of discussing holiday ideas, trying to sort out our schedules so they would match and endless failed plans, three of my close friends and I finally went on weekend break together.

My friend Lauren's family owns a caravan in Mablethorpe, which is a small seaside town in Lincolnshire, England. So we packed our bags and hit the road on a late Friday afternoon, the weather was gorgeous so naturally the windows were down and the music was up. We made a quick pit stop in the town of Gainsborough for some Fish and Chips, we stopped at 'Cox's Traditional Fish and Chips' after I saw it was ranked the number 1 restaurant in the town on Trip Advisor. Of course, it's highly unlikely that Trip Advisor ever lets me down, the meal was delicious! After our stomach's were full to the brim and happy, we were soon back on the road. As soon as we arrived, we unpacked and headed straight to the beach! Just in time, to watch the beautiful sunset.

A few brave ones decided to brace the cold sea and go for a paddle, where as I was much happier enjoying the view from afar and keeping my feet firmly in the sand.

The wind had started to pick up and we were instantly regretting not bringing any jackets to wear. We just had time for a few quick pictures, before the thought of pyjama's, blankets and a film became too tempting.

From left to right, myself, Lauren, Lauren and Chloe all sporting the windswept look. Chloe also has a blog where she write's book reviews, you can check that out here if you like. 

Snuggled up back in the warmth of the caravan we settled in for the night and watched The Purge, me being the wuss I am, spent most of the film hiding behind a pillow, so after the film had finished we decided something a bit more happy and uplifting was needed, we picked Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, which was the perfect way to end our first night. 

Our second day was another gloriously sunny day spent exploring Skegness's market, eating ice creams, and spending far too much money in the amusements. We eventually decided it was time to head back to Mablethorpe, where a couple of hours lounging on the beach were needed. 

I'd spent the day in my skinny black jeans, in my defence it had been raining when we'd left the caravan in the morning. So after i'd peeled them off my legs and put my shorts on, I knew the next place I needed to visit was the sea! This time the cold water was my best friend, so Chloe and I cooled off after a scorching day. 

Not the most appealing look sea i've ever seen, but the sea it was and that would do! 

After a couple of hours of gossiping and lots of laughter, we headed back to the caravan, we favoured a takeaway pizza and another film night over going out drinking, Planet of the Apes was on the cards tonight. We ordered from Papa Johns and were pleasantly surprised that they delivered right to your caravan door, we could have easily walked to their shop, but when on holiday right? 

The next day was our last day, so we decided we'd have a lay in, it was a sunday so surely that's acceptable? We packed up and headed off to the Mablethorpe Seal Sanctuary just down the road from where we were staying. The Sanctuary rescues injured and orphaned seals, healing them back to health before they release them back into the wild or in some cases giving them a permanent home, if they are unable to return. Other animals such as foxes, badgers and owls are also given refuge here. The sanctuary is only fairly small but they are doing a great job for the animals, so it's well worth a visit or donation to show your support. 

I think these meerkats had to be my favourite animals we saw, their funny little things! 

Overall, I had a great weekend spent with some great people and can't wait to do something again soon.

Carly x