Coed y Brenin Enduro

Having completed his first Enduro in May (and muttering about 'not doing that again'), late September saw Martin back for Enduro #2 in the woods of Coed y Brenin.

At least this time he'd done some training, and was generally much fitter - although it was a slightly longer and supposedly more challenging event.

As it turned out, 'challenging' was a bit of an understatement - the course soon became something of a mud-bath - and it all took a lot longer that anticipated.  In fact, some 7 hours 13 minutes and 33 seconds - a real endurance experience!

He placed 231st out of 270 who finished the 60km route (another 115 completed a shorter 30km route) - given that over 500 people had registered, some 100 + people presumably couldn't stay the course!

Map of total route

Distance:
62.44 km
(38.8 miles)

Elevation:
1848 m







As he finished the words 'never again' might have been mentioned - but somehow I think I'll be reporting on Enduro #3 next year . . .

Out with the Old and In with the New

Harvested the last of the courgettes (well marrows in some cases!) today - which meant turning last year's frozen leftovers . . .

. . . into this year's soup:


Before refilling the freezer again:



Although some did find its way into a very nice marrow curry!

Rapt!

Finished our few days away with a visit to my folks in Cambridgeshire, including a day out to the nearby Raptor Foundation. We had visited before, a couple of years ago, but it was just as fascinating second time round.

The birds are stunning looking creatures, and the flying displays are really interesting - good commentary, with the added excitement of some of the birds flying right through the audience!

There are three displays each day in the summer, each lasting about an hour and with different birds each time - we actually stayed for two, and I even got to hold / fly one of the owls.


Overall, a great day out, if only for the photo opportunities!

South East Sights

Finally got away for a few days actual holiday - first stop Winchester, a rainy evening, but a glorious day - enjoyed visiting the Great Hall, and seeing the Round Table, and wandering round the town and cathedral precincts.

Next stop, Tunbridge Wells - weren't that fussed on the town - but it was a good base for various National Trust properties.  It isn't often you get to see a listed dog kennel (Ightham Mote) - lovely property too - were less impressed with Knole, which was a little too 'stately' for our liking.  Fell a little bit in love with Scotney Castle - the old castle in particular is just too romantic for words . . .

From there it was on to Rye, an equally picturesque historic port town, with winding streets, and ancient inns (abounding with tales of smugglers).  Completed  a mega-walk (11 miles - in new boots - not the best of ideas!) - out to Winchelsea, via Camber Castle and back to the harbour along the shingle beach. Definitely one to return to!

Out by The Arch

Started our September holiday with an extended walk out by The Arch - started with the shorter Panorama Walk, but that didn't take very long - so headed out then on the longer (some 5 miles) Pwllpeiran Trail, which took a lot longer.

The 'trail' was signposted - but most of the signposts were in a pretty poor state as were a few of the stiles . . .


Enjoyed most of it (some lovely views), but could have done without one particular steep (and I mean steep) grassy slope - oh and the muddy bits of course!

Summer???

Summer this year has been a definite wash-out - that wet June gave way to generally rather dismal July and August.  That's not to say that there weren't some nice days, but for the most part the unsettled, damp and coolish weather continued:

Can only hope that September and October bring in the sunshine!