June Sunshine

Early June has brought us more lovely weather, and some sunny trips out - including a walk round Cwm Rheidol, with the sun glinting on the water.

Took a birthday trip to North Wales to see Bodnant Garden's laburnum arch in full bloom, and enjoy the rest of the gardens of course.

Lots of wildlife to see in the ponds in particular - with baby frogs on the lily pads, and dragonflies hovering . . .

It was a lovely day, and the gardens were packed with people enjoying the sunshine and scenery - unfortunately the rhododendrons and azaleas had gone over, although in some places there were still carpets of petals to be seen:

Ended my birthday (after a night out with friends) with this beautiful sunset . . . happy days!

Posts that Didn't Happen 4: Castles and Gardens

Back to early August again, and some of the sights of Wales, courtesy of a parental visit (why do we so rarely do this kind of thing just for ourselves?)

One day trip to the National Trust property Dinefwr, down South, which just happens to have a 12th Century Welsh castle in the grounds. Great place to visit - they've done some good things with the house - and we actually saw some of the deer in the Deer Park. The castle is a short walk uphill, but has the most fantastic views, and lots of walkways and towers to explore.

Another day trip, another National Trust property, this time Bodnant Gardens in North Wales - famous for its Laburnum Arch (although we'll have to go in May to see it in full bloom). It was a lovely day and the gardens were looking beautiful.

Was particularly taken with a giant magnolia - and with the photo I got into the centre of one of its flowers: